✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
R&M Leathers is making kinky leather looks poppy and glowy, like Olivia Rodrigo’s tour outfits. Designer Ruby Mariani turns leather into second skin, blending music and fashion with a rockstar flair.
Okay but like WHY is no one talking about the leather looks that make pop stars literally glow? Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts tour set? Yep, that was R&M Leathers. Purple, red, black—same pieces, same vibe, but somehow she’s still not sweating. How? Ruby Mariani, the designer behind the magic, says it’s all about fit. “I made up a lot of the techniques to make leather work with the body,” she says. Like, how? Well, she’s basically a leather alchemist—molding it like clay, turning it into second skin.
Her journey started in Perth, where her musician dad brought her to rock gigs as a kid. She’d study materials like a rock dictionary (peroxide hair, fringe) and get obsessed with the look before the music. Then she went to school, learned to mold leather, and ended up in London interning for a fetish shoemaker. “It’s like woodworking,” she says. “You can do it yourself, and I like that.” Fast-forward to now, and she’s the go-to for pop stars who want leather that’s soft, feminine, and still got that edge.
She’s redefining kinkwear by adding frills, lace, and even hearts. Think lambskin maid minidresses, marabou-and-leather bodysuits (no bra cup, by the way), and studded thongs with a heart on the front. Her latest collection, Leather in Love, is all about balancing sweet and severe. She worked with stylist Gerry O’Kane to merge vintage vibes with modern flair—think teddy bears, chocolate boxes, and furry catsuits with pom-poms. “It’s not just sexy,” she says. “It’s fun.”
Her clients? Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, Julia Fox, and Addison Rae. She’s not just making leather—she’s creating experiences. “The longer you wear it, the better it fits,” she says. And yes, it’s all handmade, which means longer lead times and higher prices, but she’s not complaining. “People can appreciate the time and craftsmanship.”
💫 – Her bespoke process means every piece is custom-made, taking time but resulting in something truly unique.
KEY POINTS: – R&M Leathers blends softness with leather, creating pieces that feel like a hug but still got that edge. – Her bespoke process means every piece is custom-made, taking time but resulting in something truly unique. – She’s redefining kinkwear by merging vintage aesthetics with modern pop culture, making it accessible and playful.
CLOSE: So who’s your favorite pop star with a killer leather look? Drop your fave in the comments—let’s vibe over some real fashion magic.
❓ People Also Ask
What makes R&M Leathers’ kinkwear unique?
R&M Leathers uses custom techniques to mold leather like clay, creating a second-skin fit that enhances movement and comfort, setting it apart from traditional leather designs.
How did Ruby Mariani get into designing kinkwear?
Inspired by her musician dad’s rock gigs, she studied materials and focused on the look, eventually learning leather molding and launching her brand in London.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇