David Ruff: Living (and Loving!) The Ruff Life
With over 110K Instagram followers, teen influencer David Ruff’s aesthetically-stunning feed includes posts about his favorite beauty products, social gatherings, and fashion statements. Oh, and did I mention, he’s interviewed Kim Kardashian’s makeup artist Sir John for his blog, Roughly Ruff?! I am so happy that I got the chance to interview Ruff about his rapidly rising success. Check out our talk below to see what he has to say about his personal style, his love of New York Fashion Week, and the one beauty must-have if he was stranded on a desert island
When did you start your blog and why did you decide to start it?
I started my blog last February (over a year ago, which is crazy!) for a myriad of reasons. I always posted "cool" things on Instagram whether it be my outfits or a thoroughly edited photo, such that my following grew amongst my friends and their friends and their friends and so on. I soon realized I loved creating content for topics that I was interested in and thought, why not just make a central place to kind of plaster everything I have to say about my life, as well as the industries that I constantly am enthralled by?
What message are you trying to convey to your blog’s subscribers?
The main message of my blog is to conduct a "Ruff life." I think what’s cool about that is it isn't mutually exclusive to one aspect of my blog or lifestyle--people can choose what part of the blog sticks with them the most and become inspired by that. Authenticity is also a big part of my brand and who I am.
Which is your favorite topic to blog about: fashion, beauty, art, lifestyle, or food?
Beauty definitely is the topic that I have the most knowledge about. The cool thing about beauty is that there are many angles to look at it from, and you can back it all up by science. Beauty isn't just opinion--facts are facts. With fashion, I love creating outfits and all, but at the same time, telling someone that a pair of jeans looks good with a white t-shirt isn’t really any different from any other fashion blogger or any more valuable. Beauty is more self-involved for the content creator and the consumer.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one beauty or skin care product you couldn’t live without?
Ugh, that is such a hard question! I have bins and bins of beauty products so that is like asking a parent to chose his or her favorite child! Although if I had to decide, it would probably be Ellis Brooklyn's Myth Fragrance. I am totally obsessed with that brand and especially that scent. And let's face it, if I was trapped on an island and unable to shower, I might as well smell nice!
How would you describe your personal style?
I think I’m still developing my own personal style. Since I’m only sixteen, I feel like I’m still experimenting with my clothing. Of course, I am not in a funky neon stage like I was during most of elementary school, but I definitely can define my favorite items as black skinny jeans, any leather Chelsea boot, a cool pair of sunnies, and a comfy sweater (all neutrals).
What is your favorite spring beauty trend that you think everyone should embrace?
I’m not really a trend person--my philosophy is to go by what you like despite popularity.
What is your favorite Fashion Week show you have ever attended?
Probably the La Perla fashion show last February. Kendall Jenner, Naomi Campbell, and a ton of Victoria Secret models walked the show in couture pieces. The whole show was decked out like a castle, and all the clothes were either gold or encrusted with pearls. Everything was shiny and sexy!
What are your future plans for your blog?
Now that I have truly transformed my blog into a brand and business, I am going to continue to expand. I rarely ever do sponsored content due to the lack of authenticity, but I am currently talking to a few of my favorite skincare companies for a contractual partnership, so that should be fun and interesting!
