Irish stylist and creative director Katie-Ruby Robinson on her vintage favourites

How would you describe your own personal style?

Eclectically evolving yet anchored in Scandinavian design and vintage. Think merging minimalistic masculinity with accents of bygone eras. I gravitate towards clean lines but equally to extravagant furs – maybe it’s a little sartorial?

What is your approach to clothes shopping?

Seldomly. As a stylist, shopping sometimes feels like an extension of my work so I tend to shy away from a lot of impulsive purchasing unless I happen upon something really amazing. I hold such sentimentality in my clothing so once something is in my wardrobe, it’s a forever piece. I guess that’s reflective in my wearing of and working with a lot of vintage and the notion that pieces hold their very own histories. Nonetheless, ARKET is my first stop for basics. You could say my shopping philosophy is about longevity and a little bit of magic.

Why is slow fashion and conscious consumerism important to you?

Being immersed in various aspects of the industry, from a fast-fashion HQ in Stockholm to luxury HQ in Porto, I’ve seen firsthand the negative impact that the fast-paced nature of trends continues to be both environmentally and ethically. Trends can change overnight so now I try to weave a sustainable narrative into all aspects of my personal style and professional ethos – that can mean ethically sourced pieces and feeling connected to each new piece from a cool new designer.

Through my creative direction with LOOT and RÊVERIE, I’ve seen the beauty in giving pre-loved a second a life with our motto ‘preserve our future, wear your values’ coming to mind. Vintage pieces tend to transcend these trends and challenge ‘throw away culture’. As a stylist, I have the opportunity to go beyond surface aesthetics by considering the choices I make and the origins of the pieces I use.

I guess the essence is, we all have an opportunity to experiment with slow fashion. Don’t get me wrong, fashion can be meaningful while also being experimental. Every small decision can create a big impact to shape more sustainable and ethical future, it’s important we have fun while doing that.

Tell us about five capsule items in your wardrobe

My vintage oversized Burberry double breasted coat from RÊVERIE that I’ve worn through every autumn through to spring since I got it three years ago.

My silver bag is hand made from used cans in Brazil. I first found it in the LOOT Archive where you can rent it but I loved it so much I needed one in my own wardrobe.

ARKET Cloud Jean I picked up in London last year and have worn religiously since with my Salomons day-to-day if functionality is key whereas when it comes to going out it’s winklepicker boots that are my first port of call.

PRADA pinstripe menswear suit from HERITAGE that Emma Fraser kindly gave me as a gift – another forever piece that’s a real wardrobe treasure. I’ll wear it together or mix’n’match it with other staples.

The steady white tank from MASSIMO DUTI that goes with absolutely everything.

One purchase you regret

Does bandage bodycons from TOPSHOP circa 2013 ring any bells?

Your most hard working piece of clothing

My Mary Poppins-esque bucket bag that fits evverryyything from my laptop to my styling kit. It comes everywhere with me.

The hand-me-down you treasure

My mum. Each piece of clothing she’s kept are treasures. From a cerise pink mini dress from the eighties to her numerous pairs of hand-me-down Levi’s, it’s rare you’ll see me go a week without wearing something I’ve “borrowed” from her wardrobe. The winner has got to be this French Connection blazer that I re-wear every summer… that hat though.

The holiday purchase

ROBERTO CAVALLI Cheetah Print pants I picked up while I was back in Stockholm in APLACE.

The most quintessentially ‘you’ piece

This has got to be sunglasses which if I could I’d wear at all times – let’s just say I’ve been reminded by my friends on numerous occasions, ‘Katie, it is dark now, you know?’ long after the sun’s gone down.

The vintage shop(s) to know

Not that I’m biassed but LOOT in Dublin is the best around? For European stores it’s got to be HUMANA in my home-from-home of Stockholm, NUOVO in Paris for pre-loved French chic and SEROTONIN in London where I found my all-time favourite croc print kitten heels worthy of being in Carrie Bradshaw’s closet.

Who are your style inspirations

Edie Sedgwich was my first style crush after visiting an Andy Warhol exhibition in the Tate, London as a kid but honestly, my best friends and style confidants Caoimhe & Keara. They both always look super elegant and equally cool. While there’s no emulation of one another, they tend to play around with masculine and feminine elements. They’re my fashion soundboards.

Katie-Ruby Robinson is represented by Not Another Intl.

This article was originally published in April 2024.