The StarBlog Diaries: Brittzay - Stardoll

In this StarBlog Diaries exclusive, AllDolledUp interviews
a talented and fashion-forward Stardoll member that may need no introduction.

Brittany is a (soon-to-be) fashion design graduate from New Zealand. Some of you may already know Brittany from her collaborations with Stardoll of which include "Stardoll Social Recap", a series of videos found on Stardoll.com’s video section of the website, and most recently her fashion designs were released in the Starplaza's Original Future store.

(To learn more about that collaboration click here, to read that part of our interview!) I am honored to share with you Brittany's journey, so read on to get to know this amazing Stardoll and the rising designer behind the doll.

ADU: Tell us more about your background and culture!

Brittzay: "New Zealand is a small country with a much higher population of sheep than people. While things are quiet here most of the time, we have many beautiful landscapes, with two of our national languages being English and Māori. While I am happy to be a kiwi, it can also feel isolating being so far away from everyone, and I would love to see what the rest of the world has to offer too."

ADU: What inspires you, and how would you describe your style?

Brittzay: "My family have had a strong connection with Japan for a while now, so a lot of my creative inspiration stems from there. I love the fast-paced environment and enthusiasm of Tokyo & its street fashion, so I would love to live and work there someday.

I adore brands who turn the concept of fashion on its head and have fun with it, including Moschino and Irregular Choice. I’m also a fan of Tokyo street brands and artists, like HEIHEI, NIIMI and the iconic Sebastian Masuda to name a few! My favorite Stardoll stores would include the likes of Evil Panda and Original Future, but I also admire the detail and luxury of stores such as Voile.

My personal style is quirky and a bit ironic. I have a weakness for obnoxious colors and prints. As much as I appreciate how fashion works as an important commentary on the current state of the world, I also like to play around and have fun. To me, life’s too short -- get weird. However, I do like challenging myself creatively and expanding my learning. I’ve made darker or more commercial-based works as part of my studies and even a bridalwear collection with hand-draped lace. At the end of the day, I just love to create!"

ADU: What can you tell us about your undergratuate studies?

Brittzay: "In 2019 I finished my final year towards a Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design), with graduation taking place later this month! It’s been an interesting (and intensive) few years but I have learned a great deal about myself and where I want to go.

At fashion school you learn not only how to design fashion, but also the production process of garments, including sourcing fabrics, pattern drafting, construction and selling the end product. While it is a very practical course, there is also a lot of theory involved too which is essential in understanding how the industry works and how it is going to change in the future."

ADU: What advice would you like to share with StarBlog readers and our community?

Brittzay: "Something I regularly remind myself is that it’s okay to do things in your own time. I see constantly that youth today are expected to ‘succeed’ at younger and younger ages than ever before. It’s okay to pace yourself, you won’t always know what you want to do and things aren’t always going to be peachy. Take a step back, look at it from a different angle and try to get out of your own headspace. Sometimes what speaks success to others won’t make you happy in the long run, and taking alternate routes for your own happiness can bring its rewards in the long run, especially in ways you would never expect them to be."