- Words and photographs by Lia Crowe

Claudia has always been someone IB次元官网网址檝e gone to for fashion inspiration. When I have a nugget of an idea but need to distil it into a concrete concept, IB次元官网网址檝e relied on her knowledge of fashion and trends and her passion for all things visual. She also has a strong sense of personal style and with her boutique Bernstein & Gold, she brings a fresh, current and bold aesthetic that has elevated this city to the category of fashion forward.

So, it is a real treat to meet Claudia for a chat about her life, style and inspiration, and what she holds as important. SheB次元官网网址檚 owned a retail boutique in Victoria for close to 20 years, so I wonder what aspect of her work fires her up and keeps her going.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 the customers and the fashion,B次元官网网址� she says. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 a thrill in the buying for the next season: the trends, colours and fabrics, and what direction IB次元官网网址檓 going to take the store next. And that all comes from feedback I get from clients while working on the floor; being on the floor is everything.B次元官网网址�

And what is Claudia most excited about for spring 2020? B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 an interesting mix. The B次元官网网址�90s are definitely showing up again, and wild florals in big prairie poofs.B次元官网网址�

Asked what innate quality has led to her success, Claudia says her strength lies in the buying. B次元官网网址淐hoosing out of the million things you see, sifting through countless amounts of pictures and fabric swatches, going to the showrooms, meeting designers and really paring it down. ItB次元官网网址檚 about trusting your instincts and being able to take risks. It canB次元官网网址檛 be boring, it needs to be fresh but still wearable. ThatB次元官网网址檚 what I spend the most time fretting about B次元官网网址� it has to be right.B次元官网网址�

And what essential daily practice has she adopted in her work?

B次元官网网址淪omething that I try to show up with every morning is B次元官网网址� listening to customers. They are coming through the door, they chose to spend their time with me and it has to be special, it has to be personal, it has to be meaningful to them in all aspects of the interaction. I have a great team and they all subscribe to that same philosophy.B次元官网网址�

Since she is the mother of a toddler, I asked Claudia: what is the best life lesson sheB次元官网网址檚 recently learned?

B次元官网网址淥ne big thing IB次元官网网址檓 passionate about is self-care and wellness and making it a priority in my life. Going back to basics B次元官网网址� from natural skincare to even the type of clothes and how much that you buy B次元官网网址� incorporating the right things into your life, making better choices and honouring what matters to you. My self-care practice is focused on my garden because itB次元官网网址檚 something I can do with my son. ItB次元官网网址檚 all about keeping your body well to preserve yourself, so you can be there for that person. You donB次元官网网址檛 think about that in your 20s very much, or at least I didnB次元官网网址檛.B次元官网网址�

When it comes to personal style, Claudia says she likes things pretty and casual.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e always liked flowing blouses, nice fabrics and patterns, but most days IB次元官网网址檓 in jeans and sneakers because IB次元官网网址檓 running around and I need to be able to move.B次元官网网址�

So what does good style mean? B次元官网网址淚t has to feel like itB次元官网网址檚 you. And itB次元官网网址檚 a feeling; itB次元官网网址檚 the way your body responds in clothes, the way you move. It doesnB次元官网网址檛 have to be expensive or be designer, it just needs to feel like there has been some thought behind it. It has to work for the person and you can usually tell by the way they carry themselves in it.B次元官网网址�

STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE

Style icon: Stella McCartney.

Favourite artist: Mark Rothko.

Favourite piece of art: Jackson PollockB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址淎utumn Rhythm.B次元官网网址�

Favourite fashion designer or brand: Chlo茅/Stella McCartney style and brand philosophy.

Favourite musician: Too many but Neil Young is in the top five.

Era of time that inspires your style: B次元官网网址�70s and now.

Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: Toni Collette in Wanderlust.

Favourite local restaurant: Brasserie lB次元官网网址橢cole.

Favourite cocktail or wine: Old Fashioned.

Album on current rotation: Best of the B次元官网网址�80s on Spotify.

Favourite flower: Thistle.

Favourite city to visit: New York City.

Favourite hotel: 1477 Reichhalter, South Tyrol.

Favourite App: Instagram for the store.

Favourite place in the whole world: Copenhagen.

FASHION & BEAUTY

Uniform: Straight-leg high-waist Mother denim, Ulla Johnson blouse or top with big sleeves, sneakers.

All-time favourite piece: Ulla Johnson blouse with lace and ruffles.

Currently coveting: A new wallet by Celine.

Favourite pair of shoes: Isabel Marant sneakers.

Favourite day-bag: WANT Les Essentiels backpack.

Favourite work tool: My iPhone.

Favourite jewellery piece or designer: Initial necklace by Pascale Monvoisin.

Fashion obsession: Sneakers.

Accessory you spent the most money on: Chanel bag.

Moisturizer: Susanne Kaufmann Hyaluron Serum.

Scent: Love by Chlo茅.

Must-have hair product: Hair mask by Kerastase.

Beauty secret: Sleep, laugh and facials by Jamie.

READING MATERIAL

What you read online for style: Numerous style blogs but I still like traditional Vogue Paris and Sch枚ner Wohnen (interior design) for style news and links to other sites and blogs. ItB次元官网网址檚 truly endless.

Fave print magazine: The Gentlewoman.

Fave style blog: Who What Wear.

Coffee table book/photography book: A Frame for Life: The Designs of StudioIlse by Ilse Crawford.

Last great read: She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.

Story courtesy of , a Black Press Media publication
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