Guests and ticket holders at the 2020 Veuve Clicquot NZ Polo Marquee are invited to take inspiration from Veuve Clicquot’s bold muses, Barbara Brinsley and Louise Hilsz.
It’s also the first time that Veuve Clicquot is offering strictly limited tickets to the Veuve Clicquot Marquee at the 2020 NZ Polo Open.
As an expression of creativity and Madame Clicquot’s audacious spirit, Veuve Clicquot is partnering with Brinsley and Hilsz to curate the Veuve Clicquot Marquee with a playful nod to nostalgia and all things Retro Chic at the 2020 BMW NZ Polo Open.
This playful elegance will be brought to life through the Veuve Clicquot Portrait Photo call.
Available exclusively inside the Veuve Clicquot Marquee and designed by Brinsley and Hilsz, guests are invited to capture their Clicquot in the Sun summer moments at the Polo amongst the timeless objects of Veuve Clicquot and the golden age.
Dubbed as the Southern Hemisphere-style cousin of Iris Apfel, Brinsley is a Dunedin-based icon who at 81-years-old continues to turn heads with her unique style, flare and contagious charming charisma.
Stylist Hilsz is known for her vibrant coloured outfits and believes every woman has the potential to embrace colour and wear it in a unique way.
Good asked the pair about their style secrets and what keeps them having fun with fashion.
What is your personal style ethos?
Brinsley: I am who I am, and I own it! I am just too practical, it depends on what I am doing – whether I am into the garden and into the compost, or strutting about town. My style is within me, I don’t go out of my way to impress people, I go out with a way to preserve my being – to appear to be stylish…I don’t go out even to the garden without lipstick.
Hilsz: I always dress for myself, I have standard in my head as to how I want to look. It’s not about other people’s expectations of how I should look. I have as much fun and creativity with my look at all times. Wearing your clothes with confidence is key.
What is style to you?
Brinsley: It’s quite simple really – fashion remains; style is enduring. Style is forever, it endures. You can wear something that is from the 1920s and look great. It all comes from inside of you.
Hilsz: Style to me is finding out what you like, what suits you and wearing it with confidence. My current wardrobe I have been collecting for 15 years and all the pieces I feel are timeless as I can reinvent them by styling them a different way.
What are the elements of an outfit that you always wear, no matter the occasion?
Brinsley: Well I think it’s a matter of enduring the climate. You first need to be sensible, so dress to the elements, everything I wear is determined on the day. The outfit has to be appropriate to where I am going. If its garden – its gardening clothes, and sometimes I have to pull myself out of my beautiful vintage clothes to garden – even though it kills me to do so!
Hilsz: Colour! Always a minimum of three colours to a look.
You always look fabulous and eye-turning whenever you step out. What is your secret and why do you dress this way? How does it make you feel?
Brinsley: I think it’s because I feel well inside at my age. It seems I have got a good vintage! I realised the other day that Madame Clicquot is a fellow Sagittarius, and she lived a life well before me and turned many eyes. I feel my nursing background has given me a stop up to always keep my health top notch. I always say your health is your wealth, I feel well inside and it truly shows in what I am wearing outside.
Your mental wellbeing is as good as your physical wellbeing it all needs to be balanced, but the key message to looking fabulous is making sure you feel well inside first. It’s all about balance for me, both mental stimulation and physical – it all shows quite evidently. I keep reminding myself that I am lucky to be alive and experiencing life to the fullest.
Hilsz: I’m not sure there is a secret but I am very passionate about how I dress. It’s one of the most important things in my life. I do plan ahead as I hate the idea of wearing the same outfit twice or not having the right outfit for an occasion. In saying that I am really conscious of my expansive wardrobe and the impact fashion is having on the environment so I am trying to wear what I have more. I get very excited for the day knowing I have a solid outfit planned. It’s almost a form of motivation to get out of bed.
Where do you find pieces for your wardrobe? Barbara I know you have a fabulous eye for picking up gems secondhand and vintage. And Louise I know you have a great eye for colour …
Brinsley: Your right. But it all started in London about 30 – 40 years ago before New Zealand had any second-hand shops. I would scour the shops in London for quality garments from the likes of Dior (so many great finds that I still have today!) Over the years New Zealand has come a long way. My favorite shop that I go to is Tattys. We need to be conscious of the effects of fashion, so second-hand is the best option. There is far too much waste in this world.
Hilsz: Locally I buy a lot from Trelise Cooper and Ruby, they both do colour very well. Internationally I love Gorman, Lazy Oaf and Moschino. I shop a lot online or when travelling. I love discovering new interesting brands when I am overseas and in recent years Instagram has opened an entire new world of brands. Vintage shopping is also a lot fun in store or online, ebay has some great finds.
How have you found working together for the Veuve Clicquot portrait?
Brinsley: When I met Louise for the first time she was so colourful, she stood out a mile away, which I found fascinating! I am honoured to be working with a bold brand like Veuve Clicquot and with someone like Louise to bring this all to life. Although we have very different aesthetics and styles, it worked out really well. We brought the best out in each other. The concept is incredible, truly showing that creativity connects us.
Hilsz: Working with Barbara on this project was a career highlight. Barbara is the epitome of timeless style and a women who dresses with confidence. Prior to the shoot Barbara and I discussed what brands we were both wearing and chose colours and looks from our wardrobe that clashed in a complimentary way.
What would be your advice to someone wanting guidance on what to wear to the polo?
Brinsley: I think in my view – it’s being practical, people go to the races in high heels and realise several hours in high heels gets you stuck in the grass. If it’s hot, have a hat. Dress appropriately, colourful, practical footwear. If you are enjoying Veuve Clicquot in the Sun at the Polo you need to be bold, playful elegant – all of the things Madame Clicquot brought to the brand.
Hilsz: The Polo is an opportunity to wearing something pretty yet flamboyant. Being outside during the day keep in mind the heat and your choice of footwear – no spindly heels. A statement hat is always a great look! Step outside of your comfort zone and have fun with your look not taking yourself too serious.
Ticket Information:
Saturday 22nd February, 11am – 6pm Clevedon, Auckland
Tickets available HERE.
