THE ART OF APPAREL WITH RICH AINSWORTH

Can you introduce yourself for those who may not have come across your page on Instagram?

I’m Rich, I’m an illustrator and I grew up on The Wirral before moving down south with my girlfriend in 2019. Most of my work is fashion based as that’s my biggest passion other than supporting Everton and collecting vinyl. I occasionally do work based on sports, films and culture and have done commissions for a number of brands.

When did you start your Instagram page and what did you expect when you first started posting your menswear looks and illustrations?

I started my Instagram page when I was 17 but mainly posted pictures of me and my mates, football stadiums I’d been to and gigs. I started posting illustrations and rig outs in 2020 during the first lockdown and never really had any expectations… it was just a way of expressing myself. It’s turned out to be a hobby that I massively enjoy and has led to a couple of collaborations which I never saw coming – it’s been an amazing journey so far.

Have you always been into fashion?

My love for fashion began when I got my first season ticket at Goodison Park when I was 12. I started noticing all the older lads wearing the casual classics such as Stone Island and CP Company and the like. The whole culture of going the game, that’s where it all began for me. So, yeah fashion has always been a massive part of my life.

How did you first come across Admiral Sporting Goods Co.?

I’ve been a huge fan of Admiral since their early work on classic football kits. More recently I came across one of their sweats after Cedoceltic posted a photo on their Instagram – it was cool to see Admiral going for something different and branching out. It’s a brand I hugely admire.

What do you like most about the ASGco. pieces you've picked up? Anything you’re looking to get pick-up soon?

My favourite pieces are the Chartwell Quarter Zip and the Stretton Sweatpants. For me, comfort is the most important thing and both items tick that box perfectly. The quality has really impressed me and I’ll certainly be going back for more – I’m thinking something from the 6876 collaboration.

What are you following on Instagram at the moment? Do you have any favourite fashion influencers?

At the moment, my Instagram feed is full of Japanese and Korean brands which are proving hard to find in the UK! Luckily some of them are now being stocked in a couple of stores around the UK. A particular shout out to This Thing of Ours in Manchester for sourcing some great brands from this part of the world. Fashion-wise, I get lots of inspiration from the likes of tomamadeus, ealingman, hida_sho and princecharlzz.

We're a big fan of your illustrations. Is this what you do for a career?

Sadly not. I hope to be a full-time illustrator one day, that’s the dream since it never really feels like work. 

Are there any Instagram illustrators that have influenced your designs?

I try to put my own stamp on everything I do. There are a few illustrators that have inspired me to try different styles and others that I have become good friends with and we share feedback and tips on how to improve. Me and deliberatedindifference are always going back and forth discussing new ideas and helping each other out. That’s one of the joys of Instagram, the people you meet and become friends with through sharing similar interests like illustration.

When you’re not getting looks together and illustrating for Instagram, what other things do you get up to?

Me and my girlfriend moved to the South in 2019 but haven’t been able to explore as much as we’d like because of the pandemic. Now that we’re free again, most weekends are spent roaming around the capital or trekking through Surrey downs. Other than that, most of my spare time is spent following Everton up and down the country, going to gigs and collecting vinyl.