The Ruffians Discuss Nail Glue, Dinner Party Musts, and More

2012 June 22

Ruffians' Brian Wolk and Claude Morais
Billy Farrell Agency View Gallery

The blokes at Ruffian threw a scrumptious and spirited din at Acme earlier this week in honor of their line of M.A.C. products: pointy, reverse-French mani-like talons and a pitch-perfect crimson lip (Ruffian Red, obvi). Chic chatted up Claude Morais and Brian Wolk about how hands-on, exactly, they were with the make-up endeavor...

So have you guys done test runs of the Ruffian goodies from M.A.C.?
Brian Wolk: Of course we have!
Claude Morais: We've played with them, we've worn the nails...it's important that we actually know what the texture of a lipstick feels like!
BW: We worked on the nail glue to make sure it was perfect.

What were you aiming for, glue-wise?
BW: We wanted to to be easy on, easy off. But the nails couldn't come off while you're making out with your boyfriend! You have to be able to tickle his hair and scratch his back. Absolutely.

What's the trickiest make-up item for you boys to test run?
BW: Nah, nothing is too difficult for us to try out! We're quite passionate about cosmetics; they really are a building block to our collections.

How so?
BW: We often start with cosmetics, shoes, and manicure. The clothing then comes after. It's because they take the longest!

What was the intended vibe at this din?
CM: We wanted to recreate when Brian and I have a party at home together, times 40 people. It's about intimacy, sharing, real time, and live music at this dinner. It's about having a good, social time and forgetting about all of your troubles and fashion drama!

How faithful were you guys to how your dinners go down at home?
CM: We do have live music, candlelight, and our best friends at home, so it was pretty accurate.
BW: It's pretty much the same. We like a bohemian atmosphere and having a singer perform is nothing new! M.A.C. asked us how we wanted the dinner to be, and this is it: they understand independent spirits. And ruffians!

Who are your favorite bohemians?
BW: Oh God, there are so many of them!
CM: Julia Nasser, Jamie Johnson, Rose McGowan...
BW: And our mentors, like John Demsey. He's a bohemian, too! Marc Jacobs as well.

Do you guys live bohemian lifestyles?
BW: You'd have to come to our apartment to understand.

Were you super involved with the delicious Acme menu?
BW: To be a Ruffian is to be a control freak, so absolutely.
CM: We come to Acme once a week, if not twice. So we wanted to cover all our favorites.

Do you have a Ruffian table here?
BW: We do have a table here, and a booth at Indochine.
CW: It's banquette number three at Indochine and at Acme, it's banquette number two.

Any rowdy nights traipsing down Lafayette Street that you'd care to share?
BW: I don't think we can...

OK! A teaser for your next collection, please.
BW: The Czar! The lost princess, Anastasia!
CM: ...and rock 'n' roll.

Which rock stars would you want to swap lives with for a day?
CM: I would be Mick Jagger.
BW: I'd be Shakespeare's sister!