Shop Talk: Búl

Shining some well-deserved light on Melbourne’s best retailers.

A good shop assistant is both a) extremely hard to find, and b) severely underrated. 

Think about it. For half an hour they’ll be better than your best friend. They’ll run around the store grabbing anywhere from a size 8-14 while you decide just how oversized you want that shirt to be. They’ll compliment your manicure so sincerely that you’ll want to wear OPI Malaga Wine for the rest of your life. They’ll indulge you while you toss up between the pale blue or black while you complain that all your wardrobe is black and you really need to branch out. Then they’ll totally not judge as you transfer money, pull out two cards and hand over some cash to buy that top you can’t afford. In black. 

Yep, they’re pretty much angels on earth. So we wanted to introduce you to a few. Meet Bonnie, manager at búl.

FJ: What made you decide to pursue a career in fashion?

Bonnie: Well I was originally working in advertising, and I was in that industry for two and a half years before I decided that I had been drawn toward fashion through styling. My mum had an online magazine and I did a bit of styling for her. Fabrics, trends and everything really draws me to fashion, I guess. I think I have always been creative, even at school, and I think after being in advertising for so long I decided to make the jump into fashion. I completed a fashion and styling course at the Melbourne Fashion Institute in Fitzroy. 

Why do you like working for Búl?

I love working here because I feel like I can relate to the pieces that are in the store. It’s my kind of style; casual and minimalistic with a bit of an edge to it. A lot of the pieces have a unique detail to them, whether it be the collar or the cut which sets them apart from other labels. I first came across Búl when I was styling a shoot a few years ago and I fell in love with all of their pieces. 

How would you describe your personal style?

I think I have a casual and relaxed style. Although occasionally I like to spice it up, making it a little bit different with one piece, be it the jacket or my shoes. I don’t abide to one specific style every day. 

What is your favourite item of clothing in the new collection?

I would have to say the Ingirisi singlet which comes in mint green and black.

Who or what is the source of your style inspiration ?

I would say art and architecture come to mind. I am all over Instagram too and I like to follow people who are really into fashion on Instagram to see new trends. I don’t feel like I need to wear the newest trends all the time, but I find it interesting to see what’s coming in. 

Would you say you like to set trends or adopt trends?

I’m usually a trend-setter. There have been times where I have to started a trend and I have noticed friends have caught on. I like to style my friends and family, and passing on a style or trend to someone else.

What do you think are the most popular trends in the new collection?

I would say a lot of drapery with the material, it is quite free-flowing. There is always a mix with Búl though, we have a mix of structured pieces too.

Where would you like your career in fashion to lead you?

Ultimately, I would love to be an editorial stylist. I have never had a particular role in mind. I just jump into things and go with it. I really love styling and picking things for people’s personal style, although I think I would also like fashion buying.

Can you predict any upcoming future trends for Búl?  

I think this season kind of threw me! I think maybe they are headed for some more structural pieces as opposed to the flowy pieces we have now.

Is there any advice you would give to other girls wanting to be a part of the fashion industry?

I would say start out where you can, don’t ever feel that any position is too low. It’s all about the people you meet along the way. Connections through family and friends always help. Even though it can be a little awkward to ask, it will be worth it!

Búl
1077 High Street, Armadale, Victoria 3143
bul.com.au