Describe a typical working day:I start absolutely every day with a walk past Bondi Beach and a quick work out or yoga session. It is vital to keep your mind and body active and energized, especially when you need to stay on the ball all day long. I spend a great deal of time responding to a good few hundred emails a day, usually on the go from my blackberry. During market my Assistant Buyer and I travel through back to back showroom appointments, engaging with designers and their sales people and viewing their collections. We return to our desk with a mountain of look books ready to write up our selections. I supervise all photo-shoots, which are always a lot of fun, ensuring that all styling represents our direction and appeals to our loved clients. I spend a lot of the day working closely with our Customer Service team, in order to establish customer feedback and how we can always improve it. Our fantastic PR team at Sweaty Betty PR are always keeping me on my toes with exciting new ideas and working with them is a pleasure. When the night begins to take over the day I shift my focus to our overseas vendors in New York, London and Europe. Discussing many things such as new brands, upcoming deliveries and exclusive arrangements.
For those looking to get into buying, especially for an online store, what advice could you give?
It is very important to understand your market. Any career in the fashion industry requires a lot of background work, research and experience in order to succeed. The Fashion industry is an extremely inspiring and creative place to work, I advise those looking to get involved to not cut corners, the most respected people in the industry have done the ground work and worked their way up to the top. Learn from these people, they are no different from you.
Your website provides such an amazing range of Australian designers. Who are your favourites?
Thank you, yes we are very proud of our local talent in Australia! Internationally, Australian fashion hides very much under the radar, which also adds to its credibility. Well known labels such a Josh Goot, Willow, Camilla and Marc and Sass & Bide really do compete with overseas fashion and are always bang on trend. I also love some of our cult brands such as Ellery, Dion Lee and Arnsdorf. I enjoy their take on what is happening in fashion and their sense of creativity. Australian swimwear is unquestionably leagues beyond its international competition; Camilla & Marc Swim, Lucy In The Sky, Zimmerman Swim to name just a few celebrate fashion on the sand. We have just started to dip into overseas brands too, sourcing upcoming talent from New York, London and Copenhagen.
How would you describe Australian fashion and style, and how do you think that it compares to the rest of the world?
Australian fashion and style is influenced from all over the world. Australians tend to travel a lot, and when we do we often try to spend a lengthy time abroad (mainly due to the horrendous hours required on the plane to even arrive at the destination). Considering that our seasons are literally ‘upside down’ to that of the northern hemisphere, Australian style is often inspired from external influences and then given a casual understated twist that is more weather appropriate. The look is to look sun kissed, sexy and stylish yet low maintenance and easy going. This is reflected in the general Australian attitude and not just restricted to fashion. The Australian fashion forward love the chic elegance of international style but also love to creatively add their own personality to each look.
How do you describe your own style?
Always shoe focused and at the risk of sounding like a cliché, I genuinely like to wear an outfit I feel comfortable in. If I feel comfortable I act comfortable and others around me will feel the same way. A six inch heel really does work back with practically everything, I love to layer in men’s tee’s and singlets. I have a slight adoration of crystals and after a recent trip to India I like to include my crystal necklaces and rings as often as possible. I live by the beach which most definitely has an effect on my laid back style, and of course I don’t like make up much either. Good hair, good shoes and an understated comfortable outfit.
With the cold weather outside, what is your perfect winter outfit for staying warm and looking good?
Winter is the best excuse for boots and layering! In Australia, the winter season is so short that we have to make the most of it and get good wear out of our favourite pieces. Today I am wearing my favourite oversized Kirrily Johnston Yetti Cardigan that is essentially a giant knitted cream blanket with tassels and ribbed sleeves, it drapes across the body to the length of the floor like a gorgeous blanket. With thick black stockings, black Ksubi shorts, an oversized Bassike mens tshirt and favourite Mui Mui ankle boots this is the perfect Australian winter outfit to stay warm and cosy yet look and feel great too.
What are your fashion and accessory obsessions at the moment?
My accessory obsession right now has got to be engraved locket necklaces and a shiny new G11 Canon camera in my handbag. Always at the ready to snatch the moment, the inspiration and the love, this perfect little camera is a Fashion Buyer’s best friend.
With the new spring/summer season coming into MyCatwalk now, what do you think will be big this summer, and which were your favourite looks and collections from Rosemount Australian Fashion Week this year?
New seasons stock has just started to arrive and we are all getting just a little bit too excited to see the packages being unpeeled by our warehouse. Fresh off the catwalk the key looks this summer distinctly resemble Monet’s Impressionist influence and his Water Lillies. Capturing elements of light through shades of pastels, nude hues and reflecting crystal accessories. This summer is going to be one of feminine beauty and less like winters harder edge.
Stand out looks from Rosemount Australian Fashion Week were blot printed organza fitted dresses and pastel pleated perfection from Dion Lee at his show in the Sydney Opera House, Gary Bigeni’s minimalist elegance and I just loved those high waisted wide leg black and white printed pants at Zimmerman.
Finally, how would you describe the modern and fabulous woman?
The modern and fabulous woman is both inspired and inspiring. She is positive, independent and owns her own opinion.
