We asked Auckland fashion experts what their ultimate wish-lists would be if they had $3000 to spend on ridiculously expensive clothes.
Kylie Cooke
Freelance fashion stylist Kylie Cooke also designs costumes for film and works behind the scenes on television extravaganzas such as NZ’s Next Top Model and X-Factor.
What I’d buy: “If I had a spare $3000 I would spend it at Gucci, because in the hands of Alessandro Michele the brand has become irresistible to magpies like myself. It’s whimsical, over the top and the confectionery colour palettes appeal to my eclectic taste. To get bang for my buck, I’d buy statement accessories and footwear: a pair of mad sunglasses ($1829), some earrings ($628) or a ring ($809), and a pair of sneakers ($846) – just to be a little practical.”
Price tag: $3303
Simon Pound
The managing director at women’s clothing brand Ingrid Starnes, Pound works alongside his wife Ingrid, and is also the creative director at retail software company, Vend.
Clockwise from left, Vintage Omega watch; Gubb & Mackie jacket; Common Projects sneakers.
What I’d buy: “I try to buy once and buy well so things won’t go out of fashion, will work for a number of occasions and are good to walk in or ride in, as I don’t have a car. For dress sneakers that fit this bill you can’t go past (if you have $3000 imaginary dollars that is) the Common Projects Achilles in a classic white ($650). I’d also buy a vintage watch (about $600). I have an old Omega from the 1940s that I got as my version of an engagement ring. It’s one of the first bumper watches, keeps terrible time but is beautiful and as an everyman watch from the 1940s, relatively affordable for a classic. I’d invest in quality and New Zealand-made for long-lasting pieces, like a Gubb and Mackie Britten jacket in Armada ($450). Lastly, a trip to Japan to buy white Oxford shirts and blue, straight slim-cut chinos: $2000. Experiences are as important as possessions – I’m still reeling and inspired from a trip to Tokyo two years ago and wearing wardrobe basics I bought there.”
Price tag: $3700 (way over budget, Simon)
Julia Ford
Head of design and sales for footwear designer Kathryn Wilson, Ford was the company’s first full-time employee, meaning she’s worked across all aspects of the business over the years. Seeing her sketches come to life is the most exciting time of the year.
Clockwise from left, Marmont backpack by Gucci; Saskia Brogue in silver by Miss Wilson; Jasmine Heel in Sakura floral jacquard by Miss Wilson.
What I’d buy: “I would purchase a Gucci Marmont backpack ($2400). I’m 100 percent accessory obsessed and I think this backpack would be a great addition to my bag collection. I’m not usually one to purchase black but I think the brass hardware, the Gucci stripes and coloured panels make it really special. I think it would be a good one to take travelling as well. With the change, I’d make some headway on my winter 2017 shoes wish-list, which includes the the Miss Wilson Saskia Brogue in silver ($289) and the Miss Wilson Jasmine Heel in Sakura floral jacquard ($299).
Price tag: $2988
Louise Hilsz
Freelance fashion and interiors stylist Hilsz began her career in magazines in 2009, styling for Simply You, Simply You Living, FQ and NEXT. Today, she works with both local and international designer brands from Trelise Cooper to Louis Vuitton.
Clockwise from left, Pink Sunrise Butterfly sunglasses by Matthew Williamson; Mr Fill n Zip bag in Wasabi Fur by Deadly Ponies; Just Bow With It dress by Trelise Cooper; leather low-top platform sneaker by Gucci.
What I’d buy: “I would spend $3000 on wardrobe staples. First, a fun party dress which can also translate as a work dress. It needs to have colour, print and texture. This Trelise Cooper dress ($699) ticks all the boxes. I’d also get a flat yet high shoe with all the benefits of being able to race around but still having height. These Gucci platforms ($1035) work with all the colours in my wardrobe, yet still feel dressy with the metallic finish. I’d buy a solid piece of eyewear – I love these Matthew Williamson glasses ($465) as they are very feminine and a great size. Finally, a carry-all bag. This Deadly Ponies bag ($895) is at the top of my shopping list! It’s a great shape and I have been hanging out for a bright bag, hell yeah yellow.”
Price tag: $3094
Eliza Trubuhovich
Stylist, photographer (check out her blog elknows.com) and co-owner of vintage and streetwear store Parlour, Trubuhovich has just finished a stint as an international flight attendant to invest more time in the creative elements that come with owning a store.
Left, Vintage belt by Hermès; vintage backpack by Louis Vuitton.
What I’d buy: “If I was to answer this a few years ago, I would have a huge list of things I would buy if I had $3000 to spend. However, the older I get, the less I spend on quantity and the more on quality. I would buy a Fuji X-Pro1 camera or if I really felt like spoiling myself, I would spend the money on an Hermès belt (about $2000) and a Louis Vuitton backpack (about $1250 pre-owned). Both never age and some gain value over time, so I see high-end brands like this as investments.”
Price tag: $3250
Wynn Crawshaw
The designer behind New Zealand womenswear label Wynn Hamlyn is currently working on his spring/summer 2017 and autumn/winter 2018 collections for the northern hemisphere. His beautiful clothes, which have a knitwear focus, are stocked at Eugénie and Black Box Boutique, both in Ponsonby.
Oversized shell parka by Balenciaga.
What I’d buy: “I’d buy this Balenciaga shell parka. I love it when fashion is ironic. This is such an ‘uncool’ jacket but also so damn cool in this instance.”
Price tag: $2845
This article was first published in Paperboy magazine. Follow Paperboy on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and sign up to the weekly e-mail
