An influencer's style: Vikki Pearson

Following the wonderful post we recently saw of Vikki in our h.huna cardigan, we thought it only right to delve a bit deeper to investigate what matters to her in her wardrobe.

1. What was the reason behind the creation of your blog? 

The I created Style&Minimalism it was because I really needed a creative outlet, a personal project that I could work on alongside my job. I was freelancing as a graphic designer, working for some good, well-known brands but I was always creating something for someone else (often to an exacting brief) and as a creative person that felt quite stifling. What I didn’t realise when I started my blog was that it would help me understand and evolve my taste and style, connect with so many other creatives or that I would learn so many new skills, like learning to code my website from scratch.

2. How would you describe your style?

Simple; I wear comfortable, practical clothes. As a mum, I’m often sitting on the floor at home or at activities I take my daughter to. Most days I’m in a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. It’s an outfit I can easily dress up or down. Think modern classics, well-made pieces in a minimal colour palette.
 

3. What is your favourite podcast?

It really depends on the day of the week. Lately, I’ve been listening to Happy Place; Inward; GOOP; Wardrobe Crisis; Happy Mum, Happy Baby; The High Low; and The Everything Project. It usually depends on my mood and what I want to learn or if I just need a giggle. I don’t spend a lot of time reading factual books or researching on the internet since having Isabelle, as both take me away from her. I’ve found podcasts are a great way to discover interesting people, learn new techniques for self-care, stay aware of how the fashion industry is moving towards a more sustainable future, or feel better about my decisions as a mother. I love to keep learning and podcasts have kept me sane.
 

4. What is important to you when purchasing a garment?

There are so many things I consider before buying something. I avoid brands that make poor quality products, so that generally negates the need to think about how well-made an item is or its longevity; since they’re usually a given.

I tend to think about how I’m going to wear an item and how it fits into my wardrobe, as well as how well it fits me.

Cost is important, it has to reflect the quality of the product but I also take into consideration how and where it was made. I believe it's important to support brands that are making the decision to work with people and factories closer to home. It reduces their carbon footprint, supports home-grown talent and is good for our economy.

5. What do you see as a key wardrobe necessity?

Since I wear them most days, I guess a white t-shirt or a pair of jeans.
 

6. What is the longest standing garment in your wardrobe and what is the story behind it?

I can’t think of anything with a particularly great story, to be honest. There are dresses I’ve had for 10+ years and hats that were passed down to me from my grandad but mostly I own good basics that I’ve found through trial and error.
 

7. What do you expect from brands you purchase from?

Good quality, well-made items that are made with consideration for the people, environment and animals involved in their production.
 

8. Are you a brand browser or a brand committer?

I’m both. I’m a brand browser because it’s important for me to stay on top of what’s going on within the industry for my blog but I’m a brand committer when it comes to what I own and wear. Style and ethics draw me in, dedication comes later. I need to wear an item, wash it and use it over time to know that it is what it claims to be. Once assured, and given the brand continue to deliver the same quality and make improvements on their production, I’m usually very dedicated.
 

9. How often do you shop?

I have a good wardrobe that covers most of my needs, built up over the last 5 years. Having a baby in 2018 has had an impact on my body shape and size which has meant finding alternatives for some of my essentials but usually I stick to only buying things when I need them. That said, if I see something I really like and know I’ll use it a lot, I will buy it if I can afford to.
 

10. What would you like to see change/develop within the next five years within the fashion market?

I think this is possibly the hardest question to answer, there are so many things I’d like to change in the next five years. Here are a few:

As with all industries, I’d like the fashion industry to consider the value of a company beyond its profit.

All companies need to make a positive contribution to society and the environment in order to create sustainable, long-term businesses.

Currently, this isn’t valued highly enough. If we can make that a priority in the next five years, I think we’ll be on the right track to greatly improving the industry.

I’d like to see fast fashion brands slow down and invest in sustainable practices across the board, not just small collections.

(I’d really like to see fast fashion eradicated but I don’t think that’ll happen within the next five years.)

I’d like to see big brands collaborate more to make ethical, sustainable fashion possible for all, big or small. If they come together big brands can make a change in the research and development of new ethical materials, improve workers’ lives and (generally) make the world a better place. 

For companies employing factories (directly or indirectly), I’d like to see laws put in place to better protect garment workers all over the world.

11. If you could create your wardrobe staple piece what would it be?

An ethical, environmentally-friendly pair of jeans. Denim is one of the dirtiest products in the fashion industry but I feel most comfortable when I’m wearing a pair of jeans.
 

12. What would be your h.huna pick from our first capsule collection?

 The Chunky Knit Longline Boyfriend Cardigan :)

 

Click to read what influencers Style in the Stix's Penny classes as her wardrobe necessity.