IMG ORIGINALS | Q+A WITH RUBY ALDRIDGE
IMG newcomer, Ruby Aldridge, is anything but to the modeling world. The industry vet has starred in campaigns for Coach, Valentino and Calvin Klein’s CK One, yet manages to maintain the sought-after vibe of an undiscovered gem through her experience. Though it’s easy to link Ruby with her VS Angel older sister, Lily; her unique aesthetic and personality is what sets her apart on-and-off the runway. We caught up with the native Angeleno to discuss her eccentric upbringing, punk rock aspirations, all the while finding herself in the midst of acclamation.
Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.
When did you make the move to New York?
I automatically say five years ago. But I think it was more like seven or eight.
Who do you keep close to in the city now that you’re a New Yorker?
My friends. I am completely obsessed and inspired by them, and by my neighborhood in the LES; it's a good time. My friends are my family.
Tell me about your family…
Well, my dad had eight children. He was a busy guy. I have siblings that are much, much older than me, but, I grew up in a household with Lily and my brother, James. My dad is an artist, so that definitely affected our upbringing - in a good way. Anytime I would come home after school, he would be in his studio, painting and drawing every day, blasting music. I would definitely call him an eccentric. He wanted me to pursue anything creative that I possibly could. He really let us all live in fantasy growing up – I mean, he was an insane graphic illustrator and created his own world, and wanted us to embrace the strange side of life and explore. My mom is also creative. I always wanted her to pursue interior design. She's really very good at it. Who knows? Maybe she will.
What was your first modeling gig?
I was probably 14-years-old, living in Los Angeles, when my sister, Lily, booked a shoot for Elle Girl. The other model had dropped out of the shoot, so they called the agency she was at to see if there were any girls that could fill in, and they recommended me. Before that, modeling had never even crossed my mind.
What was your first taste of the fashion world?
When I was still living in Los Angeles, I was working, but not doing anything huge. My big break, if you want to call it that; was when I was 19 and did the castings for Marc Jacobs and ended up opening the Marc by Marc Jacobs show. I definitely have him to thank for my career. Before him, I had gone to London to do fashion week and I think booked one show, so, he really helped me out.
What was another turning point for you in fashion?
The 10 cover I had recently, actually. I had been taking a break from modelling, and the editor, Sophia [Neophitou], who had always supported me, put me back in the game with that opportunity.
What do you aspire to next?
I'd like to book a job where I get to be a completely different character. A crazy editorial. Something outside of myself. Whatever that means. I would love to work with the icons like Steven Meisel or Steven Klein. They’re definitely on the 'vision board'. Honestly, I just want to work with nice people that want to collaborate and take some cool photos.
You’re a musician, as well.
I am. I have a band called Diet Choke. It’s gone through many different evolutions. It’s just me and two of my dear friends, and we just started for fun, messing around together probably five or so years ago. I always wanted to be in a band, but was always afraid to go that route, and then I met these two guys, and it just sort of happened naturally. It’s my favorite thing to play shows in the city. We try to never do the same set twice. I've recently started making music on my own and have been collaborating with other friends, which is my favorite.
How would you define your solo sound?
Ha - my solo sound. I like to think of it as a kind of mix of dark and sexy and pop-y, whereas with Diet Choke, we were definitely inspired by "punk" bands. So, I guess you could say we’re a punk band. You know - as punk as one could be in 2017 with the singer being a model signed to IMG… you know.
Is there anyone you would die to work with?
Trent Reznor. My first love, music-wise, was Nine Inch Nails.
What’s your earliest music memory?
Probably walking around as a kid with my Discman listening to The President of the United States’ “Peaches” and “Kitty”. I think I was seven at the time. I liked the songs because they swore.
What challenges you?
Social media.
What annoys you?
Running late.
People know your face, they know your name, so - who are you?
Good question. I'll let you know when I figure that out!
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