We recently had the chance to connect with Ryan Thomas and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ryan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What battle are you avoiding?
The battle I’m avoiding is the temptation to compare myself to others. In fashion, it’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing—who’s showing where, who’s getting featured—but I’ve learned that comparison steals creativity. My energy is better spent focusing on my own vision, my craft, and my growth.
Another battle I avoid is trying to please everyone. Art isn’t about universal approval; it’s about expression. The moment you start designing for everyone, you lose your voice—and that’s a battle I’m not willing to fight.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! My name is Ryan Thomas, and I’m the designer behind Ryan Thomas. My brand is all about creating pieces that blend modern sophistication with timeless elegance, focusing on couture craftsmanship and bold, innovative design.
What makes my work unique is the attention to detail and storytelling behind each garment—I design pieces that empower the wearer and make them feel truly unforgettable. Every collection reflects my passion for artistry, luxury, and individuality.
Right now, I’m preparing for one of my biggest milestones: showcasing my collection at Paris Fashion Week. This collection is deeply personal—it’s about celebrating confidence, strength, and beauty through fashion. I can’t wait to share it with the world!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work is myself. Over the years, I’ve learned through experience—both good and bad—that knowing your worth is essential. I taught myself that I deserve to be treated with respect, to be compensated fairly for my time and talent, and to never allow disrespect to become normalized in any professional space.
There was a time when I accepted less than I deserved because I was focused on proving myself. But as I grew, I realized that self-respect sets the tone for how others treat you. Those lessons didn’t come overnight; they came from challenges that pushed me to establish boundaries and stand confidently in my value.
Today, I carry that with me in every part of my career. It’s made me not only a stronger designer but also a stronger person—someone who knows their craft, their contribution, and their worth.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
The last time I changed my mind about something important was just days before a major show. I had a complete vision for the collection, but something didn’t feel right—I knew it could be stronger. So, I made the bold decision to change key looks at the last minute. It was risky, stressful, and required working around the clock, but it reminded me that flexibility and intuition are just as important as planning in fashion.
That experience taught me that sometimes the best creative choices happen when you trust your instincts, even under pressure. Those changes ended up being some of the most talked-about looks in the show, and it reinforced that it’s okay to pivot when your gut tells you to.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the fashion industry tells itself is that speed and mass production equal success. There’s this constant pressure to churn out endless collections, as if more always means better—but in reality, it often sacrifices quality, creativity, and sustainability. Another big lie is the idea that exclusivity requires unattainable pricing or gatekeeping, when true luxury comes from craftsmanship, authenticity, and meaning behind the work—not just the label or the hype.
I think the industry also tells itself that trends dictate creativity, when in truth, the best designs come from breaking those rules and telling your own story.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
I have zero regrets.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanthomasdesigns.com
- Instagram: officialryanthomasdesigns
