In your opinion, does it take a certain confidence to wear bold colours, or do you think anyone can work bright colours and bold prints?
I think anyone can wear what they want, but to be honest it’s not about the piece of clothing, it’s about the woman or the person who’s wearing it. When you wear something, you bring it to life. So yes, the colour of the fabric is amazing. But it’s about what it does to you when you put it on. Like, when I’m having a bad day, I would honestly go to my wardrobe and put on the most floaty, fabulous, bright thing that I can because somehow those colours evoke something in me and they make me feel a little bit better. I think that, for other people, it’s the same way. You don’t have to completely transform your whole wardrobe; you don’t have to change everything. Just start with one thing. If you’re someone who always wears black, maybe find a black and red blazer – bring something red into the outfit. You’re still wearing black and that’s a comfort, you’re just slowly incorporating something new. Anyone can do it, just embrace a piece of colour, and bring that item to life. If you don’t like it, you just take it off and change it. Nowadays everything is about “love everything about yourself” and that’s great. Of course, you should love yourself as you are. But I don’t think you have to love everything all the time. If I feel like my arms are a bit flabby, for example, I’m going to wear a fabulous poofy sleeved dress and feel amazing in it. And if something doesn’t work for you, then it’s not for you. If bell bottoms are trending right now, but don’t look good on you, don’t wear them; wear whatever works for you – that’s when you feel the most confident.
Has your style changed much over the years, or have you always been drawn to prints and colours?
I’ve always been extra and dramatic, but I did go through a phase. I think when I was at uni, my style was a lot grungier. I spent a lot of time in ripped fishnet tights with like as much eyeliner as humanly possible. My hair was blue, purple, black, side shave. I was obsessive, like lady Gaga. When I was a student in art school, I used to make some of the things I wore. Now my style is a little more refined, but back then I was just a crazy art school kid. I used to paint on my clothes. I used to just be a bit more crazy and wild, and just wear anything. I still do that now. But I think now there’s a refinement too, because I might have meetings or something but I do appreciate the red tie-dye days.