“As a founder, the biggest challenge is balancing a slow tempo commitment to traditional craftsmanship with the fast-paced, ever-changing realities of a market in the digital age that amplifies trends in a matter of minutes,” reveals Alli Abdelal, founder of RUSKIN.
It’s a tale as old as time. And a battle that many in the fashion world are continuing to fight as brands tirelessly tread a fine line of encouraging creativity with new ideas and design, while remaining mindful to the eco-implications of over-production.
But Alli Abdelal – the heart, soul and founder of RUSKIN – has always leant into the quieter life. Growing up in the northern fells of the Great British Lake District, in a village of only nine houses, her childhood was one of joy-inducing simplicity. “The village remains one of the most peaceful, unspoiled places I know. That stillness, the deep quiet there, instilled in me a love for simplicity and an appreciation for space free from excessive noise and distraction,” she muses.
Today, Alli translates this sense of stillness into RUSKIN’s collection of bags that really are designed for life – think of them as investment pieces that embrace a minimalism to match most of your outfits.
Working with two brothers and their small workshop in Rome, Italy, RUSKIN bags embody a true sense of craftsmanship with each of its leather or tweed styles painstakingly hand-crafted and endowed with a quiet quality that only slow production can achieve.
Speaking to the founder and designer herself, Your Day delves into Alli’s first forays with fashion, RUSKIN’s approach to sustainability and why the brand responsibly sources leather instead of looking for synthetic alternatives…
A conversation with Alli Abdelal, founder of Ruskin…
What does a day in the life of Alli Abdelal look like?
“I would love to tell you that my day-to-day is a picture of calm creativity. In reality, each day at the moment is a whirlwind. We are currently undertaking a top-to-toe renovation on our home in north Oxford. This involves contractors arriving at 7.30am each morning in the flurry of activity that is the school run, before rapidly dispatching ingredients to the slow cooker only to find it under a blanket of dust and rubble on my return home from the studio. Luckily our studio on North Parade in Oxford is a sanctuary of calm. Here I can get my head down and focus on work.”
What role has fashion played throughout your life?
“For me, fashion has always been about making choices that feel authentic and practical, while still being stylish. I have always preferred a quieter style, opting for pieces that are elegant and understated and focusing on quality craftsmanship and the feel of materials. This approach reflects my love for texture, my values and a preference for timeless designs over fleeting trends.”
Do you remember your very first handbag!?
“I don’t remember my very first bag. But what I do remember is clopping around the house as a child in my Mum’s oversized knee high boots carrying several bags all at once. I’d style them in front of her wardrobe mirror; thereafter I was befittingly nicknamed ‘Alli the bag!'”
When and why did you decide to set up RUSKIN?
“I created RUSKIN out of a curiosity for the potential of the wool of the Herdwick sheep native to the Lake District. Determined to see if it would be possible to make something useful and beautiful from a previously discarded natural resource, I embarked on the journey to create RUSKIN in 2015.”
How do you approach sustainability as a brand?
“Our approach to sustainability relates to how slowly, rather than quickly, things happen. This includes the time it takes to innovate, to acquire new skills, to produce new materials and to share their value and subtleties. We have chosen to break away from the pressures of rapid growth as a means to success.”
“We work with the rhythms of artisanal production so as to respect the limitations of the environment. All the while ensuring our practices are responsible.”
Where would you say you fall on the slow fashion scale?
“I would say that our low-volume, slow-tempo, artisanal approach to design positions us firmly in the slow lane. On the scale we lean strongly towards the slow fashion end with a focus on high-quality materials and meticulous workmanship, while designing with lasting integrity and longevity in mind.”
And when a RUSKIN bag comes to the end of its life, what happens?
“To minimise environmental impact, we recommend exploring options for repurposing and recycling to see if the materials can be transformed into new items. Leather and tweed are both natural materials that can be returned to the ground. Eventually, after some years, these materials will break down.”
Leather plays a big role in your designs, where do you source this from?
“We source all of our leathers from Italy through our artisans based in Rome.”
What is one thing you want more people to know about leather?
“Despite all the advancements in creating synthetic materials, none can quite replicate the unique qualities of responsibly sourced leather. Its natural durability, breathability, and ability to age beautifully are unmatched by synthetics, which often degrade or wear out faster.”
“While innovations in alternative leathers are promising, they still fall short of leather’s luxurious feel and long-term resilience. Not to mention the deep connection it fosters with traditional craftsmanship. I also feel that leather has the ability to transcend trends and remain relevant through generations, making it a symbol of enduring value.“
What advice do you have for anyone currently looking to shop for a new bag?
“My advice would be to go for a bag that you really love and aligns with your colour preferences and lifestyle – this will ensure its longevity. Our designs are crafted intentionally, focusing not only on visual appeal, but also on enhancing the tactile experience. I have always felt that when design engages all our senses, it fosters a deeper connection with the items that we cherish.”
As an entrepreneur, what has been the biggest challenge that you’ve had to overcome? How did you do this?
“As a founder, the biggest challenge is balancing a slow tempo commitment to traditional craftsmanship with the fast-paced, ever-changing realities of the market in the digital age, that amplifies trends in a matter of minutes. Navigating this requires staying true to our values. We focus on maintaining our distinct identity, ensuring that we stay in our lane creatively, while avoiding the distraction of fleeting trends. This approach allows us to honour our craftsmanship while adapting thoughtfully to the modern world.”
Quickfire questions…
Your go-to outfit?
Wide legged trousers, a cashmere sweater and trainers or flats
A pair of shoes that never fail you?
Onitsuka Tigers for comfort
Your drink order?
I love fresh pressed juices, or for a treat a G&T
A meal you’d make over and over again?
A carbonara in all its creamy glory
What are you currently reading?
I have just finished, The Road to the City by Natalia Ginzburg
A skincare product that’s worked for you?
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Cream is my go-to
Favourite hotel?
The Schgaguler Hotel in the mountain village of Castelrotto, near the Seiser Alm in the Dolomites. They know us well there having spent several very happy family Christmas’ there
Favourite restaurant?
We’ve recently discovered a new restaurant in Oxford called Dosa Darling which is excellent and I also absolutely adore The Orangery at RH England
A podcast we must listen to?
Handcut Radio, for its unique and candid perspective
Your dream collaboration?
I would love to create an exclusive line of bags with a car company like Aston Martin or Jaguar
Your favourite RUSKIN design?
Is it ok if I have two? I love The Chester and The Quentin
Peruse the full RUSKIN collection by clicking here.
Or you can find other interviews with Your Day by clicking here.
