We just love beautiful designs. Even more so when they are functional. Meet Ruth Rankin, who uses her hands to destress, find her flow and create lovely things.
From an early age Ruth Rankin had a passion for creating beautiful things with her hands. She found solace in patterns, bits of fabric and lace discarded by her equally creative mum. Today, as a skilled designer, illustrator and the creative force behind South African fashion design and illustration brand Ruth Samaai Designs, she’s making her art accessible to others not just to admire, but also to use in their daily lives.
In her studio in Cowies Hill, Ruth (36) handcrafts women’s clothing and accessories, uses her art and illustrations on mugs and cushion covers and makes functional items. She does this between being a full-time mum to two bright and busy lads, Matthew, who is seven, and four-year-old Joel.
“I love working with my hands. I also love that creating art is an expression that brings joy not only to the artist, but to the person receiving or appreciating it.”
As a child, Ruth spent hours sitting at her mum’s feet watching her sew clothing for her and her siblings and make miniature outfits for her dolls. She’d engross herself in the offcuts and draw dresses that she envisioned her dolls wearing.
“My mum kept these drawings and when my parents realised I had a flare for art, they sent me for lessons to develop my skill. I continued to pursue my love for illustration and design, which led me to study fashion design at the Durban University of Technology. There I was exposed to different mediums of illustration styles and design.”
After completing her studies, Ruth headed to the very cosmopolitan Middle East where she found work as a visual merchandiser in Bahrain. Surrounded by an urban modern culture that was minimalist, edgy and experimental, glamorous chic and so much more, she fell in love with fashion and all its equally beautiful accessories. Ruth developed her own customer base and began crafting fascinators and creating leather and beaded jewellery on demand.
“One of the biggest highlights in my career was showcasing a clothing collection at the Bahrain Fashion Week”. And Ruth was one of two designers chosen by South African fashion designer David Tlale to intern with him for a year in Johannesburg.
“My internship with David was a huge stepping stone for my career and created many brilliant opportunities to travel. I showcased my personal clothing collections at the Mercedes-Benz Joburg Fashion Week A/W 2014 under the banner, David Tlale – The Intern, as well as at The Durban Fashion Fair. I also had the privilege of travelling with David to New York to work on his NY Fashion Week show.”
Since then Ruth has gained industry experience, collaborated with South African celebs, including award winning musician Holly Rey. As a designer, she specialises in bespoke occasion wear like wedding gowns, matric dresses and created ready-to-wear collections.
“I love detail. Handwork and embellishing are really things I enjoy, so my love for creating jewellery was quite a natural progression from clothing, plus I love a good statement accessory. I work a lot with leather and wooden beads for my accessories, and feathers and jewels for headbands and fascinators. I make simple pieces but always include a point of interest and detail, regardless of the item.”
With her focus on her children, Ruth has slowly started moving away from clothing design but still takes on dress commissions for special occasions.
“My husband, Gareth, and I made a decision that I would be a stay-at-home mum while our kids are young. Slowing down with my clothing design opened the door for me to make jewellery and, as the boys have grown more independent, spend more time painting.”
Ruth has been successful in showcasing her work in prestigious art galleries including Durban’s KZNSA, which has been home to her creations since 2018. She’s since expanded her product offering to include her art that is not there only to be admired.
Inspired by different elements of nature, earthy tones, natural colours, and the female silhouette, Ruth creates delicate and contrasting art.
“I have built up my portfolio over the years. I sketch in pencil and enjoy working with watercolour paints. Some illustrations are designed specifically to be used for stationery or mugs and some are commissions. There are others that are purely done because I felt inspired. My jewellery work is all hand cut and not mass produced.”
The unconventional illustrations adorning her mugs and scatters are reflective of her passion. The mugs make beautiful gifts for coffee and tea lovers… or a lovely feature for flowers or even stationery holders.
“I am blessed to be my own boss, but equally blessed to have an amazing husband and family who support me. My parents are very hands on. My mum sews, my sister helps with my administration and Gareth gives good business advice. My days are like most mums, morning drop offs and afternoon pick-ups with designing, production and trying to get through the laundry basket in between.”
Ruth says she is excited about making illustration a key element in her brand. There are other avenues with illustration that she would also like to explore, but all in good time.
Details: Ruth’s jewellery is being showcased at the KZNSA Gallery’s local-only Christmas fair, BUZZART22 which runs until February 15. You can find all of her creations on FB: Ruth Samaai Designs and IG: @ruthsamaai
Photos: Lluwellyn du Sart
