HELENA BUSCH X
BEC + BRIDGE
Being a model/influencer and owner of a label, where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration pretty much everywhere especially now when things are shared so easily through social media. But in all honesty the era of the 90's fashion is my biggest inspiration. Moreover I admire and get a lot of inspiration from my mom and the way she used to dress back in the days and I still reuse a lot of her unique pieces.
Welcome back to Australia! We’re so excited to have you here, what are you enjoying the most about being in Sydney?
Thank you - I am so happy to be back here… spending time in Sydney over summer is such a welcome break from New York Winter. I really enjoy coming here and having a ‘working holiday’ - being able to go to the beach after a job is so special and not something you get to do anywhere else. It’s also so great to be able to spend time with my boyfriend's family and catch up with friends.
How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?
I would say that I have 3 different aesthetics or styles:
1. the casual minimal day to day look consisting of a pair of denim, a white basic top, white sneakers, a blazer and "the" bag of the day as I call it. I am not going to lie - I have a lot of different bags in different shapes and brands and I love to switch them around.
2. The 90's fearless consisting of backless tops, mini skirts, low waist denim, sunglasses, mini bags, heels or boots and sleek hairstyles and hoops earrings are typical items I would go for when I want to look extra fierce.
3. The "Swedish" style which I would describe as a relaxing yet feminine style consisting of long maxi dresses, stripe patterns, minimal or more classy polished clothes or floral and puffy tops/dresses.
What are your ultimate wardrobe staples?
I must say that my ultimate wardrobe staples are: low waisted vintage denim, white basic tops and oversized blazers and in terms of shoes white sneakers from Nike or Dior high top and for heels I love the transparent pointy heels from Giovanni Rossi.
Do you have a favourite Sydney beach?
I used to always gravitate towards Bronte, but on this trip, I have spent more and more time at the harbour beaches, particularly Redleaf and Camp Cove. I love the little ocean pool at Redleaf with the floating pontoons that you can swim out to, and Camp Cove has the clearest most amazing water to swim in… both have great kiosks with great coffee.
What are some of your favourite restaurants in Bangkok?
One of my favorite restaurants in terms of great vibes and dining is Zuma located at St.Regis. For more relaxed restaurants but delicious food I would say Gigi Dining Hall, El Gaucho for their steaks and for authentic Thai food Thong Smith or Funky Lam.
What is your favourite piece from our 'TWENTY ONE' collection?
I absolutely love the Siren Midi Dress! This dress looks like magic to me - feminine, sexy and truly unique with its outstanding details.
What is one thing people don't know about you?
One characteristic thing people probably don't know about me is that I can't sit still. I mean it when I say it, I really don't know how to just sit still in peace. I believe being "active" has been with me since an early age both physically and mentally. My mind and my body is constantly on the go and my activeness is something I still can't control.
What are three things you can’t live without?
My denim Chanel bag, my phone and lipgloss.
What do you miss the most about NY and London?
My sister and best friends and family, I have such a special relationship with those closest to me and the opposite time zone makes them feel very far away. Both New York and London can feel very busy and at times overwhelming, so it’s lovely to be able to step away from that energy for a moment to reset and be excited to get back.
Looking back 8 years ago in 2014, you featured as the face of our Spring campaign. We’ve loved watching you grow over the years. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt in that time?
I remember this shoot with you so well! It was my first ever job ever in Sydney and happened to be the day after I had landed from London and it was just so hot…. Pierre (who shot it) and I were actually reminiscing about this day and the heat of the cactus garden only the other day as we were on another very hot job together. This trip in 2014 when I shot with you was one of the first overseas trips I ever did as a model… and I have learnt much since then - about myself and the industry. I guess I am just so incredibly grateful for everything that this job has given me and all the lessons that it has taught me… I frequently think about how truly lucky I feel that this is the way I get to spend my days
How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?
Quite casual… I tend to gravitate towards tees / boxers / jeans most days, but can also really appreciate dressing up a little more for an occasion… the dress that you so kindly sent me, a few months ago I have worn for every occasion I’ve had recently and I always get so many compliments, so thank you for adding to my wardrobe essentials.
What is your favourite piece from our Autumn collection?
I really love the silky champagne coloured dress with the green stripe at the top. It actually reminds me of the dress I just mentioned in the question before… I am a creature of habit and always seem to gravitate towards similar pieces.
You’re an innate creative, where and how do you feel your most creative self coming out?
I think when I have the space (physically and mentally) that allows me to be creative. There are times when it feels like ‘life’ takes over and I’m ‘too busy’ and I realise I haven’t been creative for myself in so long. Or vice versa I have too much free time and feel uninspired to do anything… but in all honesty, both are just excuses and I know that when I do take a moment to invest time into creating, it brings me so much joy.
What’s something you can’t live without?
Time to myself. It’s taken me a while to realise how important this is to me as I also love being around my partner and friends… but having an hour or so in the morning to meditate or call my family or practice yoga has become so invaluable to me.
HELENA BUSCH X
BEC + BRIDGE
Being a model/influencer and owner of a label, where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration pretty much everywhere especially now when things are shared so easily through social media. But in all honesty the era of the 90's fashion is my biggest inspiration. Moreover I admire and get a lot of inspiration from my mom and the way she used to dress back in the days and I still reuse a lot of her unique pieces.
How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?
I dress very much how I feel. I think I have a very classy, easy look. I pay a lot attention to good fabrics. I am not a fan of much color and I do love jewelry very much. Everything happens very instinctively.
How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?
I would say that I have 3 different aesthetics or styles:
1. the casual minimal day to day look consisting of a pair of denim, a white basic top, white sneakers, a blazer and "the" bag of the day as I call it. I am not going to lie - I have a lot of different bags in different shapes and brands and I love to switch them around.
2. The 90's fearless consisting of backless tops, mini skirts, low waist denim, sunglasses, mini bags, heels or boots and sleek hairstyles and hoops earrings are typical items I would go for when I want to look extra fierce.
3. The "Swedish" style which I would describe as a relaxing yet feminine style consisting of long maxi dresses, stripe patterns, minimal or more classy polished clothes or floral and puffy tops/dresses.
What are your ultimate wardrobe staples?
Raw denim and a good shirt - in combination with the right jewelry, this outfit can go any way.
What is your favourite piece from our 'REMINISCE' collection?
I really love the transparent pieces as well as the green shiny blouse.
What are your ultimate wardrobe staples?
I must say that my ultimate wardrobe staples are: low waisted vintage denim, white basic tops and oversized blazers and in terms of shoes white sneakers from Nike or Dior high top and for heels I love the transparent pointy heels from Giovanni Rossi.
What are some of your favourite restaurants in Bangkok?
One of my favorite restaurants in terms of great vibes and dining is Zuma located at St.Regis. For more relaxed restaurants but delicious food I would say Gigi Dining Hall, El Gaucho for their steaks and for authentic Thai food Thong Smith or Funky Lam.
A skill you’re working on mastering?
To choose my thoughts with mindfulness.
How/when did your iconic 'elevator selfie' come about?
To be honest, I don’t remember. It was years ago now when I took my first selfie inside this elevator - to me it was/is just a normal elevator which I used daily so taking a selfie came naturally.
How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?
I dress very much how I feel. I think I have a very classy, easy look. I pay a lot attention to good fabrics. I am not a fan of much color and I do love jewelry very much. Everything happens very instinctively.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
I have so many big and small artists or personalities I admire for so many different reasons - if it is a personal vision, advice, style, attitude... and of course there are some artist I always come back to, to search for more. To me inspiration is everywhere. I think sometimes it is more important to have the ambition to be inspired.
I can give you one quote from Cary Grant who meant a lot to me at the time I found it as it is still one key advice to success (whatever success means to you):
‘I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.’
Which art trends inspire your current work?
I don’t like the imagination that protecting the earth became a trend as this should be a normal, everyday thing for any of us. But I am currently working on a garden project that came instinctively but feels so right into this time. It is all about understanding Mother Nature in a better, more intense way.
What is your favourite piece from our 'TWENTY ONE' collection?
I absolutely love the Siren Midi Dress! This dress looks like magic to me - feminine, sexy and truly unique with its outstanding details.
What is one thing people don't know about you?
One characteristic thing people probably don't know about me is that I can't sit still. I mean it when I say it, I really don't know how to just sit still in peace. I believe being "active" has been with me since an early age both physically and mentally. My mind and my body is constantly on the go and my activeness is something I still can't control.
What are three things you can’t live without?
My denim Chanel bag, my phone and lipgloss.
How has your artistic style changed over time?
I think it is the perspective towards life, coming from all of your experiences good or bad, which shape your view on art, fashion… life in general, and at least on yourself, constantly new. And as our ambition should be to evolve every day, change came and will keep coming in everything I do, feel and in general existence. I grew up with with my job. And I am still growing up and I am at a point in my life where I want to feel more mature and I think you can see this in the whole progress I show in my work.
Describe your dream project?
I just bought a house in Tuscany so this is and always was one of my dream projects, and surely will be one for lifetime.