Ruby Hammer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 December 1961 |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | BA (Hons) Economics |
| Alma mater | City University London |
| Occupation(s) | Fashion and beauty makeup artist, entrepreneur, columnist |
| Known for | Co-founded Ruby & Millie cosmetics brand |
| Spouse(s) | George Hammer (1985–1999) Martin Kuczmarski (2009–present) |
| Partner(s) | Martin Kuczmarski (2004–2009) |
| Children | Reena Hammer (daughter) |
| Website | www |
Ruby Hammer, MBE (born 10 December 1961) is a Nigerian-born British internationally acclaimed fashion and beauty makeup artist,[1] columnist, co-founder of Ruby & Millie, and co-founder and director of Scarlett & Crimson cosmetics brand.[2]
Hammer was born to Bangladeshi parents, in Nigeria,[3] where her father was a doctor.[4] She emigrated with her family to Britain at the age of 13. Her parents intended to return to Bangladesh, (which was known as East Pakistan at the time), but the Bangladesh Liberation War broke out there while they were on holiday in England.[3]
In 1984, Hammer graduated from City University London with a BA (Hons) in Economics.[5]
In 1998, Hammer teamed up with beauty publicist Millie Kendall to create the Ruby & Millie cosmetics brand, sold exclusively in Boots pharmacies nationwide.[6] It became one of the most innovative brands to be launched in the international beauty industry in decades and was the first major UK cosmetics brand to launch in 30 years. In August 1998, the first Ruby & Millie site was opened in Harvey Nichols Leeds, and London.[7]
Hammer has created looks for the world’s top photographers, runways for the most influential designers, including John Galliano, Jasper Conran and Ghost, and worked on photo shoots for fashion publications such as Vogue, Elle, Red, Harpers and Queen, Bazaar and Marie Claire. She is regularly quoted on trends, beauty tips and advice.[2][8][9]
In December 2002, at the launch of the British Asian Fashion Awards held at The Clothes Show, Hammer received a special presentation of the very first award. The Outstanding Individuals Award, which pays tribute to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to the British Asian or mainstream fashion industry, recognised the leading make-up artist and co-founder of cosmetics brand Ruby & Millie, for the distinct role she has carved for herself in the fashion and beauty industry over the past ten years.[10]
Hammer worked on advertising campaigns and televisions commercials for international brands such as Oil of Olay, Pantene and Head & Shoulders. She has been asked to launch products, advise on new looks and train personnel for Estee Lauder, Clarins, Clinique, Aveda and Revlon.[6] Her TV credits include The Clothes Show, BBC Style Challenge, Britain's Next Top Model, GMTV, This Morning and 10 Years Younger, where she was the resident makeup artist for 3 series.[6]
In December 2009, Ruby & Millie launched teen cosmetics range ‘Scarlett and Crimson.’[11] In September 2011, Hammer launched launch the cosmetics beauty gifting range, “Ruby Hammer Recommends,” exclusive to Debenhams.[12][13][14]
Since March 2012, Hammer has also been a beauty columnist for Easy Living magazine.[15]
In 2007, Hammer was awarded an MBE, for contribution to the cosmetics industry.[5]
In 1985, Hammer married Polish beauty entrepreneur George Hammer.[3] In 1999, they were divorced.[1]
In May 2004, her ex-husband married Lebanese housewife Nemri Najdi.[16] In May 2009, Hammer married Italian-Polish hotelier Martin Kuczmarski after dating for 5 years.[17]
She has a daughter, Reena (born 1987), who is a Creative Director for Urban Retreat Beauty Salons. Between 2004 to 2012, Reena Hammer was romantically linked to actor and model, Jonathan Rhys Meyers.[18][19][20][21]
Hammer can speak fluent Bengali, Hausa (Northern Nigerian dialect), and Hindi.[7]