Hey, I Like Your Style! Exploring the wardrobe of Melbourne designer, Priya McPherson
IMAGE VIA @SAGE.AVENUE/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“As I started to realise the power of my wardrobe, I then started to discover my own style.”
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 Melbourne-based designer and founder of Sage Avenue, Priya McPherson. When she’s not developing new handbags for Sage, Priya can be found sifting through op shops for pieces reminiscent of vintage streetwear culture and R&B. While she’s “definitely felt the pressure” to conform in the past, Priya is now more than comfortable channelling her “inner boss” through clothing. Scroll on for her style journey.
Who are you and what do you like to wear?
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I am a 22-year-old entrepreneur, small business owner of Sage Avenue and law student based in Melbourne. You won’t ever find me being a full-time lawyer (that’s a story for another time), but you will find me either working on Sage (my biz baby) or at the op shops sifting through pre-loved clothing to find some baggy pants, oversized button-up shirts or even a cute vintage handbag that I can use for product development inspo.
What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?
My style has definitely evolved. 10 years ago, it would’ve looked like jeans, a vintage jumper that was probably my dad’s and was undoubtedly bigger than that acceptable… completed with a pair of black Converse. Throughout the years, I started to realise the genuine significance of putting together a complete look, and that is where it all began. I started to dress with the purpose of looking good to feel good from within.
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As I started to realise the power of my wardrobe, I then started to discover my own style. I began to grow a love for curating outfits that are inspired by hip-hop, R&B and streetwear culture but with a touch of vintage. My classic go-to look is baggy jeans with a belt, a vintage tank and an oversized button-up shirt coupled with some Adidas Campus or even my favourite shoe right now – my Paraboots.
Most importantly, my style evolution has allowed me to not only find my personal style but also, [has been] an opportunity to make and remind myself of who I am. Because you bet your bottom dollar, if I have put together an outfit that I feel confident in, I am walking out of that door and no one is getting in my way. Inner boss Pri ignited.
Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
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As someone who has been on a personal style journey, I have definitely felt the pressure to fit into a particular fashion box. When I was younger, I used to beg my mom to buy me the same clothes as my classmates because I thought that by doing so, I would fit in and be happy. Looking back, I realise that this desire to conform was driven by a fear of being judged or rejected by others.
But as I’ve grown older and become more confident in my sense of self, I’ve learned that personal style is not about fitting in with others, but rather about expressing yourself and feeling comfortable in your own skin. I’ve learned to prioritise my own happiness and confidence over the opinions of others and to wear what makes me feel good and confident, rather than what I think others will like.
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I also love new experiences and travelling. I found that during my travels, it would allow me to draw inspiration from all walks of life. Wherever I am in this world, people’s outfits are a reflection of them – which is a concept that I love. I realised slowly through this that individuals who are confident in their outfits have an instant glow and radiant aurora. So, it was moments like these that made me realise how important it is to fit only within your own self.
For me, personal style is a way to bring out my inner-boss version of myself and showcase my unique personality and sense of style. It’s not about fitting into a particular fashion box or following the latest trends, but rather about staying true to myself and my own sense of style. I believe that personal style is a journey and that it’s important to be open to trying new things and evolving your fashion sense over time. Ultimately, the key is to embrace who you are and to let your personal style be a reflection of your true self.
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
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Looking back on my awkward teenage years, there are definitely some fashion choices that I now regret. But at the same time, I also remember loving those choices and feeling confident in them. I think it’s important to remember that it’s natural to make some fashion mistakes as we’re figuring out our personal style and what works for us.
However, there is one fashion trend that stands out as a definite regret: jelly shoes. You know, those fisherman-style sandals with glitter and platforms? I cringe just thinking about them now, and I doubt you will see me rocking them again anytime soon.
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
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In my wardrobe, the most expensive items are definitely my collection of vintage designer pieces. I have a Fendi polo shirt and a Jean Paul Gautier top that are among my favourites. I’m a deep lover of vintage designer items because they just have a unique historical significance, coupled with a form of art and are often one-of-a-kind pieces.
On the other end of the spectrum, the least expensive items in my wardrobe are probably some of my op shop finds. One of my favourite pieces is a pair of black pants that I bought for just $5 at Savers. Op shopping can sometimes be a bit of a mission, with hours spent sifting through items but I find it’s always worth it when you find that diamond in the rough. I love the thrill of finding unique pieces at a great price, and as they say, one person’s trash can definitely be another person’s treasure.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
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Definitely my Dior Saddle white bag with the intertwined straps on the side. This handbag is incredibly special to me because it was the inspiration behind starting my own small business, Sage. As I was curating outfits and experimenting with different looks, I would always reach for my mom’s vintage handbags to add that perfect finishing touch.
It was during this time that the idea of starting my own business began to take shape, and it was the Dior saddle bag that helped me discover my passion for creating stylish and functional handbags.
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I am incredibly grateful for the importance that this piece holds in my life, as it ultimately led me to start Sage and embark on a journey that has brought me so much joy and fulfilment. The bag serves as a constant reminder of the power of inspiration and the potential for creativity and innovation in the fashion industry.
Who or what influences your style?
Honestly, my mood and the weather. My own mood has a really big impact on what I wear for the day. If I need a boost in confidence or a little pick-me-up, I will most likely wear a cuter outfit. Think midi skirt, [a] tank and my favourite maroon-coloured clogs from Camper.
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If I am feeling a little slower and it’s a gloomier day outside, I typically find myself reaching for baggier items. Low-rise baggy jeans or trackies, [an] oversized T-shirt and my Ugg slides. I’ve always been the kind of girl who trusts her instincts and intuition and feels her best when she is in alignment with herself. So, I am not surprised that I find nature to be helpful with my style, as being in nature has a significant role to play in my personal connection.
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
This is actually a really good question because I am one of those people who buys on a limb. If I see something I like, I will just go for it and come with the mindset of ‘We only live once’. My bank account probably isn’t too happy, but at least I am.
But if I had to pick one thing, probably the Ganni cowboy boots (or anything from Ganni really, they are one of my favourite brands)!
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
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I am currently wearing my Kathmandu pants on repeat. I am really into my gorpcore at the moment. [I’m] obsessed also with my boyfriend’s oversized camo green bomber jacket oh AND how could I forget my Paraboots! Plus, it’s very rare that I go more than two days without wearing my new baggy blue jeans from Weekday, too.
What are your favourite local designers?
At the moment, I am loving Sabi’s new capsule collection. Especially the Tatti Belt and Capri Pants. Also can’t wait to get my hands on Apres Studio’s new blue gingham dress and Tild’s current scarf collection. They would be my top picks at the moment.
For more of Priya’s outfits, head here.
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