EDITOR’S LETTER
Hello, and welcome
I was scrolling Instagram recently when a video posted by US fashion designer Brandon Maxwell caught my eye. Narrated by Houston socialite and philanthropist Lynn Wyatt, it brought Brandon’s Spring 2019 collection to life, overlaid with the 83-year-old sharing her thoughts on beauty and style.
“My grandmother taught me something that I’ll never forget,” said Lynn. “She said, ‘Look in the mirror, but when you leave that mirror, forget about yourself. You know you’re well-dressed, you’ve done the best you can, your hair looks great, your makeup looks great, whatever. Forget about yourself. Go have a good time!’”
It’s that same breezy, self-assured attitude that I hope you take away from this issue of Fashion Quarterly.
With a fresh look, our new sections reflect busy women’s lives right now. Alongside our edit of the coolest pieces of the season, you’ll find plenty of insightful reads, helpful styling tricks, career inspiration, and luxury travel tips for a little escapism. (Keep up the conversation at FQ.co.nz and on our social channels.)
For this, my first issue as editor, I wanted to put the spotlight on New Zealand and celebrate our creativity and uniqueness, and the global power of ‘brand NZ’. As our lives become increasingly globally connected, it can be easy to forget how great we really are, but there’s a true feeling of pride in where New Zealand fashion, style and creativity is at right now, both here and overseas.
All of the women featured in this issue represent today’s diverse Kiwi spirit: hard-working and easy-going, home-grown but globally aware. There’s London-based Kiwi model Jessica Clarke, our cover star, who’s both down to earth and jaw-droppingly glamorous; Wellington poet Tayi Tibble, who on page 100 explores the worldwide conversation about young women and power through a local lens; and a new favourite discovery, NYC-based Kiwi designer Claudia Li, whose recent show drew on the dreaminess of our local landscapes while making a statement about diversity.
Whether it’s a ruffled cocktail dress or your favourite T-shirt (like my red vintage Karen Walker tee found on Trade Me), at its very best fashion should help you feel beautiful, powerful and interesting. And, yes, make you feel so confident that you can forget about yourself, and just go have a good time.