Robyn Brooks designer of Ooby Ryn and her dog Wilson.
Robyn Brooks is the ebullient designer and owner of Cambridge-based label Ooby Ryn which specialises in colourful, feminine fashion. Robyn founded the label in 2006 and celebrates a decade of bringing her brand of fun, vibrant fashion to the women of New Zealand this year. Her label is now stocked in 15 boutiques throughout the country and she greatly enjoys helping her customers in person at her Cambridge concept store.
We caught up with Robyn to find out more about her label, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
My Winter 16 collection is called 'Mad Glamour'. It's inspired by New York city life. It has lots of signature fabrics which are exclusive to Ooby Ryn. Pieces that can take you from day to night, work to evening functions. Some keys trends showing in my range are the gilets, culottes, leather and fur.
What made you become a designer?
I was born into it! My mother, grandmother and great grandfather have all been in the trade. Going through uni I always made my own clothes because I could never find anything I liked, then it progressed from there. I just love designing and fabric and couldn't imagine myself doing anything else.
What inspires you?
I am hugely inspired by fabrics! I tend to have all my fabrics sorted before I have even started designing my range. When designing my range I'm often inspired by my lifestyle and what's happening in my life! Recent travel, friends etc.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your products and brand?
Thats hard! I don't know how to describe it because its just me. But my brand is for 'women with individual style with no boundaries to their imagination!' We aren't afraid to use colour and are always thinking how we can flatter real women.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
Probably my check cape. No matter where or when I wear it, without fail I get compliments all the time.
Looks from Ooby Ryn's Mad Glamour winter 2016 collection.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
A good bra. I also work in our store Ooby Ryn in Cambridge fititng women every day and the amount of women who don't own or wear good bras is horrendous! It can totally change the shape of your silhouette and how your dress looks.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Good bras and stick to colours and shapes that suit your figure. And remember your age.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
There's been lots of exciting things! Showing at fashion week was a great experience, winning lots of business awards and fashion in the fields! I also love designing one off pieces for charities. My favorite was for NZFW Fantasia Show in 2011, the NZ take on Victoria Secret. A selection of designers were chosen to design a sinners and saints outfit, and be auctioned off for Kids Can Trust.
What can’t you live without?
My dog and husband!
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing… A handkerchief hem!
Looks from Ooby Ryn's Mad Glamour winter 2016 collection.
Images from Ooby Ryn