Ruffians Shoreditch x The Outsider Motorcycle Club

Collaborations, they’re everywhere at the moment. It’s a great way for likeminded brands to gain some extra exposure and create some exciting, mutually beneficial partnerships. From the seemingly natural (Nike and Travis Scott) to the frankly bizarre (Crocs and Kentucky Fried Chicken), collaboration has become a vital part of many brands masterplan. 

Not wanting to be left behind, Ruffians has always championed a good collab. In the past we’ve teamed up with international grooming brands, Scandi clothiers and American whiskey makers to name but a few. However, for our latest alliance we’ve stayed much closer to home. 

Shoreditch local Richie has been popping into his local barbershop since the day it opened, sometimes for a trim up but more often for a coffee and a chat with the barbers. His trademark look is effortlessly distinctive and well put together; vintage leather biker jackets, band tees, skull-themed jewellery and black creepers. Chuck in a vintage push bike with horns and you know when Richie has arrived! 

With his individual sense of style, we were unsurprised to hear that his background is rooted in fashion. Having cut his teeth working for some of the industry’s biggest names, Richie set up his own company - Outsider Motorcycle Club - a few years back. When we heard that he’d called time on his bricks and mortar store in Hackney it felt natural that he should be able to peddle his wares somewhere just as familiar; our shop. 

So, next time you’re in for a haircut or beard trim, or if you just happen to be walking past, don’t be surprised to see a wide selection of the jackets, tees and accessories that Outsider Motorcycle Club - and Richie himself - has become renowned for. 

We recently took the time to chat to the man himself, to get some background info on how he got to where he is today and why Ruffians felt like a good fit. This is what he had to say:

Tell Us About Your Fashion Background, What Lead You To Set Up OMC?

It all began many years ago from humble beginnings working as a Sales Assistant at the now defunct Woodhouse in Covent Garden. I loved chatting to the customers about their favourite brands, whether it was Stone Island or Dolce & Gabbana. It was great seeing them leave the shop with something that they really liked; you could almost see their confidence levels lift as they walked out the door! 

From there it was onwards and upwards, culminating in being the Head Stylist at Ozwald Boateng on Savile Row. 

Throughout my journey I always got a buzz out of giving the best advice I could, but after more than a decade in the industry I decided it was time to do my own thing. I chose to sell only items that I myself would wear, so it feels genuine and there’s satisfaction in sourcing and passing on every piece. 

Do You Think There Is Common Ground Between Ruffians And OMC?

Yeah, totally, we’re both here to make guys feel better about themselves and give them the tools to grow in confidence. 

Also, it’s about building a community where we can come together and support one another in a place that everyone feels comfortable. 

You’re a Shoreditch local, what are your top recommendations if your coming to the area?

There are so many good spots around the area these days, it’s hard to choose. In Shoreditch itself I love sitting outside Allpress Coffee on Redchurch Street with a long black, and if I’m out for a smart dinner or a date I’ll head to Nobu for amazing sushi. If I were staying overnight it’d have to be The 100 Hotel on Shoreditch High Street, ending the night with a cocktail on the roof terrace. 

Slightly further afield I like to spend my money on vinyl at Rough Trade or All Edges Records and I can often be found listening to some live music at Helgi’s Bar on Mare Street in Hackney, just down the road from my old shop. 

If you could sell one of your trademark leather jackets to anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

It’s a toss up between Lenny Kravitz and Jimi Hendrix. 

If you could give one piece of fashion advice to people what would it be?

Just enjoy it. Don’t think about it too much, just wear what you like and be you. 

If you want to know more about Outsider Motorcycle Club then why not take a look at their Instagram account “theoutsidermc”.