Gemma

Introduce yourself! (name age, where u live, are you studying, any plans for the future, how long have you been at RetroStar?..)

My name is Gemma, I'm 24 and I’m a Warrnambool born baddie. Only the baddest come from country Victoria, duh. I moved to Melbourne with my besties as soon as we graduated high school to spread our wings in the big city, and started working at RetroStar shortly after. It’s been almost 5 years which is crazy, but in the very turbulent and chaotic time I've had living in the city, RetroStar has provided me with such a warm and loving community to fall back on and I'm forever grateful.

How do you think your childhood and where you grew up has influenced your style?

Being someone who grew up in a small town, the only options are Cotton on or Country road and the uniform was literally a Kathmandu puffer and a pair of 2XU skins. It was quite difficult to express yourself. I spent many years conforming to what everyone else was wearing and this is where Op-shops became my happy place. I think everyone who is from Country Victoria KNOWS how good country vic op shops are. Some of my grails to this day are from the Warrnambool op shops. Another controversial opinion is I think people who are born in country towns and dress cool have so much more swag than people who grew up in the city and dress cool. I said what I said.

What is your process of getting dressed in the morning? Where do you get your style inspiration?

My style choices have changed so much over the years. These days I am for comfort and practicality. I usually start with a staple piece and then style the rest of my outfit around that. My style inspiration comes from so many places, but i’d like to say my main current three are the gorgeous and intelligent women in my life, Step Up 2, the Spice Girls, and myself. I will always dress however I want. I am forever trying to keep up with myself, which is exhausting… and not a flex.

What is your favourite thing in your wardrobe? And what is one thing on your dream wish list?

My absolute favourite thing in my wardrobe is my 2005 archive Puma Satori Alto boots. If you’ve never heard of them, look them up. Probably the coolest pair of shoes I’ve ever seen. They remind me of knight armour which in other words is mega steeze. At the top of my wish list is a black Balenciaga city bag. Or a full length real fur coat.

If you could invade anyone’s closet dead or alive who is it …

So when Goldie and Bjork were dating in the 90s, I’d invade their combined wardrobe. I think they are polar opposites in the best way.

Do you see vintage fashion as a part of your future? Is it something you want to pursue as a career or is it just hobby?

Vintage will always be a big part of my life and has been my longest career venture thus far. But I do feel like I’m more of an appreciator and collector. It’s more of a hobby. Otherwise I am more focused on my creative endeavours which is becoming a music producer/DJ with my best friend/creative partner/soulmate, Tom. I love you. #GnTinyourarea

Where do you typically buy your clothes? And what do you look for in new pieces you’re introducing to your wardrobe.

I usually get my clothes from RetroStar to be honest, but every now and again I like to treat myself to something expensive. I like to do a little Depop shop. Sometimes I get a bit cheeky on Marketplace. I also like visiting all of the Vintage shops in Melbourne. Recently, I’ve been buying clothes based on material. I got this gorgeous wool long sleeve top from Karla Laidlaw and a really awesome leather jacket from work. I like to clash textures, that’s my thing at the moment and layering. Layering, layering, layering, silhouette, silhouette, silhouette.

What is a trend you hate… what is a trend you loveeee?

A trend I hate is the girlies wearing active wear with a trench coat styled on top. It just feels wrong. I won’t speak anymore on that. But a trend I love is the Vibram 5 finger shoes. When i get my tax return, I am ordering them in pink.

What is your favourite piece you’ve bought from RS? Is there anything you missed out on and you wish you bought?

My favourite piece has to be my bright yellow graphic t-shirt that reads 'I am a virgin, but this is a very old t-shirt'. I simply cannot control myself and have bought everything on my hold rail over the last 4 and a half years.

Who has the best style at RetroStar?

This is a super hard question because we all have such unique, individual style. No two of us dress the same, which makes us a super awesome team. I’d have to say Ofri.. she dresses so authentically and I’m always impressed by her outfits.

What are some of your favourite memories from working here?

Honestly, every shift I work here I make new memories. Some of my favourites would have to include the shoots I’ve styled or modelled. Trauma bonding on the School Holidays. Giggling with Jen is the big one.

What music are you queueing at the desk?

What am I not queuing? I don’t really go by artists, I’m a big genre person and I think it depends on the vibe of the day. If it’s a slow day I like to play something with a faster BPM to keep spirits high. My usual suspects include a lot 90s electronica, a lot of Jungle drum and bass, which is my main thing, trip hop, ambient and downtempo, reggae and dub, UK grime, OG female rappers like Lil Kim and Missy Elliot, and all the pop, dance pop, 2000s pop, hyperpop, britpop, everything. I also really like Madonna. I really enjoy expanding my taste at work and putting on song radios, and of course being put on by my coworkers, which is something I look forward to every shift.

What are your dreams for the future?

I really hate the idea of a five year plan, but ideally in the somewhat distant future I would like to have my debut album produced, I’d love to be booking gigs internationally, and like, live solely off my art. Its a bit of a pipe dream, but I'm also a big believer in anything is possible…

Credits

Project Director
Luella Fitz

Interview and Transcription
Luella Fitz

Photographer
Charlotte Jaffrey

Photography Assistant
Luella Fitz

Photo Editor
Charlotte Jaffrey

Illustrator
Luella Fitz

Model / Interviewee
Gemma Miller-Greene