3 Minute Thread: Emily Derrick
"My outfit celebrates the five details I can’t resist in clothes; texture, metal, patchwork, cut-outs and multi-functionality"
I met Emily when I worked at Selfridges. I saw her in the kitchen on my first day - she was wearing a long dress over a pair of wide trousers and a single, sculptural silver earring. I remember thinking, “damn. she looks cooool.” Over the following year-and-a-half, I learned that my assumptions were correct. I’d often side-eye her outfits from my desk, admiring her alien-esque Ottolinger bags, spiky shoes and this incredible cloud coat. Coincidentally, she’s also pregnant - the third member of my stylish maternity triumvirate/ girl band. Here’s Emily + 1:
Who are you?
Emily Derrick. Also known as Pinnypinpinpinpin. Currently Head of Creative Direction and Design at Selfridges and soon to be MOTHER of a little brat.
What are you wearing?
My trousers (pants) are by J.Kim, a maternity purchase that I have lived in and will continue to do so for decades to come. My jacket is Chopova Lowena, I fawned over her for months and finally got lucky secondhand. I recently discovered the belt doubles as a bottle opener and that babies love the sensory jingle jangle of the carabiners. So it’s more than a jacket; it’s entertainment for us both.
My bag is by Nensi Avetisian, a Yerevan-based brand. My shoes are by Nicole Saldaña, another secondhand purchase, today sockless exposing a little toe cleavage. My shirt is a Uniqlo shirt upcycled by Sophie Hird who created this tie-like patchwork using an old football shirt. Also starring: Marine Serre tank and Shaun Leane ear and finger armour.
Why did you choose this outfit?
Essentially the outfit celebrates the five details I can’t resist in clothes; texture, metal, patchwork, cut-outs and multi-functionality. Plus, it spotlights my new favourite accessory, the bump. After a rollercoaster of fertility troubles, I’m just out here celebrating her as much as I can.
Where did you wear it?
An average Thursday in the office. Dressing the bump for work has been a lot of fun, if at times a bit of a design challenge. We have an informal no-toe policy [Ed note: I’m shook], so getting the belly button out in the boardroom is a fairly big deal.
What’s the best style lesson you’ve learned over the years?
Invest in elasticated waistbands – they will always be there for you.
One person you think has great style?
My one person would be in the centre of a venn diagram starring Chloe Sevïgny for mastering chaos dressing, Caroline Polachek for her exquisite style codes, and right now Rihanna, for exceptional bump dressing.
Best life hack?
Magnesium Glycinate before bed. The dreams are trippy, but the sleep is so good.
Your favourite person to follow?
Nensi Avetisian. I adore her textural, structural and abstract approach to her practice. Her gram so beautifully articulates her world and makes me just want to be in it.
One recommendation to read/ watch/ listen/ see or do?
Currently I’m really enjoying MOTHERING MYTHS - an ABC of Art, Birth and Care. A series of essays, images and poetry which provides a very artful take on this crazy thing called procreation.
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