When it comes to fashion, Australia is almost unrivaled with designers, models and those making it big in the international fashion scene. But across the ditch, they love to provide stiff competition. Case in point: New Zealand blogger, stylist and influencer Jaime Ridge, who fronts Tiffany & Co. and Dior beauty campaigns and travels the world for top fashion shows.
Despite now being based out of Los Angeles, Jaime is still the down to earth Kiwi you’d expect, choosing to wear New Zealand labels and support local designers wherever she can. While she jits between London, Milan and Paris for the spring/summer 2019 shows, we talk to Jaime about how she survives such a busy time and the trends she’s currently loving.
What fashion week/s are you heading to this season?
I’ll be attending London, Milan and then Paris Fashion Week this season.
What shows are you most excited for?
I’m really looking forward to seeing Eudon Choi in London, as well as Molly Goddard and Roksanda. I’ll be waiting to see Burberry from the sideline, as well as Victoria Beckham. Milan is filled with incredible shows, its hard to name only a few! Bally always excites me, as does Prada, Armani and Max Mara. No21 is also a favourite of mine also, as is MSGM. I’ll be waiting to watch Versace from the sideline as well as Moschino. See? They’re all amazing! In Paris, Louis Vuitton. I simply cannot wait.
How would you describe your personal style?
I would describe my personal style as evolving. Moving to Los Angeles this year has undoubtedly changed the way I dress. Traveling so much also means I can shift between different looks. I’m extremely lucky to be able to do what I do and let my style evolve with me.
Who do you look to for style inspiration?
Victoria Beckham has always been a style icon of mine. I love her elegant simplicity.
How do you decide what to wear for fashion week?
I try to support local designers, so wearing as many New Zealand and Australian designers as possible is always at the forefront of my dressing decisions. I then look to the designers of the shows I’ll be attending, and wear their pieces in support of them.
During fashion week, what item wouldn’t you leave home without?
Without a doubt I wouldn’t leave home without my portable iPhone charger. I don’t know what I would do without it. It’s so important to publish content instantly, and be contactable at all times during the weeks as things constantly pop up. I also don’t know what I would do without Lyft and Uber – they’re lifesavers during fashion week.
What one piece can you currently not get enough of?
My Louis Vuitton New Wave handbag. It’s such a versatile piece, I absolutely love it.
What’s the one piece you’ll be rotating a lot this fashion month?
My new Chanel slingbacks. They’re just so easy, I know I’ll end up living in them!
What’s the biggest fashion lesson you’ve learnt from previous fashion months?
Always keep comfort in mind, as you never know when you’ll get to slip into your next look!
How do you keep yourself feeling fresh from morning to evening? Any handbag must-haves?
Aesop hand sanitiser is a must! As is my Balmain hair comb, Chanel handcream, my Dior Lip Glow, my signature Tom Ford fragrance and a few of my other Sephora beauty essentials to freshen up my look. I also try to keep a natural protein bar in my handbag as meals don’t tend to exist during fashion week.
What trends do you think we’ll see everywhere – either streets or runway – this fashion month?
The dad sneaker will most certainly still make an appearance on the street, as will plenty of sheer pieces and prairie dresses. I’m also expecting to see plaids aplenty and ruffles, lots of ruffles.
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