STYLE FILE: CHLOE HILL
Meet Viva’s contributing fashion editor
With a decade in magazine publishing under her belt, Chloe Hill was well-versed in the art of fashion when she established herself as a freelance stylist. Now a contributing fashion editor for Viva Magazine, the Pōneke-based founder of Cool Pretty Cool celebrates the joy of clothes, piecing together visual treats for those who love and think deeply about how and why we dress. Her personal taste is eminently wearable; a fun, often riotous display of colour that puts her happiness first.
Here, Chloe shares why she’s a faithful cardi-wearer, her experience with clothing as a new mother and finding clarity in her sense of self.
Describe your personal style ...
Eclectic and colourful. Random. It’s truly a mix of everything that makes me happy, while prioritising comfort.
Who are your favourite designers?
Locally, I love Wynn Hamlyn, his pieces are so classic but always with a twist. Twenty-seven Names and Havilah are also favourites with their eclectic use of colours and prints. They’re both based here in Pōneke. Prada and Miu Miu collections are forever on the top of my wish list. Miuccia is a genius in my books. Rave Review in Sweden repurposes amazing secondhand pieces like blankets into luxury garments. In Australia, Romance Was Born for their whimsical and playful designs that always make me happy.
Tell us the story of your favourite piece of clothing ...
I have a Prada beaded cardigan I take everywhere with me. It’s a work of art. The AW17 collection was jam-packed with pieces I loved but at the time I thought a cardigan would make my slightly daggy style even daggier. But after sourcing this one through a friend a few years later, it totally changed my mind. I’ve been a cardi-wearer ever since. Yes, lots of 60-plus women stop me on the street to compliment me on it but I’m okay with that. They clearly know what’s hot.
Is there anything you look for when you shop?
My rule when adding something to my wardrobe is it has to be really special. Too many times in the past I justified buying a classic or plain piece because I thought I would wear it hundreds of times. I never would and those basic pieces never made me happy. I realised it was better to only add pieces that were joyful and fun, hence my style has become a mishmash of amazing, eclectic pieces. Not everything goes together — but that’s okay.
What, in your opinion, makes style?
Wear what you love. It’s clear when people are dressing for themselves and being true to what they enjoy.
What influences your fashion sense? Art, colours, nature, people. Anything I see that makes me excited. I try to expose myself to new things whenever I can, exploring gardens and galleries, or simply walking around busy city streets.
Were you into fashion growing up?
I loved getting dressed up but I didn’t have any knowledge of fashion beyond my mum’s wardrobe and the local mall. The only mags I read before I left high school were Cleo, Dolly and Cosmo. But, luckily, my parents were very creative with art and sewing, so they fostered in me a love of creativity early on.
How, if at all, has your relationship with fashion changed this year?
I had a baby and moved home to Te Whanganui-a-Tara a year ago, so that has drastically changed my relationship with fashion. I’ve been limited to wearing clothes I can breastfeed in, which has meant so many of my favourite high-neck pieces have been removed from rotation. I’m more likely to throw on an easy-towear printed dress and sweater with sneakers, and often skip anything superdetailed or hard to wash. I wore a suede skirt the other day and got water all over it washing dishes. I also think about hats a lot more given Aotearoa’s harsh sun. Caps are my go-to lately.
There are challenges ahead for designers, from navigating a post-Covid world to working towards sustainability.
Is there anything that you hope will emerge creatively?
That consumers will drive a desire for special made-toorder pieces, which will mean brands can have a more thoughtful and fun approach to design. Not being limited by massproducing styles for wholesale orders, instead connecting directly with customers with meaningful pieces.
Where do you love to shop?
Hunters & Collectors on Cuba St in Wellington is amazing for a mix of designer labels and no-name vintage. It always makes me happy popping in there and squeezing through the racks. Recycle Boutique and Tatty’s are amazing for second-hand finds too, and both have awesome online stores.
The ultimate white T-shirt:
I don’t understand white T-shirts. How ow do people manage to keep them clean? Mine are discoloured after like two wears, they’re simply too much maintenance. I would say go for a coloured vintage tee instead.
A signature scent you accessorise ise with: I just discovered Abel’s Pink Iris, ris, it’s beautiful and natural and, even better, r, it’s made by a New Zealander (hi, Frances). s).