Hey, I Like Your Style! Exploring the wardrobe of Sydney-based model and aspiring artist, Gracie Ritchie
IMAGE VIA @GRACIERITCHIEE/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“I wear what I feel good in, unapologetically.”
We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years), so we’ve introduced a new series Hey, I Like Your Style!, diving into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.
While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
These are the stories behind the wardrobes, exploring how we develop our own personal style. There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story.
This week, we’re taking a step inside the wardrobe of Sydney-based model and aspiring digital artist, Gracie Ritchie. Growing up, Gracie found her love for clothing in the bustling local markets, where she and her sisters would hunt for special pieces every Sunday. Her adolescence was spent experimenting with colours, prints and layering, a hobby she dutifully documented on online. Read on for her style evolution.
Who are you and what do you like to wear?
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My name’s Gracie Ritchie. I’m 20 and originally from Perth, but recently booked a one-way ticket to Sydney. I’m an aspiring artist, I do both digital art and stippling (fine dots)… I’m also a Priscilla’s Model. I love to wear bold, unmatched and original pieces. I love styling, re-styling and reusing pieces to make sure they get the best wear.
What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?
My style evolution has always involved colour and prints. I’ve never really been one to follow trends, I’ve always enjoyed [shopping at the] Sunday markets and grabbing whatever pieces stand out to me. My biggest thing is always going for fashion pieces that stop me in my tracks and grab my attention. For me, clothing is a way of self-expression… I’ve understood that more as I’ve gotten older. It’s allowed me to gain more confidence in sharing my outfits.
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I did a little scroll back on my Instagram to suss some previous fits. Dating back a few years, I was playing with colour and embracing patterns… I think the evolution has been mismatching and playing around more, being a little riskier. I work a lot in digital design, so being able to combine my art and fashion has been huge.
Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
I felt like my style has always been super loud and mismatched. Growing up, it was a bit challenging. Questions like ‘Is this too much?’ or ‘What will people think?’ would always go through my head.
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I’m grateful my mum and sisters were always super supportive and encouraged me out of the house… love a bit of moral support sometimes. These days I wear what I feel good in, unapologetically. I think that’s the beautiful thing about growing up – you learn and grow into yourself. It’s nice to reflect on those years that formed you.
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
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When I was growing up, Sunday markets were a ritual in my family. Being the youngest of three girls, we all got our hustle on in the early mornings… each week I’d find unique little pieces (and some questionable items). I think my teenage years were when I started [to have] strong visions of how to style the pieces I found at the markets. No regrets, just learnings.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
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I love wearing rings, I feel like they can easily complete a look. They’re more meaningful than some of my clothes because I gift myself rings and jewellery when I reach milestones, they remind me how far I’ve come. Some favourites are from Temple of the Sun and Mountain and Moon.
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
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I’m currently saving for the Good News Kokomo Pants from Em on Holiday. Also, the What I Did For Love Embroidered Mini Dress from Chasing Unicorns.
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
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A long denim skirt, a gold embroidered belt, chunky sneakers, a long sleeve mesh/coloured long sleeves (it’s been amazing styling on those colder days under T-shirts) and a cross-body bag
Who are your favourite local designers?
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Em on Holiday, Double Rainbouu, Chasing Unicorns, Poppy Lissiman, Eisha and PE Nation.
Find more of Gracie’s colourful looks here.
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