That Cool Blonde You Always See at The Odeon Makes Elite Jeans.
Rùadh Designer Jac Cameron talks denim, Bemmelman's, and Britpop.
The clip of designer Jac Cameron’s Scottish accent aligns perfectly with her honed blonde bob. Today, she’s a true New Yorker in every sense, but she spent the first 20 years of her life on a farm outside Glasgow. For that, you could say she’s a cultivator of resilience.
Her new line is called RÙADH (pronounced “roo-ah”), a word that means “red” in Scottish Gaelic. It’s a feisty color Jac chose for its proximity to strength. That sturdiness informs her denim work, where themes of heft and durability are a creative baseline.
The clothes are sensory and pragmatic but sculptural — wise to how jeans can shape and manipulate the body. These are foundational pieces: a high-rise pair cut from perfectly washed Japanese denim, inky black trouser jeans in a rigid regenerative cotton, a perfectly constructed soft popover, a statuesque field coat, and a handful of other well-articulated pieces.
Rùadh starts at the beginning rather than jumping into the middle of the story, taking its time without rushing to explain who it is. But Jac is no beginner. Her fingerprints are all over the industry, and she has worked across many major brands for decades (she was Calvin Klein’s global denim director). You likely have her work in your closet, hiding behind a label like Alex Mill, Madewell, or AYR.
But RÙADH is singularly hers. It’s not a new chapter; it’s an entirely new book. And as the story continues to roll out (she’s looking at Scottish handknit sweaters next), it will build on the pieces she began with — where every wardrobe should begin, really: with a great pair of jeans.
Jess Graves: How would you describe your personal style?
Jac Cameron: I've always been a pretty casual dresser; growing up in the countryside in Scotland, the uniform was jeans and wool sweaters, which never changed much since moving to New York! I spent time on Saville Row while getting my fashion degree in London, so I have a passion for good tailoring, where I developed a love for craft. A beautifully tailored blazer or coat is an investment piece for life and can elevate any outfit.
JG: Tell me about launching Rùadh and where you see it going in 2025.
JC: Rùadh is a very personal collection that draws from my heritage and expertise. Having worked in the industry for about twenty years, I wanted to bring this collection to life by using incredible craftsmanship, sourcing ethically, and producing in small batches. Rùadh celebrates discreet sensuality, subversive femininity, and purposeful design. With this focus, I hope to rethink traditional ready-to-wear.
In 2025, we have some exciting partnerships and plans to explore pop-ups overseas. As I mentioned above, the collection will expand into other categories, including non-denim, offering our customers a fuller head-to-toe collection from which to shop. The focus will continue to be tight and made in small batches in factories that share our sustainability goals.
JG: What should be in my cart right now from the line?
JC: The Remi jacket and the Quinn jeans, but be quick because both are almost sold out!
JG: You’ve told me that music is therapeutic for you and integral to your creative process. What album, playlist, or song has captivated you lately?
JC: I play music almost all day long. It's a creative stimulant, so when I design, I do my best with a great playlist in the background. I grew up listening to Britpop and loved Pulp, Blur, Oasis, etc. I’ve loved jazz for the last few years, but I'm always listening to something new. A few songs I have had on repeat are “Police Scanner” by the Chanel Beads, “Synthesize Me” by The Space Lady, “The Gun” by Lou Reed, and “Just Stand There” by Fred Again.
JG: You’re well known, but within the industry. As a consultant, you’ve typically been more behind the scenes. Why this pivot right now?
JC: I’ve enjoyed working with so many great brands lately, but when working with another brand, you must design something that fits their vision of fashion and their client. I found myself getting the itch to do my own thing. It’s not really a “pivot” as much as a chance to express my own vision, not just for fashion but for other things that I think are important, like sustainability and craft, and also to interact with the women I design for, which I have always loved.
JG: I get that. The women around me inspire me so much as well, especially in New York, where everyone is so unapologetically themselves. How does living here influence your work?
JC: New York is a constant source of inspiration. I love nothing more than an afternoon at the galleries or strolling Central Park, dipping into Bemelmans for a cocktail. Over the last few years, I have gained a new appreciation for my homeland and felt that this brand was a great way to express the intersection of Scotland and New York. And have a little fun with it. I like to think the versatility of the clothing speaks to a New York wardrobe, and those little flourishes of Scotland come through in the imagery and the styling. We also shot our first campaign in Elgin, Scotland. There is nice synergy in that.
JG: Bemmelman’s is a favorite; we need to go and bring ! Where else do you like to haunt?
JC: The Odeon is a classic; I'm probably there about two to three times a week as I am lucky enough to live around the corner from it! I’ve been a vegetarian since my youth, and I'm a fan of the Vegetarian Nicoise salad with a side of fries and a glass of Sancerre. I like to think it's the best people-watching in New York!
JG: You’re invited to a dinner party. What gift are you bringing the host?
JC: A Byredo candle in “Bibliothèque” scent.
JG: How do you overcome a creative block?
JC: If I'm feeling low on creativity, a trip further afield will usually give me a boost of inspiration. Shaking up your routine with a trip can help break a period of low output. Working with new fabrics, hardware details I want to develop, or a new factory with exceptional craftsmanship abilities is always a great jumping-off point and incredibly inspiring.
JG: We’re on the cusp of a new year! What's on your travel docket for 2025? What are you packing?
JC: Of course, I love to travel to places of inspiration like Paris, London, and Copenhagen. Still, I also like to be involved in every stage of creating fashion, from sourcing fabric to manufacturing. As a result, I have quite a few production trips planned to check on Rùadh’s product being made - first off back to LA, where I make all of my denim in a smart factory, then to Scotland as I am developing sweaters for Fall 2025 in Hawick near the Scottish borders, where my mother grew up. I would also like to visit Portugal, where our t-shirts are made, and Italy, where I am sourcing hardware and tailoring. On my personal list of places to visit is Mexico City for art and inspiration, Greek Island hopping on a boat, and a spiritual retreat hiking in Bhutan.
I love to pack light, but I usually end up with a checked bag, sometimes two. In my suitcase are jeans, it doesn't matter where I am going or the temperature of the climate I am flying to, I will always bring denim. Light layers for cold nights. A short heel of some sort —my new favorites are Toteme’s ankle boot in embossed croco, an easy flat that you can wear with literally anything. And, of course, toasty sweaters.
JG: What is the most crucial aspect of running your business?
JC: Staying close to the customer, having a strong product vision, and a clear brand identity are critical aspects of building the business. At Rùadh, I have surrounded myself with a strong team that I trust and respect implicitly and that shares and believes in the company's mission.
JG: What's your advice for someone who finds entrepreneurship difficult or lonely?
JC: There’s nothing more exciting than building something that succeeds, and at the same time, nothing as lonely along the journey. Be prepared for both, and try to learn from each step. There’s a whole support group out there from people who have been in your shoes. Find them. And don’t forget to pay that forward.
JG: I always ask creative people this because the answer is consistently off-the-wall and wonderful. What do you collect?
JC: Tiny vintage wooden stools! My grandfather was a woodworker, and he made me a small wooden stool with my name carved on the leg when I was born. My husband thinks this is where the obsession began, and they’ve now proliferated around our apartment…
JG: I end this interview with the same question for everyone. Describe your perfect Sunday.
JC: Early morning stroll through Central Park with my husband and our mini dachshund off-leash (Ed. note: dogs are allowed off-leash in Central Park before 9 am), a quick bite at The Mark, home to tidy up and read books in the bathtub.
Tear Sheet: Jac Cameron, RÙADH
Instagram: @ruadhnyc
Website: https://www.ruadh.com/
Reading recs for holiday break: The Shadow of the Wind, The Bee Sting, The Women
A beauty secret: Get an IV drip before flights, and you'll get off the plane on the other side feeling revitalized!
Words to live by: Lead with your heart and operate with integrity. Your gut is never wrong.
I’ve never heard of this brand before- great intro! Following her now!
Thanks for introducing me to this brand! As someone who studied denim I always love seeing new brands appear with their own aesthetics 🩵