How Moda Operandi’s fashion buyer dresses for a flight

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Moda Operandi’s fashion buyer Lisa Ruffle.

How would you describe your personal style? Polished yet understated. I love tailoring. I’m guilty of wearing a lot of black, but lately I’ve been gravitating more towards colour for that sense of optimism. I want to feel feminine but strong. I have a hard-working wardrobe; I lean on great staples and update it each season with a few key pieces to keep it exciting.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I collect a lot of vintage pieces. I think the oldest is a beautiful red Christian Dior cardigan with gold logo buttons from the late 1950s.

And the most recent addition? An ivy-green Prada top from the spring/summer 2022 collection. I’m more considerate with my purchases these days – I buy pieces I know I’ll treasure for a long time. All my Prada pieces are special to me.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? You can’t go wrong with an LBD – Matteau for day and Prada for evening – and a low heel.
… on a plane? Black Wardrobe.NYC leggings, an oversized Totême cashmere sweater, a cashmere wrap and New Balance sneakers. A large tote is essential. And Camilla [Freeman-Topper] from Camilla and Marc put me on to this great sunglasses brand, Brésac – their oversized frames are perfect after a long-haul flight.
… on the red carpet? Chanel is always on point.

Who are your favourite designers? I love Miuccia Prada’s collaboration with Raf Simons. Demna for Balenciaga. I’m a big fan of Khaite. The Row is fantastic. Nicolas Ghesquière. I also love discovering new talent like Nensi Dojaka and Rachel Scott’s label, Diotima.

What’s your favourite fashion decade? The past is an amazing reference point but I’m obsessed with what’s happening next.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I’m rotating between Byredo Reine De Nuit and Argentinian label Fueguia 1833. I lean towards masculine scents.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? An oversized black Balenciaga coat, a well-cut black blazer and black leggings – Totême or Wardrobe.NYC.

Any go-to jewellery? My engagement ring – it’s a vintage-inspired cocktail ring – and my
Apple watch. I also love Repossi rings – they’re modern and sculptural.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A pretty rosebud dress with a Peter Pan collar was my go-to. It was very ’80s.

And your worst fashion mistake? I was a high school student in the ’90s, I’m not going to say any more.

What was your first fashion moment? As a kid, dressing up for various roles in dance theatre and ballet made me realise that fashion can be a form of expression, or escape. I still love that element of self-discovery.

What’s on your wish list? A vintage Cartier “Tank” watch. Also, a “Phillipa” rosewood and diamond ring by New York designer Ana Khouri – her jewellery is one of a kind.

Is there a current trend you’re loving? I love that we’re dressing up again after years of the pandemic.

What shoes do you wear the most often? Mostly heels. All my old Céline by Phoebe Philo shoes are still going strong, I wish I’d bought more when I had the opportunity.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? The women around me; I’m lucky to have so many inspiring women in my life, professionally and personally.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Either a tailored trouser from The Row with a slim-cut men’s tee or a great legging and a blazer. I’m a uniform dresser during the week.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I have a 12-month-old, so the weekends are pretty active – The Feel Studio Inc. jeans, Skims long-sleeve tee, a lightweight coat and sneakers.

To read more from Sunday Life magazine, click here.

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