What is “I Like Your Style”? It’s our ongoing series where fashion lovers open up their wardrobes and share the outfits that define them. We ask what inspires their style, how they shop, and who influences the way they dress. At the end, they pass the baton by nominating someone whose style they admire—continuing the ever-evolving style chain.

This time, we spoke to Lucy Hopkins, a brand manager, stylist and statement accessory enthusiast. We caught Lucy between thinking up brand strategies and scroll-stopping campaigns to ask about her inspirations, favourite fashion shows, recent trip to Japan and more.

Who is Lucy Hopkins?

Hi! Im Lucy a 30-something year old woman from Auckland, NZ who LOVES all things fashion. Dinners and drinks out is my favourite pastime and I’m a sucker for travel too (what kiwi isn’t TBH). I live my day-to-day as the Brand Manager for 3 large NZ retailers. I used to style throughout my 20s but haven’t for a while! I still love it though and have a wardrobe full of vintage items ready to whip out at any given opportunity.

Share your first fashion/style related memory from childhood.

Not one particular memory but I used to change my outfit minimum 3x a day. Whether it was my yellow co-ord sweat set, pink floral dress or my mums leather coat with matrix sunnies. I had 3+ moods a day and I still vibe with that.

What is your personal style in essence?

Ahh this is so hard. My style has changed a lot, especially over recent years post-covid and whatever stage I’m at in life. My mantra at the moment is to always find some fun and unique pieces for my wardrobe to add life to boring basics. I’m a sucker for a cute handbag or fun accessory. I also hold onto everything. I have unique pieces from my late teens I still pull out every other season!

I could describe my style in 3 words — easy, chic, fun.

If you had to choose one song to represent your aesthetic what would it be?

‘Fragments of Time’ by Daft Punk. The song is about nostalgia, ‘Right now feels so good that I will feel nostalgic about this moment in the future.’

Has your recent trip to Japan been a source of style inspiration? Where else do you look to get inspired?

Japan is always a source of style inspo!! Especially because I never have to tailor any pants or jackets from there (hey fellow shorties). The main thing I buy in Japan are accessories. I’m not talking vintage LV’s or Fendi baguettes, more of the unique pieces found in malls or small boutiques. I found this incredible silver Camper cardholder/phone bag and a Hender Scheme pink leather bucket hat. These are always items that add that extra lil something to an outfit.

Did you do any vintage shopping in Japan? If so, are there any stores you’d recommend?

I always go to Nakano Broadway! It’s a short train away from Shibuya. Honestly though, you can’t beat the Ragtag on Cat Street in Omotesando. It’s in a very touristy place but there are some amazing finds there.

What’s your most iconic fashion moment to date?

Yikes, can you tell me?! I have no idea. Loving my green suede belt paired with a cow print bag. I feel like I can rock that anywhere anytime but still feel just as chic as when I wore it the first time.

What’s your most embarrassing fashion moment to date?

I’m sure there’s many but late teens, early 20s stands out for me. No money, uni student, experimenting with fashion and discovering vintage. I definitely wore some questionable clothing pieces to 9am uni lectures!

Does working in fashion affect your style in any way?

I’m hyper aware of micro trends. Some of them are great but some put me off big time. I can also tell immediately when something is going to take off and saturate the market (cough cough Adidas Sambas and Gazelles). It’s not always a bad thing, I love seeing how these trickle into broader markets or evolve into new trends.

Who are the most promising up-and-coming local designers in your opinion?

One of my besties Nicole from Oosterom! I’m biased but she just understands fit so well! Beautiful high quality fabrics and pieces I wear every other day. My most recent fit from her is a striped co-ord. I wear it at least once a week!

What are the best runway shows that happened during your lifetime?

Is it too soon to say Glenn Martens debut for Maison Margiela only this month? Wow, beautiful. Also have to chuck in Alexander McQueens SS99 show… the inspo for so many runways and fashion campaigns to this day!!

Could you recommend any literature on style and fashion that you like?

Ok so this isn’t a book or literature, but I’m chronically online (I say this is for my job but we all know I’m addicted) and my favourite fashion forecaster for literally all things fashion, new or old, is Mandy Lee @oldloserinbrooklyn.

Nominate someone you know for the next feature. Someone whose style you admire.

Clara Pafundi! One of my besties living in NYC. Photographer and girl-about-town. We want some Northern Hemisphere fashion inspo direct from the source!!

Lucy Hopkins, I Like Your Style