description

Brian Wolk and Claude Morais are the designers behind Ruffian, the critically acclaimed cult New York label. The designers received the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award and have been featured in countless editorials, including a highly praised profile in Vogue. The label has also been featured in The New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Teen Vogue, W, Elle, Nylon, Allure, Italian Vogue, and WWD. Their definition of style is a juxtaposition between the improvised and the studied. This accounts for their sources of inspiration, cinema repertoire, European court culture and American iconography. Ruffian is one of the few fashion brands that goes to extremes and circles back. In each collection, culture clashes with counter culture, classic with cutting edge, punk with princess. Ruffian smashes archetypes and rebuilds them slightly askew.

Mr. Wolk’s dual training in Fashion Design and Costume design has given him a unique perspective which allowed him to work in Film, Theatre and Opera; a foundation in history that is integral to his design process.

Mr. Morais’ extensive world travel as a model, then as a stylist, has enabled him to create a sophisticated visual and cultural vocabulary essential to his design process. His studies in the fine arts, specifically painting, allows him to explore color on a personal and tactile level.

In the Spring of 2010, Assouline published Ruffian:Inside Out to great critical acclaim. This intimate glance of Wolk and Morais,through the lens of photographer Jamie Isiah, shows the designers creative process over the course of two collections.This includes their collaborations with some of the fashion industry's most revered artists including make-up artist James Kaliardos, hair stylist Neil Moody, and designer Christian Louboutin.