Social Wardrobe: Interview with... Brook Mckay

Blackmilkclothing.com

Hi Brook, tell us a little bit about yourself (who you are/what you do/where you’re from, etc.).

Hi, my name is Brook McKay I am from Australia and I am the CEO of Plave.co.uk OHYEAH.

What was the ultimate inspiration to create this wonderful platform (Plave)?

The opportunity to connect cultures through fashion, one step closer to breaking down the language barriers of the internet (credit Eli Pariser).

What can Plave do for bloggers?

Plave is currently is recruiting the finest bloggers from around the world. Plave's goal is to increase our bloggers readership and create tools that are currently to difficult and take to much time for our community to do/create. Our goal is to take bloggers from passionate wonders to master bloggers.

Blackmilkclothing.com

What do you think is the key for success (Plave) ?

Dedication, surrounding myself and my team with the best and beside the best people, and goal clarity.

How would you define your style?

"Bi pola" Only because their are days where I love to blend, feel apart of the evolving trend and community spirit and other days where I enjoy being fashionably isolated, openly creative and free.

Who/what inspires you?

Anyone who has the courage to go against the grain and contribute something positive to this world. People like Gavin Antill (think different, design energy), Steve Baxter (achieves and gives back), and the countless successful business people I met in Paris and around the world that inspire me because they are challenging themselves, living life and loving life.

Books such as; Shantaram, Steve Jobs Biography, The Tipping Point are inspiring as they tell stories about people, independence and culture.

As a ex-model, you’re traveling all the time. Which are your favorites cities to shop?

The cities I discovered to have the best shopping was; Paris (vintage shops), Berlin + London (up and coming designers) and Tokyo (innovation and new age style).

What are your favourite pieces in your wardrobe?

Soot, Shakuhachi, and SoleSociety are all satisfying Australian designers contributing to my favourites wardrobe finds.

Soot.com.au

solesociety.com.au

What is your top fashion tip?

Fashion tip? that's general...

For Bloggers.. I would say.. Stick at the one style and focus on it and become the best in your field.
For Magazines.. incorporate Plave's Bloggers into your print, mix it with Augmented Reality and your audience will love you.
For Brands.. Hire fashion bloggers because they are the new age fashion influences.
For Social Wardrobe... Work on your fashion blogging magazine more as this is one of the most important goals of a fashion blogger, "get published" this helps them boost their credibility in order to be one step closer to turning their hobby into a profession
For You... visit Plave.co.uk, express yourself and enjoy.

What importance do social networks have for you?

Social networks are communication tools, the importance of communication is invaluable.

Your first thought in the morning?

Eat breakfast.

What is your favourite thing to do when your not working on Plave?

Cuddling my boyfriend and harassing my family.

How would you describe fashion in the city where you live?

Brisbane is a unique city, trends are picked up very fast. Speaking for the age group 15-30; the two tone hair is huge and the round sunglasses dominate. Men are becoming very "Metro" as they like to call it. Wearing more feminine style clothes - low neck lines, tight jeans but maintain a sexy lean gruff look underneath. The girls love short dresses (In Summer) usually block coloured or floral with chunky heels. There is certainly a smaller yet obvious bohemian culture that are enjoying the platform sandals and long skirts that have floated to this side of the world. Goths are still around however, since crosses and skulls are so common these days, it's harder to tell the difference.
Finally the rebellious shaved head is becoming more popular, complimented by the sexy prints that dominate the beautiful curvacious women (iconic outback and cartoon images raining strong - pioneered by BlackMilk).
For more insights, an amazing Brisbane blogger to check out is Inside In Inside Out.