Audrey is searching for kids in the Rochester area who are doing big things.
Today she interviews eleven-year-old Ryan who has big dreams and an eye for fashion. He is in fifth grade at Churchville-Chili Middle School. He loves sushi, musicals, Disney shows, and Katy Perry. He lives with his mom, dad, and mini goldendoodle, Herman.
How long have you been interested in fashion?
As long as I can remember! When I was three years old, I asked my mom if I could wear a pair of her shoes, and it bloomed from there. I used to dress up, wear heels, and pretend to perform or walk on the runway. I loved Barbies because of their shoes, and I would modify their shoes to make them my own.
How did you get started in designing your own stuff?
I got interested because of my Meme—she has great expression with colors and patterns, and she taught me how to sew. My first project was turning cork wedges into heels. I also made a fur coat designed to hold my Nerf guns!
Who are your favorite brands or designers?
Some of my favorites when it comes to shoes are Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Salvatore Ferragamo, Katy Perry Collections, and Sophia Webster. I really appreciate classic, sophisticated clothing. Some of my favorite brands are Chanel, Dior, Prada, Alexander McQueen, and Christian Siriano.
What are some of your favorites that you designed?
I designed the bellbottoms I’m wearing now and wedges with a block heel. I modify a lot of clothes from Goodwill, and they look brand new. My first collection was called “The Beginning” with five looks using denim and fur. I sent sketches of my full shoe collection to Katy Perry Collections, and they loved them!
How did you end up meeting Katy Perry?
It was a surprise from my parents. We went to the VIP room at her show in Las Vegas, and I met her. She noticed my red feather KPC boots and style. I almost passed out! I was about to faint, but I asked if I could design for her, and she said yes!
What happened at the show?
I went on stage and went viral on Instagram and TikTok. There was a crowd of five thousand people cheering for me! People kept coming up to me after the show, asking for pictures. I’ve been in contact with her team, and Katy Perry Collections donated shoes for my first runway show.
How does it feel to walk the runway?
It feels exciting! I feel like I can be myself, and it brings out my personality. When you’re different there’s a lot of hate, but there’s more love than hate, so I learned to be myself.
I heard you were recently involved in ROC Fashion Week; can you tell me about that?
It was very stressful. I’m not normally nervous on the runway, but this was my first collection. There was a lot of pressure to get things done, and I had to do a ton of work in a span of around three months.
What are you working on now?
I’m making concepts and mood boards for the fall collection for Fashion Week Rochester. I’m working on acting. I have a manager and agent and am doing lots of auditions. I’m in acting and sewing classes. I’m going to Christian Siriano Bootcamp in NYC and Young Actors Theatre Camp in Santa Cruz, California.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I want to go to FIT [Fashion Institute of Technology, in NYC] or Cordwainers [London College of Fashion] for fashion. I’m trying to change things because most kids just wear sweatpants and Crocs. I love to dress up every day, and I want to change the kids fashion industry. I want to walk red carpets, design looks for celebrities and start my own brand.
What is your design philosophy?
I often design around the shoes. Shoes are where the story starts. I think fashion is a way to express yourself and tell the world who you are without saying a word. I don’t design to fit in, I’m classic with a twist. Wearing something you love can change your whole day. That’s why I design. You can follow Ryan on Instagram and TikTok at @UnconditionallyRyan
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of (585) Kids.
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