I may or may not have started our quick chat with Nicole Warne (Garypeppergirl herself) with “I cannot believe I’m meeting you” matched with a wide-eyed gaze…
I may or may not have started our quick chat with Nicole Warne (Garypeppergirl herself) with “I cannot believe I’m meeting you” matched with a wide-eyed gaze. ‘If’ that was the case, her immediate response was the most welcoming of smiles.
With limited time, I quickly introduced myself as a writer for Thread who just moved to Melbourne from New Zealand and without batting an eyelash, she then says, “welcome to Australia and I love New Zealand. I’ve been there a few years ago and I love it” (let’s be honest, how can one not love NZ, really?) I started to feel more relaxed at that point and so we proceeded with the Q & As…
Thread (TH): So glad to hear you love NZ. Which NZ labels would you consider your favourites?
Nicole Warne (NW): Ruby definitely. I like Juliette Hogan… I have yet to see her latest collection. Karen Walker, but is she NZ still? I must say though that I’m a bigger fan of her clothes than her sunglasses and accessories. And twenty-seven names. I wanted half of their collection (Nine Lives) but it was just difficult to get a hold of.
Below: Siting front row on Day 1 of VAMFF with Nadia Bartel.
TH: This is a rarity, but if you were to describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you, how would you describe yourself to them?
NW: That’s a really good question. Hmmmm…. I’d say I’m really adventurous. One of the many misconceptions about me is that I’m really reserved. But I’m not. For one of my first dates with my boyfriend, Luke, we went skydiving. So I’d say I’m adventurous and outdoorsy… I really like to go out and go fishing and camping. I hate wearing make up. I’m a big nature girl.
TH: You’re now one of the world’s greatest fashion bloggers, but when you first started blogging, which fashion blogger did you look up to or inspired you the most?
NW: When I first started, it was definitely Alix of The Cherry Blossom Girl. I love how her blog is very relatable. She’s so passionate at what she does and I think readers see all the effort she puts into her posts and that’s what makes her so inspiring. I’m friends with her now and it’s awesome to see how everything on her blog is so her… it’s so real.
TH: As you are now an inspiration to others too, it’s no surprise Lavazza picked you to be their Style Consultant. What was your initial reaction when they picked you?
NW: Excited. For sure. I love that Lavazza is a lifestyle brand – great quality brand but still accessible. And that’s how I want people to see Gary Pepper… I want to be more than just a fashion blog but a lifestyle brand. They kindly flew me here for VAMFF and that’s pretty exciting.
TH: Do you drink coffee?
NW: YES! But two cups max. I would normally have one, but on a busy day, I’ll go for two. More than that would be bad for me…. I’m already a generally hyperactive person so I had more than 2 cups a day, my hands would be shaking.
Below: Designer Michael Lo Sodo with Nicole at the Lavazza coffee station.
Some rapid fire questions:
– Beauty must-have: gel-liner… and the not so obvious pick – primer.
– Closet must-have: a pair of statement heels.
– Travel must-have: A really good suitcase.
– VAMFF must-have: A personal driver *laughs* There’s just no taxis here, it’s difficult to go from place after another.
TH: Where is Nicole Warne headed to next?
NW: I’m going to Switzerland, and then Dubai and then back here to host Fashion Week in Sydney.
and finally, a question that some, if not most, of our NZ readers would really want answered…
TH: Are you going to NZFW?
NW: I want to, seriously, but it clashes with NY. If they changed the date I’m pretty sure they would get a lot of international people because NZFW is amazing.
Below: Nicole Warne with Thread reporter, Diane Pantoja onsite at VAMFF.
I had a few other questions but our time with Garypeppergirl was up. She was unnecessarily apologetic because she reckons she speaks way too much. We are not complaining, as that was one fun interview.
If you’re not yet following Nicole, make sure you check out garypeppergirl.com
Also, if you’re in Melbourne, it’s not yet too late to head over to Central Pier and experience firsthand ‘The Real Italian Espresso Experience’. Yes, that’s FREE COFFEE for everyone. The Lavazza Coffee station would be pretty hard to miss as it’s beside a massive coffee cup with the gorgeous ‘Hero’ #lavazzalook cup design by Michael Lo Sordo.
Diane Pantoja, 20 March 2014
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