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THE CHRONICLES OF HER (TCOH): It says on your blog that you’re a graphic designer, but where and who for?
NICOLA COOK (NC): I’m a freelance graphic designer, but I also operate a web design business in partnership with my brother called 'The Refinery' (therefinery.co.nz). We design and build websites and online stores for both NZ and international fashion brands.
TCOH: I read somewhere that you're originally from NZ. What initiated the move to HK?
NC: It was my boyfriend that landed the big job here and because of the nature and flexibility of what I do, it was an easy decision to make the move.
On style...
TCOH: Can you describe your style in 3 words?
NC: Minimal, tailored, understated.
TCOH: Were you fashion conscious from a young age?
NC: I was definitely very self-conscious about how I looked and what I wore when I was younger.
TCOH: How has your style changed or evolved over time?
NC: I think now that I’m 25 I know my body type and what suits me more than ever. I used to be very focussed on following trends and spending money on items that I’d only end up enjoying short-term, but now I’m only interested in spending more money on quality investment pieces that will last.
TCOH: Your biggest cringe-worthy fashion blunder ever?
NC: Wearing bright blue eye shadow through high school. It was much worse than it sounds.
TCOH: Who is your style idol?
NC: Elin Kling.
On blogging...
TCOH: Business or pleasure?
NC: A bit of both. I started KYF6 as a place to archive inspiration for myself, but I think once people take an interest in what you do, opportunities present themselves and you naturally begin to treat it like a business. I’m careful about how I choose brands to work with as it’s important to not lose integrity with your readers... But I think I’ve come full circle now and do it more for the love of sharing what inspires me.
TCOH: What was going through your head when you wrote your first blog post?
NC: What should I write?! Your first few blog entries are always funny because you know nobody’s reading so they can feel like diary entries. Dear Diary… why can’t I look like Anja Rubik?
TCOH: What motivates you to blog? What’s the driving force behind Knock You For Six?
NC: It’s the little moments of visual excitement; For example, when I see an image from an editorial and everything is perfect – the lighting, the composition, the model and styling – when everything aligns - that really excites me and I have to share it. Or when I get dressed to go out and I put together an outfit – the silhouette it creates or the way colours and textures combine excite me so I use KYF6 as a platform to document those moments.
TCOH: What’s one invaluable lesson you’ve learnt from blogging?
NC: Everyone loves original content.
TCOH: What has been your favourite collaboration to date?
NC: A long time ago, Kate Bartels (a good friend of mine who is hugely talented), asked me to help out with a shoot featuring her own designs which I could publish on my blog to gauge a bit of interest. It is always such an enjoyable experience working with someone you know and respect. Everything comes easy.
Image credits: Photographer - Sarah Burton, Model - Frith Armstrong.
TCOH: What’s your advice to people who are just starting out in the blogging business?
NC: Don’t ever start blogging to make money or get famous. You need to have a genuine interest in what you’re blogging about. It’s also important to have a point of difference. People want something they can’t get anywhere else.
On other stuff...
TCOH: Listening to ATM?
NC: SBTRKT, Phoenix, Frou Frou & Little Dragon.
TCOH: Dream travel destination?
NC: New York. It’s the one place on my list that I haven’t been to yet. My friends tell me I won’t want to leave.
TCOH: What’s your defining feature?
NC: My smile.
TCOH: Predict your life in 10 years time.
NC: I’d like to find a way to create a business that is self-profitable with little effort so I can have time to enjoy life but still be part of something that I really love. That all sounds very cryptic doesn’t it?
KNOCK YOU FOR SIX
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