Ro Brahmand | Defining Style in Motion

There are fashion creators — and then there is Ro Brahmand, the Substack sensation whose unfiltered wit and style intuition have made her one of the most intriguing voices in the digital fashion landscape. Fresh from a whirlwind October between Paris and London, Ro moves through cities like she does her wardrobe: with intention, instinct, and an uncanny ability to recognize what’s next before the rest of us can name it.
Her cult-beloved Substack Fixated has become a fashion girl’s north star; designers read it, readers cling to it, and her signature blend of cultural memory, vintage sourcing, and high-low alchemy has positioned her at the center of fashion’s new conversation. And as her travel schedule accelerates — front rows, fittings, city guides, and the kind of dinners that shape the season — Ro remains effortlessly grounded, curious, and always in search of beauty.

From Parisian cafés to London’s hidden corners, which experiences from your October travels left the deepest impression?

I went to the English countryside for the first time, and it was as magical as I expected it to be: wood-burning fires, warm coffee, cool misty air. I stayed at two incredible properties: The Bull in the Cotswolds and Kin House in Chippenham, and both were just so special.

How do Paris and London each shift your style vocabulary? Is there a look that could only happen in one city and not the other?

It’s almost impossible not to let a city’s energy, especially places like Paris and London with such strong style identities, influence the way you dress. In London, I usually end up in more black and plaid and reach for designers in my suitcase who have a slightly darker edge, like Ann Demeulemeester and Margiela. I think it’s important to hold on to your core style while still having fun with the influence of the places you visit.

You’re known for uncovering the soul of a place through its fashion. What unexpected travel discovery — a vintage den, a bakery, a street — felt like a spark this season?

Although it wasn’t a new discovery, I always end up getting lost in Le Marais in Paris. You can’t walk more than a few steps without finding an incredible vintage or archival designer shop.

Your packing videos are practically their own genre. What’s your philosophy for creating a suitcase that’s both edited and expressive?

I typically do a mini “style out” before a trip, where I pull everything from my closet and start to put looks together. It helps to minimize the risk of overpacking, although I still do it anyway. It’s shoes and bags that always get me. I’m in LA currently for five days and packed thirteen pairs of shoes.

Which three pieces are non-negotiable travel companions, no matter the season or the destination?

You have to have a good pair of flats, a great pair of blue denim, and ideally a v-neck cashmere sweater.

Fixated has become essential reading for the fashion-obsessed. How does travel influence the stories, references, and moodboards you craft there?

Travel constantly refreshes my eyes. Every city has its own rhythm and visual language. Sometimes it’s the way people dress, sometimes it’s the energy of a hotel lobby or the palette of a neighbourhood. I also find myself reinspired by certain brands when I’m in the context of specific cities. When I was in London most recently, I fell back in love with Vivienne Westwood, and I don’t think I would have felt that same connection if I hadn’t been in a place so tied to her history. Needless to say, the following vintage sourcing series on Fixated had a whole lot of Vivienne on the list.

You have a gift for weaving vintage into your modern looks. What’s your strategy for hunting the perfect vintage piece abroad?

I rarely go into an afternoon of vintage shopping with a specific piece in mind. I usually have a fabric, pattern, or colour fixation (right now it’s teal blue) and focus more on finding those elements. When I come across something in the exact teal blue I’m obsessed with, and it fits, and the proportions are right… That’s when it feels exciting.

What’s the greatest vintage find you’ve scored recently — the kind that makes you gasp a little when you see it?

My dark grey Dolce & Gabbana leather trench. I found her in Paris, and I love her with my whole entire heart.

For travellers who want to look polished with minimal effort, what’s your formula for an “instant outfit”?

A well-tailored wool coat, a pair of flats, a great white tee, a cashmere v-neck, and a pair of blue jeans that fit perfectly and make you feel amazing.

You travel constantly — what beauty staples live in your carry-on and never leave it?

I actually have a little carry-on cosmetic bag that never gets unpacked and is always stocked and ready to go for my next flight. Farah Homidi face compact, Rhode lip liner in Balance, Prada Beauty lip balm, my Sidia solid perfume, and my Dior Beauty eye patches.

What’s your in-flight skincare ritual when you’re facing long hours and even longer days on arrival?

111skin sheet masks, Tower28 SOS spray, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, and the Tatcha Water Cream.

You’ve just had a major season — dressed by Hermès for their SS26 show, and major campaigns rolling out through the holidays. How do these global fashion moments shape your personal style?

I’ve never been someone with a strict, staple wardrobe. I’ve always loved dressing for the different versions of myself that show up in my life. Being invited into a brand’s universe is exciting because you get to interpret their world through your own lens. Moments like the Hermès show are so fun because they introduce new references into my wardrobe.

You’ve become known for your fashion hot takes. What trend are you championing for 2025, and what trend are you ready to lovingly retire?

I have an unwavering affinity for animal print. I know it’s everywhere, but I never get tired of it.
I haven’t been loving sneakers lately. Prada, Jacquemus, and Dries did great sneakers this year, but other than that, I can’t say I’m a fan. I could also easily go without seeing another polka dot print.

Your life and your work are deeply intertwined with travel. Where’s next — the city calling your name right now?

Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro are at the very top of the list.

Ro’s Holiday Rules

Your go-to spa treatment after a long-haul flight?

A Biologique Recherche bespoke facial.

Favourite hotel in the world — the one that feels like your style twin?

Palm Heights, Cayman Islands.

Bucket-list destination you’re manifesting for 2025?

Tokyo.

The chicest thing you’ve ever ordered from room service?

Skinny margaritas and fries.

One accessory that instantly makes any outfit vacation-ready?

A really great pump.

The city with the best people-watching for style inspiration?

Paris.

Your signature scent when you travel — or the one you always buy at duty-free?

This is hard. I love so many. Angels Share by Kilian Paris. Almost Dawn Burned Orange by Bottega. Bois Talisman by Dior.

A statement piece you pack just for fun?

My new Lisa Yang chunky woven knit cardigan.

Your secret to feeling chic, even mid-journey?

Rhode lip liner and Dior Beauty eye patches. And gum.

One travel ritual that always puts you in your fashion-girl era?

I always make a playlist before I travel. Music anchors me in a moment, and certain songs instantly take me back to the places where I first listened to them. Creating that soundtrack before I leave sets the tone for the trip and always puts me in the right headspace.