Fashion has changed it’s tune over the last six months – and to say it’s cheered up is an understatement. LOL is now #trending worldwide after this February's set of catwalk shows – perhaps best epitomised by those images of Rihanna, Cara and Joan pushing each other round in Chanel supermarket trolleys we saw on endless Instagram feeds at Paris Fashion Week.
Insta-ready fun was also seen at the Mcdonald’s0inspired Moschino show and the kitsch designs were also apparent in collections by numerous designers from brands such as Miu Miu, Marc by Marc, Ryan LO, Dries Van Noten and Ashley Williams.
So what’s behind the new wave of LOL-power? We caught up with designer for the modern girly girl and man of the moment Ryan LO to talk about generation Insta and rodeo romeos.
The Debrief: Who is the ultimate Ryan LO inspo icon?
Ryan LO: Blythe Dollis my ultimate all time muse! I always choose models who look like her.
DB: Talk us through why you think your muse/girl wants to dress like she’s the queen of the rodeo this season?
RL: My starting point was actually Pocohontas, to be honest, but it somehow turned into The Adams Family Thanksgiving. I chose this as my concept because it’s different, it’s quite magical but sexy also. I mean who wouldn’t want to be inspired by a cross between Dolly Parton and Carrie Bradshaw in season two when she meets Natasha for the first time?
DB: How would you recommend we wear the amazing fringed pieces in actual real life?
RL: Wear it with jeans and trainers, girls!
** DB: You taught yourself to design using YouTube. How democratic do you think the fashion world now is?
**RL: International! Whoever has the internet can access fashion in general these days. I guess the Instagram generation has a different experience of discovering fashion from, say, the young people of 10 years ago – it’s new and exciting.
DB: Loads of people start their own DIY fashion businesses on Instagram. How do you feel about this change?
RL: You can start a business at no cost, so anyone can do it. But how many can actually succeed is the question.
DB: And could you share a quick tip to our reader if she wants to start DIY-ing her clothes at home? What can you attempt? And what should you never do?
RL: I don’t think you should paint on your own clothes – that’s a big no no. The fringing we used in the latest collection is super easy to do at home – so I would suggest that as a starter tip. Another fun idea is to age the clothes by cutting holes, ripping necklines or putting them inside the washer to make it look older.
DB: How much pressure is there when you’re starting out and tipped as one of the hot new designers on the London scene?
RL: I don’t feel any pressure; it’s better to be tipped as hot than not. :)
DB: Your collections are always very brave in their use of colour. Why do you think people are traditionally so afraid of pink? And how would you encourage people to wear colour?
RL: I don’t think people are scared of pink! Pink is the new black! But if you are, here are some practical tips:
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Wear a bright bag or shoe to add a pop of color rather than rocking the whole look.
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If you’re gonna do a full pink look, try different shades or you will look like Paris Hilton.
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Also, hot pink lipstick is always a winner.
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Go crazy for face paint.
DB: Tell us your naughty fashion secret…
RL: Fake tan.
Follow Louby on Twitter @loubymc
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.