Matches fashion founder Ruth Chapman on the beauty oil she swears by, her easy style secret and reverting to a Nokia 3310
Ruth, 56, is co-founder of Matchesfashion.com. She lives in Wimbledon with her husband Tom, their youngest daughter and two dogs
The first thing I do when I wake up is check in with the kids, though they’re grown-up (25, 23 and 19). The two eldest are studying in the US, so I like to keep in touch with them by text.
I meditate, then Tom and I have breakfast, usually almond milk, fruit, and either an egg with buckwheat toast or granola, which I buy in from an amazing café in Paris.
While Tom heads to work, I walk our dogs on Wimbledon Common (we have George, a silly Labrador, and Dusty, a smart Jack Russell), and then dress for the day. I have a simple philosophy when it comes to getting ready: I wear trousers and shirts in cooler weather and live in dresses when it gets warmer. I tend to wear my friends’ brands (Duro Olowu, Roksanda and Gabriela Hearst). For skincare, I like to wear an antioxidant treatment, SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic, and black rose oil by Sisley, which leaves my skin feeling dewy.
I spend most of my days in meetings. I sold Matches last September, and since then I’ve been working as an advisor to the company. I am also involved with the British Fashion Council and often travel for work, so I spend my evenings refuelling.
If I get a moment alone, I’ll spend it reading. I’ve recently finished How To Break Up with Your Phone by Catherine Price, which was fantastic. I’ve just bought a basic Nokia 3310, which doesn’t allow me to download email or Instagram. I leave my main mobile at work, so I don’t get distracted in the evenings.
Saying that, I’ve started to use the alarm on my phone to remind me when it’s bedtime. I’m trying to go to bed earlier, but invariably I end up chatting or getting distracted!
Ruth has been nominated for this year’s Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award
Ruth's must haves:
I couldn’t live without...Flat shoes. Right now I’m wearing Prada’s velvet slides. £460 Prada
My go-to designer is…Duro Olowu. I love the fit of his dresses and buy one each season. £1,006 Farfetch
My staple beauty buy is...This Works hand cream. I use it every morning and evening. £18 This Works
I never leave the house without…My Lutz Morris bag. It’s such a good size. £875 Matches Fashion
My kitchen-cupboard essential…Granola Fruits from Parisian shop Maisie Café – I buy it in bulk. £6.88 maisieshop
My Style Icon is...Livia Firth, head of Eco-Age. She only buys clothes when she really wants or needs them. Inspiring.
Ruth's tips for making your day more zen:
1. Get masses of sleep.
2. Doing nothing is very underrated!
3. Be brave and confident, and if you want something, just go for it.
4. Be kind to everybody – this makes life prettier and a lot more fun.
5. Get a dog! They’re fun, relaxing and get you exercise outdoors.
