Ruby Crossland
Design Portfolio
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Welcome to my design portfolio.
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​The works that follow provide a visual representation of my ideas and inspirations in fashion design, and are curated to demonstrate a range of techniques and design processes. The portfolio as a whole communicates my artistic voice and a readiness to engage with the rigours of a higher-level fashion design education.
About Me
A highly motivated and ambitious student, with an internationally minded perspective that stems from a cross-cultural education.
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I am drawn to the vibrancy of creative industries - a space where imagination meets innovation and where passion can shape culture. I am eager to pursue opportunities in Fashion Design that will challenge me to expand my knowledge and skillset. My academic background has prepared me well for the rigour of higher education, and I am excited to continue my journey as someone who enjoys challenge and learning experiences.
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In short, I am a confident and outgoing student who embraces diversity, seeks new perspectives and values cultural exchange. I am excited to see where my journey takes me, and I am committed to grasping and seeking out every opportunity in life.
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This portfolio contains evidence of my creative journey in Fashion Design and the Arts to date.
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Get to know me
What magazines/blogs do you read? Comment about a fashion article that you have recently read and found inspiring.
I frequent the Substack fashion forum and recently came across a brilliant article by @accentaigualamode on 1920’s flapper dresses, I especially love the idea of these dresses being made with the literal intention of movement and dancing. I am also a big fan of the podcast Fashion Neurosis by Bella Freud, I feel as though I am being educated in fashion history when listening; if a name/ concept is mentioned that intrigues me I go on in rabbit hole of research and come out discovering a new amazing designer, photographer or artist.
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​What music/bands are you currently listening to?
The Sundays, Ethel cain and New order.
What was the last book you read or film you watched?
Flush by Virginia Woolf
Describe your personal style:
80% thrifted or second hand so I would describe my style as quite random! and I love a bit of colour.
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Which current designers/brands inspire you and why?
Issey Miyake - I think the textural aspect of the fabric is something of scientific genius and I love the way the clothes appreciate the human figure. JW Anderson is also someone whose ethos inspires me, with his distinct attitude toward the importance of imperfection, he describes his biggest fear as becoming complacent or static. He believes creativity thrives on discomfort - always changing, never ‘perfect’, which to me is incredibly interesting. I like the idea of romanticising the discomfort of creating, that awful feeling when I cut the pattern too small or when a mistake in a garment is revealed, doesn’t mean failure just a small part of a big process.
What is your first memory linked to fashion?
Probably me and my sisters chest of costumes as little kids, I loved riffling through that box and coming up with the most outrageous costumes for the plays we would put on for my parents. I remember getting quite resourceful with it, gathering tea towels and anything I could find from the house to add to my eccentric outfits.
How does sustainability and responsible or considered design influence your work?
Responsible design is at the heart of my work, not only because of its environmental significance, but also because it is entirely possible. It is well within designers capabilities to do their part in ensuring that less clothing ends up in landfills, where it will rot and never truly decompose. My involvement with the Purple Community Fund exposed me to these devastating realities firsthand- many of the people, mostly children, who craft recycled bracelets and bags from can tabs live within an actual landfill, Smokey Mountain in Tondo. Though the aesthetics and beauty of a garment is important to a degree, it is also crucial that clothes are made with the intention of longevity.
What was the last exhibition you visited?
Nudsupang Puthaikul “Habitus 2” exhibition in the BACC Bangkok, a culmination of beautiful Thai fabric and various mixed media art pieces. My favourite part was the princess and the pea-esque towering installation with Northern Thai fabric. I liked the conceptual approach too where the layers of fabric, “resembled sediments of memory.”
Tell us something about yourself we do not already know from your UCAS form or looking at your portfolio.
I have recently gotten into to Muay Thai boxing!