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An interview with Ruth Chapman of matchesfashion.com

— by Alyson Walsh

Photo: Evening Standard

Ruth Chapman is the co-founder of British retail brand and online boutique matchesfashion.com, a company that’s been in the news recently for releasing its financial reports for the first time. I interviewed Ruth for Style Forever, we had a lovely chat over lunch at the matchesfashion.com town house and she really is wonderful and charming and the kind of person you meet and instantly want to be friends with:

On being a global online brand director

It’s fun. I get more and more confident about what we’re doing all the time. We went online 10 years ago and it’s grown very organically. I was very happy when we were just retail but our customers were travelling all over the world and it made sense that they could shop with us when they weren’t in London. Things change constantly and we have to keep on top of it but I try to make sure that work doesn’t impact on my family life. I’m very conscious of it and always make an effort to have a balanced lifestyle.

On age

I don’t mind being older, at all. For me it’s all about health and vitality and feeling really well; that makes a huge difference. We’ve used Linda Rodin in our campaigns, and I am very inspired by women who look like that.

On Ruth Chapman-Style

I’d like to say effortless, simple, slightly masculine. I live in separates and flat shoes, and I know it sounds ancient and a bit of an old lady thing but comfort is important. Having the right amount of layers, I’m travelling a lot and don’t want to be too hot or too cold. Looking modern really is key, but it’s not about chasing trends, it’s about finding your own DNA; knowing what suits you and sticking with it – but looking around at what’s happening and freshening the look.

On what would improve the quality of life

More sleep, more rest – if I could figure that out it would be amazing.

On the Old Lady Revolution

I think it’s brilliant. It really inspires younger girls, so they don’t have a sense that it’s over by a certain age. It gives them more choice; they know that their career can change, they can be a polymath, have kids, do whatever they want to do.

On what the grown-up customer wants

Value per wear is important. There was a time when we used to sell very expensive dresses for events but now our customers want timelessness. They want great pieces that work back and have different lives in their wardrobe. Pieces that can be put together in different ways.

On what’s important

A good balance between work, life, friends and fun; laughter is very important. I also think being kind to people is important and that kindness shows in people’s faces. It’s something we should learn very early on.

And here’s my fantasy shopping list from matchesfashion.com

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Ruth Chapman is the co-founder of British retail brand and online boutique matchesfashion.com, a company that’s been in the news recently for releasing its financial reports for the first time.