I moved to New York City on December 20th 2016
Why'd you move there?
The J1 Graduate Visa was too good of an opportunity to turn down... and with a sense of adventure and always looking for a challenge, I decided to jump in the deep end.
How'd you spend your days?
I seriously work almost every day - and I love it! (haha so nothing much has changed). Since moving I have interned for Eckhaus Latta, been a dresser/assistant at NYFW, worked freelance for Opening Ceremony, and stylist Zara Mirkin. Alongside working in retail for Steven Alan, and making things for JPalm on any days off.
I actually just started a new job and am now a Production, Logistics and Planning Coordinator for Brooklyn Tailors. I can't wait to learn more traditional skills around men's tailoring and hopefully gain some knowledge I can one day apply to JPalm.
What are your fave things to see and do in New York?
Visiting beautiful shops like Dover Street Market and Opening Ceremony, exploring the garment district and its endless fabric and trims stores, going to shows, art exhibitions, walking over the Williamsbrg bridge. Eating dumplings and talkin' s**t with friends. Catching glimpses of the city skyline as the sun is setting, have a few drinks in our massive backyard and nibble on our vege patch. Going to any number of the dine-in cinema's. I also love compiling extravagant gift parcels for friends back in NZ.
Where do you like to shop, eat, drink and party?
SHOP: Beacons Closet, Opening Ceremony, Dover Street Market, Eckhaus Latta, and a multitude of thrift stores and vintage shops.
EAT: Samurai Papa, Missions Chinese Food, Dimes, Win Son, Roberta's, Peter Pan Donuts, Bánh mì from a spot by our house called Nam Nam, and of course all of the $1 a slice pizza thats everywhere. You could eat somewhere new every single night!
DRINK: Welcome to the Johnsons, bar 169, The Long Island Bar, The Narrows, Your's Sincerely, Syndicated
PARTY: Pioneer Works, Shea Stadium, Brooklyn Bazaar, Saint Vitus, Baby's Alright, Rough Trade, Silent Barn.
Has your personal style changed since moving to the states, if so how?
Well the first thing I noticed is that people wear more colour than Dunedin/NZ! Also the trends that are followed here are much more noticeable and in a different direction to NZ fashion most of the time. My personal style has probably developed a little - but no more than it usually naturally evolves. I still wear black-head-to-toe most days.
What's your NYC soundtrack?
Surfbort, Lydia Lunch, ESG, Delta 5, Boy Harsher, Chelsea Wolfe, Tempers, Poison Girls, Jenny Hval, HTRK, Elan Vital, Black Marble, Acid king, Crass, Soft Kill, TR/ST, King Loser, Earth, Princess Nokia, Rosemary, Easter, Dirt, Black Sabbath, Lebanon Hanover, Electric Wizard, The Raincoats, and Hex, The Eraserhead Soundtrack
How's your label going...and where are you selling at the moment?
Before moving I seriously thought I would have to give up on my creative endeavours for a while - but thanks to my amazing friend and room mate Zara Mirkin, I have an industrial sewing machine and a little studio nook at home!
I have just finished sewing lots of bleached hoodies, jackets and tshirts, many featuring custom screenprinted designs with quotes from a collaboration with Dunedin artist Esta de Jong.
My long awaited online store is now live, and I have few things left at Palm Boutique in NZ. I had lots of people approach me for custom orders as things sold out so fast - so now I have about 10 more garments to make.
After this I will be onto my next mini collection, and hope to have a photoshoot in November, alongside a collaborative zine publication and fashion film (fingers crossed). I really want to explore some new silhouettes and techniques to further my skills and create a new challenge.
What's your plans for the future?
I want to keep up the momentum before returning to New Zealand in a few years. There are a lot of options on the cards at the moment..... So - who knows.. Anything could happen at this point :)
Oufits photo credit: Ted Whitaker
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