Photo by Melissa Gidney Daly
No one does easy elegance better than Jessica de Ruiter. The fashion stylist’s approach to less is more, laid-back dressing has earned her clients including Jennifer Lawrence, Dakota Johnson, and Michael Fassbender. De Ruiter began her career as a fashion editor with posts at Vogue, W, and Teen Vogue. She now lives in Los Angeles, where she is represented by The Wall Group, and regularly contributes to Vanity Fair, Porter, InStyle and Harper’s Bazaar.
How would you describe your style?
Timeless, easy elegance; masculine/feminine.
Who is currently inspiring you? Sartorially, culturally, or otherwise?
Women who are comfortable in their own skin and who appear to move through life with a natural grace and ease…Daria Werbory, Phoebe Philo, Gaia Repossi, Emmanuel Alt to name a few. I’ve also been inspired by “sisters” as of late (perhaps because I wish I had them and am envious of that unique bond). The Olsen sisters, the Traina sisters, The Clarins sisters, the Kayne sisters…
How important is quality and sustainability to you when you shop?
Sustainability and environmental/ethical responsibility are of extreme importance to me. I am embarrassed to say that the fashion industry is the second largest polluting industry in the world behind only fossil fuel energy production. When I heard that it made me want to switch fields immediately. It is time for long overdue change on a massive scale. Stella McCartney is, and continues to be, such a pioneer and innovator is this area.
And in terms of quality, I have always practiced the ethos of “less is more” which I think will become more and more relevant as we move into the future of life here on earth.
What is your current favorite shoe from Emme Parsons?
The One in black or fawn suede…it is too hard to choose just one color.
How would you style it?
The One are perfect for LA because they are wearable year round; dressed up or down. I do love a black flat with a LBD instead of the expected heel.
I would pair the One in fawn suede with vintage blue Levis, a white t-shirt and a beige trench by The Row or Celine camel car coat.
I would pair the One in black suede with a sexy black lace Isabel Marant cocktail dress.
Tell us about your journey to become a stylist. How did you get where you are today?
I began my career as an intern at W Magazine followed shortly after by my first real job as an assistant at Vogue (fav job ever working for Lisa Love). I then went on to assist uber-stylist, Camilla Nickerson in New York and finally to become an editor myself at Teen Vogue. After leaving Conde Nast, I went out on my own as a stylist and freelance fashion editor in Los Angeles and am represented by The Wall Group. It has been an incredible and exciting journey of many dreams coming true and for that I am very grateful.
Photo: Nicki Sebastien
Any advice you would give to people looking to break into the industry?
Hard work and putting in long hours demonstrate commitment and allow one to stand out from all the rest vying for those sacred and scarce positions. Be prepared to schlep and take on the mundane tasks with a good attitude. And great style doesn’t hurt either.
Favorite gift to give?
Love.
Favorite gift to receive?
Time with family and friends
@jessicaderuiter
Any entertaining tips as we enter the holiday season?
I like to have a pot of soup on the stove at all times in the fall and winter as it allows for simple, spontaneous entertaining with friends. And its super cozy, grounding and nourishing at this time of year. And of course, a fire burning sets the mood of the season in an instant. As the days have become shorter and darker, I have recently started to light a fire first thing in the morning upon waking, in addition to just in the evening. It’s become my new fav morning ritual while enjoying my coffee/tea.
Most special holiday memory or trip?
Fresh snow falling in Toronto on Christmas Eve.
