AUT student Emma Gleason tells Viva about her passion for all things fashion.
Emma Gleason loves fashion. She studies it, writes about it, lives it and is one of those girls who will no doubt go on to do something great in the industry. The AUT fashion student, now in her second year of study, previously studied visual arts before realising "fashion was what I was truly interested in on every level and that I wouldn't be happy unless [I was] committed to it". When she's not at university, Gleason writes for fashion website Front Row Diary as well as for her own blog, Rag Pony. Interested in every facet of the industry, Gleason is still unsure as to what she wants to do after graduating. She describes her own style as quite simple, combining masculine elements such as shirts, knits, trousers, flat shoes and classic T-shirts with more feminine items like long skirts, stripes, spots and "nana bags".
Who are your favourite designers?
Internationally, I am inspired by the work of Phoebe Philo at Celine, Hannah MacGibbon at Chloe, Raf Simons at Jil Sander and Dries Van Noten. Locally I love the work of Karen Walker, Sherie Muijs, Zambesi and Twenty-seven Names.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A vintage navy cardigan - nautical stripes and roomy patch pockets. It's perfect to throw over anything.
What do you want to buy next?
I'm saving my money for pieces from the upcoming spring collections. I have my eye on two endearingly sweet dresses from Twenty-seven Names and some striped pieces from Sherie Muijs.
Who or what inspires you, sartorially?
Iconic muses like Jane Birkin, Francoise Hardy, Mia Farrow, and the early Rolling Stones - when they still wore sweaters and tweed jackets. Films like An Education, Days of Heaven, Rosemary's Baby and The Virgin Suicides. Oh and everything my mother and father wore in the early 70s.
Describe the best outfit you've ever worn.
The first time I wore my long, cream, pleated Juliette Hogan skirt (paired with a finely striped shirt and a tan belt). I felt immediately graceful and elegant.
Your favorite accessory?
Probably my Tissot watch - it's a gold man's watch and is so timeless and complements everything.
Who does the best shoes?
Kathryn Wilson because her shoes are classic, easygoing and fun. And she's one of the few designers who does great flats.
The best jeans?
I can't go past Levis, they are so classic and the denim always feels like denim should. Lately I've been buying a few of their men's pairs as they feel sturdier and seem to have more integrity.
Your fashion obsession?
Long skirts. Be they ankle-length and Amish or calf-length and 50s. So feminine and such a pleasure to wear. And they are a great way to experiment with proportion, volume and movement.
Does your student wardrobe differ from the rest of your wardrobe?
Not really, I don't vary my look too much depending on where I'm going - no slobby weekend looks and nothing too flashy at night.
The one rule you always dress by?
Ignore the size on the garment - instead make sure it fits. Or even better, get a size bigger. Not only are you instantly more comfortable, you are guaranteed to look slimmer and more relaxed.
Most overrated item in fashion?
The jersey wrap dress. I don't think they suit anyone. Jersey is not forgiving and neither is the cut.
Most underrated item in fashion?
Knitwear. I'm talking real, proper, warm knitwear in a classic colour like navy or camel. It's a brilliant foil to everything from eccentric prints to floaty, feminine pieces and short hemlines.
Who is your ultimate fashion plate?
It's currently neck and neck with the Olsens, Alexa Chung, Chloe Sevigny and Diane Kruger. All have individual style and the bravery to push boundaries.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Probably Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen - I love that they always dress like endearingly nutty grannies. They constantly inspire me to push my boundaries when it comes to what I wear. Their style runs the gamut from minimal to bohemian. I would also love to go back in time and steal some of Bob Dylan and James Dean's coats.
Favorite fashion-y movie, or fashion moment in film?
An Education - every scene is so beautifully dated, elegant and British. Also, Diane Keaton's wardrobe in Annie Hall, the long dark dresses in Days of Heaven, all the tan linen in Out of Africa and everything Mia Farrow wore in Rosemary's Baby.
What's in your handbag?
A man's wallet, iPhone, about five MAC lipsticks, cuticle cream, double-sided tape, Flower Bomb perfume, Antipodes water (heavy glass bottle), sewing paraphernalia and Just Kids by Patti Smith.
Your favourite shop?
The Department Store! It has two of my favorite local boutiques in one place (Karen Walker and Black Box), has great coffee, pampering and Topshop. Close runner up however is Unity Books - I love reading as much as I love clothes.
