Welcome to 'Hot Crosses', where we talk to killer collaborators, slashies, and other people who manage to be many things at once, brought to you by Huyndai. See our first interview, with Rankin, here, our second, with Ruby Rose, here, and our third, with Tony Hawk, here.
Pip Edwards is a force in fashion unto herself, one of the few Australians ever to boast an iconic hair 'do (dark to light balayage appropriately appointed 'The Pip'), the stylist, designer, DJ and all around it-girl has lent her considerable nous for spawning cool yet populist trends to the likes of Ksubi, and lately Sass and Bide. We caught up with her to find out a little bit more.
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When people ask what you do. What’s your typical response?
I work in fashion.
Is there anything else we should add to your slashies?
Well, I have a commerce/law degree from Sydney Uni and my A.Mus.A in Music (piano).
Tell me about when you learnt a career lesson you’ll never forget.
Hmmmmm……I still have them all the time! One would be trust yourself, trust your skill, trust your opinions, trust your experience, trust your knowledge, just trust who you are.
Are your ideals the same now as when you first started out? How did you start out anyway?
Definitely not! Life is about trial and error and learning from your mistakes and experiences, now in hindsight, it was a lot more casual and fun way back when I started, work is still super fun but there is a greater understanding of the industry and business side of things, and there is a definite accountability that has to be considered, first. My responsibility and impact is much greater now, so a lot more considered, big-picture thought goes into my work.
Have you ever really wanted to do something, but it never quite eventuated, and you wish it had?
I’ve pretty much been able to do everything that I have wanted to. I’ve had many career turns and experiences that I am so grateful for, I definitely have ticked a few of the boxes on my to do list! I still have a great enthusiasm for music – so maybe there is more to explore there… and I am still yet to live for an extended amount of time overseas however this is a little harder now that Justice (Edwards' son) is five.
How did your role as accessories designer at Sass & Bide come up?
I was freelance styling full time and felt that in addition to the vast array of jobs I was getting that I needed an anchor, I needed to belong to a brand and immerse myself in something I had some history with, some affiliation, a brand I could identify with, so I emailed the girls (who were old friends of mine) to see if there were any opportunities and so the role was created! It started off as odd projects and VM and then turned into setting up the accessories department.
When working as a stylist and designer, what would you say is your signature?
Signature style – High End Street. Black and Gold. Tough Fun.
Have you a particular tactic you employ when you need to come up with something good, really fast?
I have to love it and want to wear it – maybe its something that is lacking in my wardrobe, or something that I have desired for a long time!
Is there an Australian fashion moment that sticks in your head as being one that defines an era?
I’ll have to get back to you on that one.
Looking back, can you see a pivotal ‘breakthrough’ in your career?
Ksubi was a great starting ground for me when I joined the fashion industry and one of the best experiences of my life …. However, my time at Sass & Bide has been the greatest growth personally and professionally and has had great impact on extending the brand itself. I am proud to be working with the girls and the rest of the creative/design team. It’s a melting pot of great strong passionate minds.
Your son justice is a total peach. As you see him grow to become his own little person, what are you most proud of?
He has the most sensitive little heart, the most caring protective nature but he can also be the funniest little thing on earth, he’s a bit of a joke-star, loves a good laugh and loves to play tricks! He is a definitely a man unto his own already. He is confident, assertive, curious, determined, loving – everything I have ever needed in my life and more.
What are you most proud of, in yourself?
The ability to get on with life, to take everything in my stride and just keep going. The ability to juggle all aspects of my life, which keeps me in check.
You may be to blame for the ‘balayage or ombre’ trend in Sydney. What do you think about this?
I have had my hair like this for over 5 years now – so for me, its just me. I admit when the trend picked up a year or 2 ago, I tried something else with my hair but it didn’t last for very long, it just didn’t feel like me… So I’m back to the balayage and in a big way. I love it. It's best of both worlds being true to my brunette self but having the all the fun of being blonde, it accentuates the beach girl in me… I’m not sure if I ever will let it go.
Is it important you’ve done it all yourself?
Absolutely. Its great to share your achievements with someone but at the end of the day, I can say, I am who I am and where I am because of me. Its all been my choice. I am lucky in some ways. But it hasn’t been easy. As anyone will say, the hard yards were put in early on behind the scenes, that’s what people don’t get to see, and all they see is the façade of what they think they know … but there is a hell of a lot to it and that comes with it. There is a lot to endure, and a lot to explore, but at the end of it all, I am doing what I’ve always wanted to do and everything around me is a testament to that – my son, my family, my friends, my home, my career ….. I’m finally me (I think!!!! Hahahahahaha)