Celebrating Ten Years: Message From Founder
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Preventive health, mental health and wellness have been top of mind as we continue to navigate stay a home orders and so it was perfectly timed when we met Kris Abbey.
Founder of Spa & Wellness Magazine, wellness advocate and passionate educator with the desire to simplify health and wellness.
We chat to this passionate and driven wellness advocate about her relationship with fashion and how her busy work life influences her style.
And of course we ask wellness advice too!
As a health and wellness advocate what is some advice you could give to women to feel more confident and comfortable in their skin?
Appreciate your body, your heart, your mind and all the wonderful things it allows you to do. Don’t get caught up on the superficial. We are more than that.
How has wellness intertwined into your own experiences with fashion?
Wellness is not just about eating well and exercising. It is making choices towards a fulfilling life. I love my body and treat it well. I make conscious choices of what I put in and on my body and the impact that has. Same is said for the way I live my life. I try to think of the environment in the choices I make and the brands I support.
Was there an experience in your life that helped shaped your personal style?
I grew up on a farm and one of five kids. A lot of my clothes were either homemade or hand-me-downs. To breathe fresh life into old clothes I would swap out the buttons, or change the hemline, something simple, just to add my own style. It was only on special occasions that I was able to get a new outfit. And even on those occasions I preferred my mum to make me something. I liked having individual pieces and wearing something that was made with love and not pumped out by the thousands. The same is said for my fashion choices today.
How does your wardrobe reflect your style?
My daughter (who is in textiles) defines my wardrobe as either designer pieces (not Chanel designer, rather small-batch, local designer) or active-wear. I like to wear nice clothes, made well by great people. However, my health and fitness background means I’m equally happy in comfy sweats. I do love iconic Australian brands – I have been wearing RM Williams boots since I could walk and have several pairs. I also have a lot of exercise gear made from recycled fishing line or repurposed rubber. I definitely opt for clothes that have a story.
When buying from a brand what values do you look for?
Brand values are really important when I am buying something. Not just clothes – but food, furniture, cosmetics, everything. I grew up on a farm (as I mentioned) and love for the land is in my DNA. I support brands who share the same ethos, have a sense of community, and also value health – both for people and the planet.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainability, to me, is a product that sustains and supports our planet. If I put it in my language, a diet is only sustainable if you can do it for the rest of your life and feel great. If it detracts from your health or your mental wellbeing, it is not sustainable. Same goes for products, clothes, food, and skincare etc. If the production of these takes from or harms the planet, it is not a sustainable product.
First place you will travel to once it’s safe to do so?
I recently had a dream about being in New York – I love that city! However I think maybe somewhere closer to home. My sister lives in Auckland and I have only seen her once in two years. I miss her more than places. Or I could get her to meet me in Rome, now there’s an idea!
When you tried on West 14th for the first time how did you feel?
I felt like a close friend had given me a loving hug. It just felt happy and warm. It is hard not to smile when you put nice clothes on your body.