Location in FLANNEL: New York City
In our latest Spotlight Q&A, we sat down with long-time friend and creative collaborator Ryan Lobo, a relationship that spans more than 15 years. Now based in New York with an international career across fashion, branding and creative direction, Ryan shares his perspective on personal style, travel, and what keeps him coming back to FLANNEL. We're currently working on our next campaign together, coming very soon!
You’ve been a fan of Flannel for a while. What do you admire about the brand?
I've admired FLANNEL since the very beginning. I first worked with Kristy over 15 years ago, and what struck me then, and still does today, is her unwavering commitment to creating clothes with integrity. FLANNEL has never chased trends. It has always had a quiet confidence and a timeless point of view that's become increasingly rare in fashion. There's an honesty to the brand that I really respect, and I think that's why it has such a loyal following.
You chose the Kale Shirt, Braxton Pant, and Joseph Slide. What drew you to these pieces?
I've always gravitated towards clothing that feels understated but beautifully considered. These pieces have that effortless quality where nothing feels over-designed, yet every detail has been thought through. The Kale Shirt has a relaxed sophistication that works almost anywhere, the Braxton Pant has a clean, modern silhouette, and the Joseph Slides feel equally at home in New York or on the coast in Australia. Together they create a wardrobe that feels timeless rather than seasonal.
Where will you wear them and what will you pair them with?
I'll mostly be wearing them around New York throughout the summer, walking between meetings, gallery visits and dinners with friends. I'll probably pair them with a hat (essential), some beads and an oversized tote and a favourite pair of sunglasses. I like clothes that can move effortlessly through the day without feeling like you've had to think too hard about them.
Can you tell us a little about your background and your connection to Australia?
Australia will always be home. I grew up there and built much of my early career there before moving to New York almost fifteen years ago. Since then I've worked across fashion, branding, creative direction and event production internationally, but Australia continues to shape how I see the world. What I miss most is the quality of light, the food, my friends and family, the humour, and that uniquely Australian ability to make things feel relaxed without compromising on quality.
FLANNEL is inspired by travel and wanderlust. Where are you headed this year, and what are three things you never travel without?
This year has already taken me between New York, Peru, Canada and Italy and Australia, and I suspect there'll be a few more trips before it's over. Three things I never travel without are my own pillow, a black t shirt and a pair of swim shorts. The pillow guarantees at least one familiar thing wherever I wake up (after a proper nights sleep), the black T-shirt is the most versatile piece in my wardrobe, and swim shorts are a reminder that if there's water nearby, I'm probably going in.