Block colours, bold prints or structured forms, stylish women everywhere know that a good suit is unmatched in its impact…
Describing herself as a “style chameleon”, Ruby Mikhael is not one to shy away from experimenting with fashion. “Honestly, I have so many different styles,” says the 26-year-old. “I can dress boyish or sexy, sophisticated and chic, or bohemian and artsy. It all really depends on my mood. I’m like a chameleon.”
A keen traveller, adapting to her surroundings is something the Iraqi-Lebanese has nailed. Inspired by her many moods, she can be bohemian in Mykonos and Ibiza, a teeny bit French in Beirut and super-sophisticated in the city. But as a true fitness enthusiast at heart, it’s in her workout gear that she feels the most comfortable. “I feel the most powerful wearing my gym clothes,” she smiles. “My practice makes me feel powerful.”
When not in her gym kit, she is a keen purveyor of a good suit, choosing to support regional brands like Reemami, Lama Jouni, Madiyah Al Sharqi and Lebanese label Jessica K over big designer names.
Having worked hard at honing her figure, when getting dressed she likes to make her waist her focus by adding “a big belt to cinch at the waist, some accessories like statement earrings and a nice necklace to finish the look.”
She also has a penchant for shoulder pads. “I love shoulder pads! From political figures to Hollywood celebrities, everyone was rocking the look back in the 1980s and now they have been ruling the runway.”
She has big life goals and looks to powerful women for inspiration on her journey to being the strongest version of herself. “Amal Clooney is definitely someone I look up to,” she says. “She has accomplished a lot as a lawyer in her fight for human rights. She’s a brilliant activist.”
When it comes to fashion icons, Ruby’s are as diverse as she is. “When I think fashion, I think Cher in her heyday. She’s like a walking butterfly,” she says. “Her looks were so eye-catching and daring. She was never shy. All her outfits made a statement and had a story to tell.”
At the other end of the spectrum, she thinks Audrey Hepburn epitomises timeless chic and that Madonna had some of the most memorable fashion moments throughout her 30-year career.
Shopping for new labels is a favourite pastime of Ruby’s, and she spends hours trawling Instagram for unique brands to fill gaps in her wardrobe. “Recently I’ve been obsessing over Rio Farm, a Brazilian brand that is so colourful and tropical. And I am obsessed with Frankie Shop for everyday basics.”
Now, read what Beirut-based Stylist Jana Bassam had to say about the power of the suit.
- Words by Dina Kabbani
