Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Thomas
Hi Ryan , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a young age, I was captivated by the world of art and music, with dreams of becoming a star—whether through acting or singing. My journey began when I was 10 years old, stepping onto the stage for the first time. Acting quickly became a beloved escape, offering me the chance to step into diverse roles and explore different facets of myself. But as I grew older and participated in more high school productions, I started to crave something more hands-on and intricate—something that demanded more of my attention and creativity.
It wasn’t until later in high school that I discovered the world of costume design for theater, which initially fascinated me. I worked on a few productions, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic gave me space to reflect and reassess my path. During this period of introspection, I realized that my true passion lay in fashion design. I began to see fashion not just as clothing, but as a form of artistic expression that resonated with me on a deeper level. It felt like a natural next step to merge my artistic instincts with a more detailed, technical craft. Pursuing fashion design became not just a career choice, but a path that truly excited me—one that combines creativity with precision in a way that brings me genuine joy.
Being apart of the final FIDM DEBUT; marked a pivotal moment in my journey as a designer. For my latest collection, I took on the challenge of creating a full couture line—a complex, deeply personal project that pushed my creative limits. I was drawn to women’s wear, crafting designs that balanced strength with femininity, using intricate details and luxurious fabrics to empower and evoke emotion.
As I worked, however, I found myself increasingly fascinated by how couture could be reimagined for menswear. The sharp tailoring and structure of men’s fashion sparked a new interest, and I began to experiment with blending elements of both genders. This exploration felt like a natural evolution, as I realized fashion isn’t limited by gender—it’s about artistic expression and creativity.
The collection’s debut on the runway was an exhilarating moment, but it was the newfound understanding that truly shaped me. While women’s wear remains my foundation, I now see menswear as an exciting canvas for creative exploration. The experience deepened my love for fashion as a whole, and I’m now inspired to design for both women and men, embracing the fluidity and artistry of the craft
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Getting to where I am today has definitely been a rocky road, full of challenges and unexpected twists. My journey into fashion wasn’t glamorous at first—it was a lot of hard work behind the scenes, starting with my time as a production assistant during Fashion Week. I was thrown into the chaos, handling round after round of tasks, from organizing fittings to managing schedules, and making sure every detail went according to plan. It was exhausting, and at times, overwhelming, but it was also a learning experience that taught me the importance of patience, persistence, and the behind-the-scenes grind that makes everything possible.
While I was busy hustling through those tough early days, I also met incredible people who would go on to shape my career in ways I never imagined. The models I worked with became more than just faces on the runway—they became friends, offering advice and encouragement when I needed it most. I also connected with photographers who believed in my vision and helped me capture my work in ways that brought it to life. Their support, both professionally and personally, has been invaluable. They were the ones who saw potential in me when I was just starting out and gave me the opportunities to showcase my designs.
Through all the late nights, the setbacks, and the moments of doubt, these connections have been my anchor. They’ve reminded me why I started and have been key in helping me reach this point in my career. The road hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been filled with learning, growth, and an incredible network of people who’ve helped me get to where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve always been drawn to bold, colorful prints—they’re my signature. From a young age, I was captivated by how color could transform a design, turning it into something that’s not just worn but experienced. I love the energy and emotion that vibrant patterns bring to a collection. For me, designing isn’t about subtlety or blending in; it’s about making a statement and embracing the power of color. I want my designs to stand out, to grab attention, and to make people feel something—whether it’s excitement, joy, or a little bit of awe.
Over time, I’ve developed a reputation for being “over the top” or “extra” as a person and i’ve just translated hating into designs. I really do wear that label with pride. I don’t believe in playing it safe. I’m drawn to exaggeration, to layering textures and prints in unexpected ways, to pushing boundaries and redefining what’s considered “too much.” For me, fashion should be a celebration of self-expression, and I see no reason why that expression should be toned down. My aesthetic is loud, unapologetic, and completely unapologetic in its exuberance.
Being known for these bold, extravagant designs has become part of my identity as a designer. It’s a reflection of my personality—unafraid to stand out, to be seen, and to create pieces that defy the norm. In a world that often plays it safe, I want my work to be the opposite: a celebration of excess, beauty, and the power of being unapologetically extra.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success isn’t just about accolades or reaching the top—it’s about creating a lasting impact, whether that’s through your work, your voice, or your presence. It’s about leaving a mark that people notice, even if they don’t always agree with it. One of the most telling signs of success is when your name starts circulating—whether the attention is good, bad, or somewhere in between.
When people are talking about you, it means you’ve made an impression, and that in itself is powerful. Whether they love what you’re doing or criticize it, if your name is in their mouths, you’ve sparked something. Attention, especially the kind that gets people talking, is a sign that you’ve made your presence known in some way—sometimes it’s because of the risks you’ve taken, the boundaries you’ve pushed, or simply the confidence with which you stand behind your work.
I believe that if you’re being talked about—whether positively or negatively—you’re being seen. And that’s the first step toward success: visibility. People can only criticize or praise what they notice, and whether it’s praise or critique, it’s a sign you’ve made a significant enough impact to be remembered. For me, success is all about making waves and embracing the fact that not everyone has to like what you’re doing. As long as you’ve got their attention, you’re on the right path.
Pricing:
- Any gown that has been featured in a collection made can range from:
- $800 – $8,000
- For custom design pls reach out
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryanthomasdesigns.com
- Instagram: officialryanthomadesigns
Image Credits
Designs: Ryan Thomas: @officialryanthomasdesigns www.RyanThomasDesigns.com
Photographers: Daniel Taylor: @Daniel.iso, Raul Francisco @rauw._ul, D’Alfredo R’Gomez: @Dsvzion, Adrian the Photographer: @adrianthephotograher
Models: Natalie Wojo: @Natalię_wojo, Sophia Williams: @SophiaWilliamsxo, Sky Saxour: @Imnotsky, Brent Valentine: @BrentValentine.la Jaelen Kim: @Jaelen_Kim, Meiling Choy: @meiling_choy, Mary: @earthy.mary, Daniel Summer: @itsdanielsummer
