Why actress Ruby Rose is ditching leather for denim

Why did you decide to become an actress?

I wanted to study child psychology as I wanted to help children, but then I didn’t get into psychology at university. So I decided to take an extra class to raise my grades. I also really wanted to be an actor, so I went to acting school. I grew up watching films; that was my escape and that was where I found a lot of joy and happiness. I thought I’d give it a year of studying and, if acting didn’t work out, I would hopefully get into university. I ended up getting an acting job halfway through my course and everything kind of changed from there.

What has been your favourite project to date?

They’re all different and they have all helped me grow as an actor and as a person. I’ve also made friends on every project, so it’s hard to say.

I would say the most impactful was Orange is the New Black because it opened up so many doors for me. Them believing in me and then casting me — that changed my life. So that [show] will always have a special place in my heart.

I have just finished the pilot to Batwoman. [Rose first donned Batwoman's cape in the CW series Elseworlds.] That was probably the most rewarding character that I have played because she’s so layered and we’re tackling so many real issues; it felt like a whole departure from what I’ve done in the past and a lot more responsibility. This role requires a different kind of work ethic, but I’m really really happy about it.

You are the star of the latest G-Star Raw S/S ’19 campaign. The tagline is “It’s You, Own It”. What does "owning it" mean to you?

Being true to myself, following what I believe in and leading by example.

How would you describe your style?

It’s a question I get asked a lot and [laughs] I still don’t know. [Fashion is an] extension of who you are as a person. I want to put something on to feel more like myself, not to change who I am or because it's cool.

Sometimes I wear a whole lot of colours, or maybe just a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, sometimes it’s a gown. When I put on an item of clothing or a piece of jewellery, or do something with my hair, it’s always because of a mood that I’m in and a feeling I want to express.

Fashion is so unique. I see people at red carpet events and they look absolutely breathtaking, but I know if I wore what they were wearing it would look really different. It would be like swapping your wardrobe with your best friend’s for a week; you just wouldn’t know what to do with yourself, because [style] is so personal to each individual.

What are some of your style staples?

Denim! Especially since being vegan. I used to wear leather pants, leather jackets and leather boots — and there are still things I own that have some leather components — but now I really try to wear more sustainable, plant-based things.

If you’re wearing denim and clothing that ages really well you don’t need to buy disposable clothing. You can buy a pair of jeans and have them for years and they just get better and better.

My staples would be denim shorts and jeans. I also like tank tops and flannel, because [laughs] who doesn’t love flannel?

What are your top styling tips for wearing denim?

I think with a pair of jeans you can put anything on top and feel good about it. If nothing else works, I’ll just throw on a band t-shirt with a pair of jeans and nothing can go wrong.

What are your favourite products from the new G-Star Raw S/S ' 19 collection?

There are amazing denim jackets that will go with everything and I love a great backpack.

What is your favourite item in your wardrobe this season?

Probably the 3301 Mid Boyfriend Jeans that I stole from the G-Star Raw shoot [laughs]. It definitely wasn’t theft, but I definitely was, like, “Hi, I love these, can I have them?”