“We can’t imagine a cuter and more creative interpretation of the iconic Morton Salt Girl by Morgan Ryan. We love the look and also her informative and personable response to the prompt.”

–LOOKBOOK 

LB: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live.

MR: My name is Morgan Ryan. I was born and raised in Albany, New York and have since moved to Los Angeles, CA. I’m currently living in Silver Lake, a young creative neighborhood outside of Downtown LA. I live to inspire and entertain others. To me, the clearest indication of one’s well-being is their smile. Having the opportunity to breathe some life and laughter into another’s life brings me joy.

LB : What are your passions?

MR:  There are many things I’m passionate about but generally speaking they all revolve around creativity. My childhood was centered on the act of motion, which was huge for my creativity. I was enrolled in dance classes and private drawing lessons so at an early age I was already placing value on art and creativity. I’m grateful for opportunities I had growing up. I attribute my attention to detail, concept of color and composition to my childhood.

LB: How did you first become interested in fashion and why is it important?

MR: I was always into fashion but it wasn’t until I matured that it became more of a prominent influence. As a teen I was pretty shy so any form of art was an outlet for me to speak confidently. I found fashion to be my language of choice. It held this ability to speak volumes merely through a visual cue. To me that’s powerful.

LB: How do you describe the fashion scene in where you live?

MR: In Los Angeles it’s all about creating a scene. When that’s applied to fashion, anything goes. I would say it’s nothing shy of flashy eccentric mixed with bold innovation.

LB: What do you love about living in your city?

MR: It’s beauty and vastness. LA is visually stimulating and great in providing variety. I can hit the city to absorb some of its energy but I can just as easily escape to nature to find some solitude. Having so many options is refreshing. 

LB: Tell us your top 3 places to visit in your neighborhood

MR: Elysian Park, Ostrich Farm and Sunday’s Best Thrift.

LB: Tell us about your average day.

MR: I lead a holistic lifestyle so I enjoy cultivating my day around the mind-body-soul approach. My alarm usually goes off at 5:30 am, I’ll set my intention for the day and play some music as I get ready. I’ll head to work at Quixote Studios around 7:00 am and make my way home to meditate unless I have a meeting or shoot scheduled. I’ll usually end the day with some reading, free writing, cooking or yoga.

LB: Your favorite color of the moment is:

MR: Marigold.

LB: Describe your personal style.

MR: I don’t believe my style can be easily pinpointed. There are definitely traces that allude to a vintage aesthetic yet I seem to find a quirky and fresh approach to modernize it. I would say my style is classic, quirky, eccentric, fearless and playful…if it had to be labeled to a single word it would be Maverick.  

LB: Where are your favorite places to shop?

MR: For trendy yet affordable finds, I really love Zara and Asos. I’m a huge bargain shopper, however I’ll occasionally splurge on staple pieces at Nordstrom or Macy’s. For unique finds I hit up vintage or thrift shops. I think thrifting always appealed to me because it has this element of history and discovery. I was never one to look towards the mannequin to learn how to shop or dress, that seemed too easy. I always wanted to use my imagination, so I found ways to go against the grain when shopping.

LB: Who are your fashion icons?

MR: I’ve always had a lot of respect for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He would turn the blazer of his school uniform inside out so that bright lining would show. I remember thinking that was so G; it definitely inspired me to always think different. Other influencers include Lauren Bacall, Bianca Jagger, James Dean, and Iris Apfel. 

LB: The first thing you look at in another person’s outfit is:

MR: Their shoes. I think shoes say a lot about the individual. Overall, I look to see how their outfit is composed. I notice their choices. It’s a clear indication of their personality.   

LB: A fashion rule you always break:

MR: I thoroughly enjoy breaking all the so called ‘fashion faux pas.’ I’ve come to find that all the don’ts eventually become do’s because fashion comes in cycles. The fashion rule in particular I enjoy breaking is to dress your age. I think this comes down to one’s definition of age, which is subjective, and not everyone looks or acts their age.   

LB: What is the biggest fashion fiasco you’ve encountered?

MR: Honestly, nothing notable. I don’t take myself too seriously when it comes to fashion; it’s supposed to be fun.  

LB: What do you think is the most recent notable trend to appear/reappear, and what are your thoughts on it?

MR: Patched denim. I’m glad it’s coming back around, it’s very nostalgic to me having grown up during the 90’s. I love the idea of a DIY jean jacket–collecting my own patches from meaningful adventures and trips. It makes it personal and unique. I started one this year and added my first patch from my trip up to Big Sur.

LB: What is your next “must have” purchase?

MR: A classic trench coat.  

LB: What are your top five most worn or most loved items in your closet?

MR: I would have to say my denim jacket, fitted cream blazer, Nike Airs, Doc Martens, and this vintage silk scarf I tie into a bow in my hair.  

LB: What is your personal favorite outfit on Lookbook by you, and by another member?

MR: My favorite is also my most recent, ‘When It Rain’s It Pours.’ I just really feel it encapsulates where I currently am in my personal style transformation. I also really dig Mike Q’s” This is how I pose.” It’s really surreal yet effortlessly cool.   

LB: What’s on your bookshelf / playlist / movie list at the moment?

MR: Read | On The Road by Jack Kerouc, Mastery by Robert Greene. Tunes | SG Lewis, The Internet, Tom Misch, HONNE, Jaymes Young. Movies | By The Sea.

LB: Filters or #nofilter? Why?

MR: Filters. I really enjoy the process of watching a photo come alive through the editing process. It takes it up a notch.  

LB: What camera do you use?

MR: For everyday use I like my iPhone because I always have it with me. For road trips and vacations I enjoy using my 35 mm film camera. For concerts I opt for the good old disposable camera.   

LB: What can’t you live without?

MR: Confidence.  

LB: Next place you want to travel to:

MR: I would really love to go to Havana. It seems very colorful and lively, plus I love vintage cars. I would feel very inspired by that culture and type of landscape. 

LB: In 5 years, you will be:

MR: Living a simple life in Bali. I see myself immersed in the island lifestyle, surfing and being out in nature. THE M A V E R I C K MUSE is a successful brand and I handle all my projects and collaborations from the comfort of my home.  

LB: What would you say to someone seeking fashion advice or life, in general?

MR: Give yourself time. Experiment, play and refine. Try new things because it will help you find yourself. Sometimes in order to learn who you are you must learn who you are not. Be brave, be bold, break the mold. Most importantly do everything with confidence. 

LB: If you can host a contest, what kind of contest would you ask the Lookbook community to participate in?

MR: I would love to host a wanderlust inspired contest. Participants would be asked to submit a look that showcases their style influenced by their surroundings. The contestant would win a trip to explore a new city. Since Lookbook has an international community, I think it would be a great way to expand awareness. It promotes an understanding of fashion in relation to environment as well as the need to expand one’s cultural barriers.

To read my creative brief and get an inside look at my creative process behind the Morton Salt Girl costume this Halloween, head over to Lookbook to view my entry!

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Event Photography | Aaron Pryor

Event Location | Quixote Studios