Getting to know Indy Yelich-O’Connor

19 May 2016
By Fashion Quarterly

There’s a WHOLE lot more to her than just being Lorde’s little sister...

Indy Yelich-O'Connor

Miss FQ is all about finding and talking to cool girls who do cool shit. We want to track down inspiring women who are making waves and doing things they are passionate about – so you too, feel encouraged to hustle.

So why did we choose India Rose Yelich-O’Connor to be our first in a series of guest editors?

She’s a zeitgeist of our time and defines what it means to be a social media influencer. Even though she has almost 27,000 followers on Instagram and 6000 on Twitter, she isn’t one to shy away from discussing her acting ambitions or posting a makeup-free selfie. Her life is exceptional and what you see online is exactly what you get IRL. Indy’s pulling back the curtain on self-pride. She wants you to depart on an adventure to discover what you want out of life and try your hardest to get there; just like she is. That’s why Indy is the first guest editor for Miss FQ.

This is part one: our getting-to-know-you guide to Indy…

Indy Yelich isn’t your ordinary 17-year-old girl. She strolls into her Miss FQ interview with a carefree confidence we wish we had at her age – or at any age for that matter. Tucked behind her right ear is a coral hibiscus flower that she found on her walk to the local Devonport cafe. She’s shaded by a pair of Karen Walker Super Spaceship Soft Grey Number One sunglasses, dressed in her “signature” baby pink Adidas originals and her outfit is appropriately accessorised by her iconic, thick mane; a trait that clearly runs in the family. It will be apparent to you, as it was to Miss FQ, that there’s a whole lot more to her than just being Lorde’s little sister. She’s proudly Indy, all on her own.

What’s your star sign?
Scorpio. A lot of people ask me if I believe in all of that stuff but I don’t really pay attention. Sometimes if my horoscope is in the newspaper I’ll read it, but I don’t really know much about it. But I’m probably a Scorpio because I’m quite loyal but very fiery.

What are your hobbies?
Going to plays, to drama classes, perfecting my American accent, and reading scripts and novels that I get sent. Shopping. Online shopping. Plant shopping. I love to research – I know so many back stories about random things like history and murder mysteries.

What are the 5 things you can’t live without?
1. I have… it’s really bad… but I have a very massive obsession with iPhone cases. So that is number one.
2. Mecca Cosmetica Lip De-Luscious balm.
3. My Chloé bag.
4. A notebook – I’m a writer and I love writing down my experiences, acting tips, everything like that.
5 Jewellery! I have a Tiffany bracelet which all of the girls in my family have including my mum, me and my two sisters. It’s engraved with my initials (IRYO for India Rose Yelich-O’Connor) so even when we’re apart, in a way we’re always together. Also my Karen Walker ring from my boyfriend, a Bow and River amethyst ring because I love crystals, I’m quite a spiritual person. And my earrings.

Another thing would be avocados. I can’t live without avocados, honestly. Oops that’s 6!

Indy Yelich-O'Connor

Last thing you Googled?
Opening hours for Bioattic – it’s this plant store in Ponsonby that I love. It’s really beautiful.

What is the emoji that best describes you?
The wacky looking ghost. But the little trumpet emoji is also sooo cute! I feel sorry for the emojis that don’t get used. If I’m really bored, I’ll colour categorize my emojis.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?
Chloe Moretz or Anna-Sophia Robb.

What are your favourite local spots?
The Domain and the Winter Gardens in Auckland. Cheltenham beach. The Store – I always get this one order of an avocado and kale smoothie, and I also get avocado on toast with halloumi on the side. How sad is that?! Two avocado things! I actually bought avocado socks the other day. The White Rabbit for coffee – I like the aesthetics of a place when I’m ordering coffee. Burger Burger, Mexico, Mexicali, and Prego.

Favourite city?
Definitely Los Angeles. If I went to New York and Paris, I’d fall in love with them too, that’s for sure.

What five items would you save in a fire?
1. My dog Boss. He’s a Border Collie Huntaway.
2. A box filled with letters from people I love, old memories, little toys, necklaces, cards and other things that have heaps of sentimental value to me. It also has love letters in it from my boyfriend, and some letters from my mum. I value what my mum says over everyone.
3. My khaki green Karen Walker trench coat that I adore.
4. My pink Adidas shoes. They’re my signature shoes but I also love my Yeezys.
5. I’d probably save my Yeezys, too – my black ones, not my white ones.

Indy Yelich-O'Connor

What are you watching on Netflix, or in general at the moment?
Sex and The City and OMG it’s really bad but I also have an obsession with Mako Mermaids which is a spinoff of H2o: Just Add Water. It’s pretty sad but it’s quite funny because I love the mermaids thing! I do love documentaries though. I just watched this one called Twinsters. It’s on Netflix. One channel that I really love is the CI channel. You know, two things that I’m obsessed with that people don’t really know about are shark attack documentaries and murder mysteries.

What are you reading at the moment?
Love Your Life by Domonique Bertolucci.
No Fear Shakespeare – Romeo and Juliet.
I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson.
And I’m re-reading Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets.

Where do you like to shop?
Inu Inu, Ruby, World for the candles and Nasty Gal.

Indy Yelich-O'Connor

How would you sum up your personal style?
I’m very into bold outfits. I like the 80s and 90s. How I dress completely depends on how I’m feeling. My style is pretty eclectic, like I love to wear shocking outfits but I tend to go for pretty with a bit of edge. I guess I have a couple of signature pieces like my star playsuit from Ruby and I’ll wear big skirts and a crop with Stan Smiths. But I never wear jeans. I despise jeans. Jeans and fizzy water should not be on this earth. And pepper.  I think pepper, jeans and sparkling water are earth’s burdens.

What is the most sentimental item you have in your closet?
A blue polka dot dress that all my sisters have worn and so have I. Even my mum has. It’s literally the sisterhood of the blue polka dot dress. I think Ella found it in an opshop. Or this cashmere sweater from The Row. It is a beautiful soft grey turtleneck. All my sisters want to wear it but I always take it haha!

Who are your favourite designers?
Raf Simons, Ruby, Acne and Chanel.

Indy Yelich'O'Connor

What are your travel essentials?
A book to read, a notebook, a pen, Apple headphones, iPhone charger, snacks like M&Ms or nuts, Salvatore Ferragamo Tuscan Soul hand cream, makeup remover, mascara and sunglasses.

What are your future plans?
I’m still at school but I’m really trying to be a successful actress. I want to have a name for myself. I want to do things that I’m proud of.

What would you say to someone who wants to be an influencer and grow his or her profile?
You’ve got remember that your name is your brand and your currency. This Patti Smith book that I wish I’d read when I was younger will teach you to always protect your name. Be open to new opportunities and never give up on yourself. You’re always doing better than someone sitting on the couch. Failure is still an experience and something to be welcomed.

Follow Indy on Instagam (@indyyelich1) or on Twitter (@indyyelich)

Words: Skye Ross
Photos: c/o instagram.com/indyyelich1

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