KEY POINTS:
Interestingly for someone younger, Zoe Philpott is a firm advocate of the wearing of hats. No, not like your auntie did to the races - Philpott says she likes to wear some sort of upper-level decoration every day, from headbands to scarves to flowers to hats she's decorated
herself.
"I think a hat can change your whole outfit. It tops it off and creates a whole look. But my hats are never formal, they're just fun. Like my berets have a bit of sparkle to them or I'll put a brooch on one."
Working at Zambesi for a year in between studying philosophy and creative arts also makes it easier to wear head and hair decorations. "It's relatively formal and everyone here dresses a little differently so you never feel weird [in a hat]."
And happily, working at an exceedingly tempting store like Zambesi hasn't caused her early bankruptcy either. Rather than shopping for designer clothing in her down-time, Philpott reckons that when you've got so much choice, "you learn what really suits you and what goes with what's already in your wardrobe".
Your beauty routine?
My only consistencies are eating salmon and avocado most days, dark eyes for makeup and loads of moisturiser from head to toe.
Your favorite accessory?
Bright nails and lots of big rings.
What do you wear to work?
Zambesi, Rick Owens, Margiela and Nom*d! I am insanely spoilt for choice and often find myself overwhelmed. It's a good feeling to truly believe in what you're representing and being surrounded by products that are not just trendy or fashionable but that are, to me and many others, aesthetically unique, inspiring and timeless.
Your fashion obsession?
Style.com, Russh magazine and recently French Vogue.
Style icons?
Lou Doillon, at the moment.
Personal style quirk?
Most days I wear a hat, headpiece or scarf in my hair.
Whose wardrobe would you like to raid?
I just want all the headpieces Arden Wohl [a New York alterna-socialite who wears beaded headbands everywhere and with everything] owns.
Best sartorial advice to pass down to your own children?
To believe in yourself and to value freedom of expression. I hope to be like my mum. She allowed me to express myself from a young age. An example: endorsing my choice to wear a highlighter green tutu and rainbow gumboots every day for a year.
Favourite fashion movies?
Fashion-wise, my favourite characters from movies are Penny Lane from Almost Famous and Mia from Pulp Fiction.
Best music for getting dressed to?
For a night out, the White Stripes, Aerosmith, Blackalicious, The Strokes, Lyrics Born, Michael Jackson, Kora. The list goes on and on and on - anything that's reminiscent of the fun times really.
What's the biggest fashion mistake you ever made?
Hair modelling. It was flattering to be asked and fun on the day but it took two years for my hair to recover.
What can't you live without?
My three best friends: boyfriend, Ma and Pa.
Your most cherished item?
My three rings from my boyfriend. They only leave my hands when I sleep. Although as of last week, they are nowhere to be found! A terrible tragedy and a huge reward to anyone who finds them.
