QT: Do you have any travel tips for those visiting New Zealand?
EW: Be sure to enjoy everything that New Zealand has to offer, experience the breath-taking landscape of the North island and the vibrant cosmopolitan cities. To really experience the Maori culture, Rotorua is the place to visit. There you can find the most lovely natural hot springs, geysers and lakes. Be sure to try the traditional Hangi – a Maori feast cooked in an earth oven and spend afternoons exploring the crafts markets.
QT: What kind of holiday do you look for? Is it adventure travel, beach destinations, exploration getaways etc?
EW: For me and my family, we always will look for something calm and relaxing. I really get inspired whilst away explore local culture, architecture, food and of course fashion and materials.
QT: What has been your most surprising travel discovery?
EW: Recently on a return trip to New Zealand, I stayed in the most incredible small boutique hotel called The Boat Shed, as suggested to me by Quintessentially Travel – it was bliss. The attention to detail was like no other: the cosiest little home with the warmest furnishings and wood fires. You can lie poolside or walk down to the beach in two minutes and eat ice cream from the local dairy.
QT: Where are you hoping to tick off next on your travel bucket list?
EW: Palm Springs is next on my travel checklist, I have wanted to visit Joshua Tree National Park for a while now as one of the most magical places on the West Coast.
QT: You moved to Milan, the fashion capital of the world, with your mother at the age of 14, what impact did this transition have on your ambition to be a fashion designer?
EW: Milan in those days was the centre of fashion and I think it opened my eyes to a new world, very different to New Zealand. Working in fashion definitely became a realisation living in Milan. I remember living in Pavia, which was the most incredible world imaginable. I had never seen a luxury designer store in my life. My mother and I would tour them and she would teach me about good-quality fabrics versus something that was terribly produced; she would point out clever design details and turn a garment inside out and explain internal finishings to me. I quickly developed an understanding for the importance of an item of clothing being as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.
QT: Where does the inspiration for your designs come from?
EW: Inspiration for me comes really from many different sources. I am inspired by haute couture designers of the times past, inspirational women in the world and in film. I am always thinking about the Emilia Wickstead women when I am designing my clothes, staying close to what they would wear and always with the intention that each piece can remain a key piece of their wardrobe for years to come.
QT: Where in the world do you feel most at home?
EW: For me it has to be in London, I moved here to study at Central St Martins, I built my business opening a store on Sloane street and am bringing up my family here. I love getting lost in London’s charm, grandeur and heritage. Going out and experiencing the city’s culture is always something that continuously inspires me in the city.