HOW MOTHERS MEETING INSPIRED RUFF & HUDDLES LUCY BRICE
‘It’s not the end it’s just the beginning’, is one of the MM quotes that seems to bounce around my head. It’s true! My journey from not mum to mum over the last 4 years has been without a doubt the hardest yet most rewarding and productive time in my life. I am now the proud mum to 2 energetic boys, Rufus, 4 and Hudson, 2 and have recently launched my newest ‘baby’ into the world - Ruff & Huddle, a childrenswear brand for kids aged 2-11 years old.
Its easy to say that the onslaught of motherhood and demands were way more of a shock that I think anyone could have casually mentioned when I was entertaining the idea of becoming a mum. Yet once graduating to ‘mum’ I felt the new weight of responsibility bought a new found empowerment that anything could be done. And on those days when the poo/sleep/tantrum balance tipped me over the edge I sought refuge with the mums of Mothers Meeting.
The energy of the sleep deprived gang got me dressed, out the house and working out at the Mothers Meeting Nike workout every week. I was also running a lot at this time, it was such an awakening to me that I started a weekly MM running group and a blog, Mummy Running. Here I documented my journey from new mum to running a marathon when my littlest was 7 months old - endorphins are a powerful thing. I used running to get out the house free off all the mum demands and it gave me time to think clearly about what I wanted to do. Never before had my time become more stretch so the time I had I wanted to be with my children so reconsidered my work life and it was then I decided to become my own boss and launched Ruff & Huddle.
Back to Mothers Meeting, not only was I meeting every week at 1948 the Nike space, but we were planning marathon trips (I joined MM on Run to the Beat and the Paris Marathon), as well as business workshops, retreat days - it was a full on ‘re-birth’ of my mind, body and soul. And when I needed to talk through my plans they were always met with positive reactions and support that I should do it - and that I did!
Through MM I have met so many inspirational mothers who I’ve worked with on Ruff & Huddle, Zakee Shariff who I collaborated with on RH designs, Jenny Lewis who photographed our look book, Thais Mendes who shot our campaign film, Carolyn Owlett who’s son Billy is the star of our campaign, Kat Kaoll who worked with us on our animation, Kyle Lonsdale who made some beanies for RH plus all the other mums who I have ran miles and miles with and those (who also happen to be some of those I run with) who I’ve danced, laughed and got drunk with. All food for the soul!
Finally, Jenny, MM Founder has to be one of my biggest hero’s. Before mum hood I knew of Jenny and it wasn’t until after the birth of my youngest MM launched. I remember thinking how cool she seemed through her social media then I met her and all my perceptions were true, she’s cool in real life too! I have never met a more energised and positive person in my life and that is infectious.
Thank you Jenny and thank you all you MM mums for making motherhood so much fun and motivating me to launch my brand, you rock.
On Wednesday, 11th September, Ruff & Huddle launched their debut AW13 collection at Selfridges. We’d like to thank everyone who attended the event, which was a great success!
London based boyswear brand Ruff and Huddle combines an adult aesthetic with a sense of childish fun.
The brand was created by parents James Suckling and Lucy Brice to provide an original sense of style for little ones with big characters and the AW13 collection includes a number of collaborations. With Fashion and Print Designer Zakee Shariff providing unique print designs and Tattooist Josh Sutterby creating one-off embroidered patches.
The collection is compiled of graphic print t-shirts, baseball tops and beanies; and by hailing varsity jackets as the hero pieces, Ruff and Huddle delivers an air of contemporary cool for all ages.
Selfridges Childrenswear buyer Jessica King comments, “The popularity of streetwear is by no means limited to menswear and womenswear and Ruff and Huddle is a great example of a brand that’s doing it really cleverly, retaining an identifiable aesthetic…” which is evident in the array of on-trend items, designed to characterize the inner rebel in every little person.
Ruff and Huddle’s debut collection for AW13 is now available instore at Selfridges.
Prices ranging from £18 to £65
Ruff & Huddle from Dan Buck Joyce - OFILMS on Vimeo.