We met Krystal a couple of months ago when she was writing her thesis titled "Slow Urgency: Embracing the Slow Fashion Movement", for which we were interviewed. Her work explores the slow fashion movement, pretty much encompassing everything that we're about!
Every time Krystal pops her head into the store we are greeted with a huge burst of fast talking energy, and much questioning about whoever's pooch is in that day. With a schedule that is more packed than anyone we know, she is constantly on the go and full of insightful information about a multitude of topics; from Charles Manson to Margiela Tabi Boots.
We picked her brain to find out about her background and her habits around shopping and dressing.
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Tell us about your background and the things that have led you to work in the field that you do?
I grew up on the surf coast of Victoria in a small beach town about an hour and a half from Melbourne. I was raised by two creatively minded parents, one an architect and one who collected twigs and feathers to make art. I’d say my DNA alongside being constantly surrounded by design and creation is a large part of the interests and passions I hold now. I started designing, sewing and pattern making with my mum long before I knew fashion would be the path I took and always adored fabrics and the process of creating wearable pieces from cloth. It’s my creative outlet and I am just lucky it’s something you can make a career out of.
What are some objects, quotes, films, places or books that hold significance to you?
Bells Beach is the town I grew up in, and as much as of a hustle-bustle city lover that I am the beaches along the coast line, especially Bird Rock will always be a happy, safe place for me to come home to.
Do you have an everyday uniform, or rules around the clothing you wear?
I have a pretty distinct personal uniform, though this wasn’t intentional. Over the years I’ve gotten to know my own style and have learnt about what makes me feel comfortable in both a physical and mental sense, also what is functional for my lifestyle. My base pieces are a pair of pants and a singlet, depending on the weather I’ll build from there and my shoe choice will depend on what I’m doing that day and weather I need to look professional or not.
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How does your clothing change from work to play?
I have 3 jobs in completely different fields, but usually it’s a just a matter of changing my shoes or putting my work shirt over what I have on.
Are there any routines, rules or rituals you have around dressing?
My longest standing rule is; If I have to take my shoes off to put my pants on, then the leg isn’t wide enough.
Describe your style as a scent, flavour or colour?
Black forever and always, maybe I’ll throw in a crazy pop of white.
What is your relationship with shopping and buying clothing, and how has that changed over time?
When I was younger I was a bit of a trend follower and was always felt it necessary to be adding new pieces to my wardrobe, though when I became more aware of the detriment the fashion industry had on the environment I found myself making much more considered purchases. As my knowledge on clothing and fabric construction grew I spent time studying pieces of clothing to ensure what I was buying would still be in my wardrobe in 5 years time and anything I bought I had to confirm I would be able to wear it with at least 10 pieces I already owned. I’d say I’m a collector not a consumer of fashion.
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What does your dream shopping environment look like?
I’m going to Japan next year and have heard amazing things about an abundance of second-hand designer stores in Tokyo. Finding something in a second-hand store gives an added appreciation to an item of clothing beyond its appearance, it feels special and adds a story to tell.
Do you have any style icons or muses?
I don’t find inspiration from people in the sense of a muse, I get inspired by people through observing the way they interact with their clothing without conscious thought. I’m more likely to find inspiration from an elderly man hobbling in his baggy cords held up by suspenders than what someone whose is job to look good is wearing.
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What are you looking forward to and working towards?
I have a strong desire to alter the mindset of the modern-day consumer in order to change the way we purchase and interact with clothing, with the goal of working toward a more sustainable fashion future. I have no idea how I am going to do it, so right now I’m just focusing on learning and experiencing. Living and working abroad is next on the agenda.
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Krystal wears the 1920s Boyfriend Tank by Merz B. Schwanen, Corduroy Trousers by Leno & Co and Tie Locken Coat by Leno & Co. Shoes and belt are Krystals own.
You can see more from Krystal here and here, and read her whole thesis here!
