No? You haven't? Well there's always a first for everything! Gala Darling, author of GalaDarling.com and iCiNG is that such person, and I'm thinking you're going to love the answers she gives to the questions I asked. But you'll have to read them to know what they are, won't you?
And on a related note, this interview sounds very nice when read while listening to Natasha Bedingfield's If You're Gonna lyrics. They lyrics fit the mood.
So first off, is Gala Darling you real name?
Yes, it is! That doesn't mean I was born with it, however...
If it is your real name, where does it come from?
The breakdown goes like this: Gala was Salvador Dali's wife [ed note: that's Gala Dali on the left in her wedding photo], & the name means party, celebration, festival, joy. My middle name, Lumière, means 'light' in French. & Darling... well. What can I say about that?
If it's you nickname, how did you decide upon it? Does the Darling portion have anything to do with Peter Pan, and a desire to stay young and fresh?
The name actually came to me in a dream, & as soon as I woke up, I wrote it down & stared at in wonder. I was so delighted. I had wanted to change my name for a really long time, & so I guess I put out the intention for a new one... & it just came to me. Darling has nothing to do with Peter Pan, though I'm glad you brought it to my attention, I never would have made the connection!
When did you realise that putting words onto paper, (or these days, onto a screen) was what you wanted to do with your career?
I think I have known forever. When I was a kid, I used to write long stories, staple them together & illustrate them. I gave them covers too, complete with a bar code. I also used to borrow stacks of books from the library with my father every Saturday, so I have always felt like writing was a worthwhile pursuit, just because I knew how much joy it could bring.
What is your favourite part of being a writer?
Well, my favourite part of writing online is the instant feedback. You really know, straight away, whether what you've written is a hit or a miss. Journalists & poets & novelists may not ever know -- the mediums are so different.
Since you are a writer, you can eloquently put words together, as you've shown us through GalaDarling.com. You know that feeling you get when you are in the arms of someone you love? Describe that the best way you know how to for us.
It's not entirely dissimilar to ice-cream melting delightedly on a happy tongue.
Being self employed is a wonderful mix of things, especially in your particular industry. Can you tell us more about taking that leap of faith in yourself, and into the world of an un-guaranteed income? What's a typical work-day like for you? Starting a business really kicks up a lot of emotional garbage. It raises so many questions about your self-esteem, your worth, your knowledge, not to mention all the stuff about whether you "deserve" to be successful. It's a total minefield. That was the hardest part -- getting myself over the mental hurdles. The rest of it is a walk in the park. A typical workday for me starts at 7am, ends at midnight, & could contain all manner of activities -- fashion shows, shopping, poring over magazines -- though it always includes writing articles & answering piles of email!
When and why did you decide to start iCiNG?
I published my first article on December 16th, 2006, though I had been working on making it look good etc. for about a week beforehand. I started it because I had just moved to Melbourne & knew that I didn't want to work in a shop or in an office ever again. I thought that if I started down that track again, it would be a hard habit to break. So I decided to go into business for myself.
How did you start writing for Cosmopolitan?
They head-hunted me & asked me to write for them! Pretty simple, really! I think that the "secret of my success" (to get a bit Michael J. Fox on it) is that I am obviously dedicated & passionate. People notice things like that!
Your sense of style is pretty unique, and clearly solely yours. How did you go about developing it? How long did it take you, and have you always dressed like this? Along with that, do you have any fashion icons?
I've been developing it since I first became aware of fashion, at I guess age 12 or so. I grew up in the back of my mother's clothing boutique, so I have been surrounded by it my entire life. I think a lot of it I just absorbed -- some people know a lot about cooking or cars or child-rearing because of their parents. I learned about style & running businesses (from both of my parents). My look is always evolving, & I often decide on a personal style for a season. I don't know if I really have any style icons -- I certainly don't have anyone I aspire to look like. I very much admire Patricia Field (stylist) & Diana Vreeland (fashion editor). [The picture of the lovely lady to the right is Gala Darling herself.]
Aside from putting together fabulous outfits, and fashion writing, what do you do with your time?
I like to go shopping & eat! I also like to talk to my boyfriend, travel & explore new cities, dance, sing, go for long walks, plot my future & go on strange adventures. I am a huge fan of interactive art & summer in Melbourne is fantastic for that. Oh, I also LOVE taking photographs & documenting my life.
What kind of music do you listen to?
All sorts of things. I love strange, obscure stuff (Legendary Pink Dots, Bola, Bitcrush) & hip-hop (Atmosphere, Talib Kweli, 2pac), as well as Madonna, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Amy Winehouse, Fiona Apple, Prince...
Alright, so you're still pretty young, but looking back on your childhood, what lesson did your parents teach you that you wish you had heeded? Was there ever anything they said to you that you later realised was just to get you to follow their rules?
Not really. My relationship with my parents has always been quite exceptional. I'm an only child & they always treated me like an adult, which meant that they never coerced me into anything & let me make a lot of my own decisions. In return for this freedom, I pretty much always behaved myself. I never had that rebellion/anger thing that a lot of kids go through. I think that was a big relief for them. My parents also never really had a lot of rules. They wouldn't let me wear black lipstick (good call!) & they were big on manners & treating people/things with respect. All of it was pretty reasonable & I could see that. (Not to say that I didn't have moments of angsty teenager rubbish!)
What life lesson have you learned that made you snack you head, and go "Well, duh!"?
One thing I've learned recently is that you should never take anyone's nasty comments to heart. It's ALWAYS about them & their baggage, never about you. Do you think the Dalai Lama sits around bitching about celebrities?!
What do you think is the most valuable lesson running iCiNG has taught you?
Just that it's really important to be positive. People pick up on your emotions & how you're feeling much more than you might initially think.
What would you say to those trying to emulate what you've done?
Firstly, I'd encourage them to bring their own spirit to whatever they want to do. Passion & enthusiasm & touches of your personality will take you a really long way. Secondly, ignore whatever rules or limitations other people try to impose on you. Thirdly, be prepared to rip your personal belief system apart!
Off the top of my head, I can't remember you ever, ever repeating an outfit. I know accomplishing this requires a wardrobe of great basics, but how many clothes do you actually own? How many shoes?
Ha! I repeat separate items, but I don't see much point in wearing the same outfit over & over! I always change things in little ways -- a different scarf or shoes or a belt here or a different cardigan. I have no idea how many pieces of clothing I own, all I know is that my closet & two chests of drawers are bulging. Bad. I also don't own a lot of basics, naughty! I don't know how many pairs of shoes I own either... not that many... Maybe 20? My wardrobe is constantly revolving, I get rid of the stuff I don't wear! [On the left, is an outfit that is actually not Gala Darling's, but her friends. But it was on her website, and I thought the Pucci boots were simply divine! ]
How do you go about goal setting, and achieving?
I set myself new goals all the time. I like to celebrate small steps with cupcakes & fun excursions. I also use EFT a lot.
Alright, so you know those super annoying chain mail things that circulate the internet? You know those super annoying questionnaires? Well, let's end them once and for all, and get your answers out there for the world to see. What are your favourite:
Colours? Cotton candy & Schiaparelli pink, violet, & a magical turquoise that makes my spine tingle.
Stores? Patricia Field in NYC!
Animals? I don't feel much of an affinity with any animal, though I love dogs & w
as born in the year of the pig...
Writing medium? I *heart* the internet.
Vacation spot? Black Rock City, Nevada.
Underwear brand? love to gawk at the Agent Provocateur website, but whenever I am near a store I never have enough time to do it justice. I really like cute, colourful, comfortable underwear -- I own maybe two black pairs of knickers. Bonds (an Australian brand) do incredible stuff, I love it. Though most of my bras have polka-dots on them...
Shoe store? Christian Louboutin on Fifth Avenue, NYC! But really anywhere I can get my high-end shoe fix. The department stores here in Melbourne are pretty good for Manolo Blahnik, Pucci etc. ...
Ice cream? Fry's Turkish Delight ice-cream bars. Delicieux!
TV show? Sex & The City. (I am so predictable.) Though I have a secret love affair with most editions of ____'s Next Top Model.
Website and/or blog? I don't like the word "blog"! So many of us publishing online have such high production values -- images, editing, aesthetic & content -- that I almost feel the word "blog" devalues the whole thing. So, website.
Celebrity? Mary-Kate Olsen! Sarah Jessica Parker is a close second. I like them because they're quirky, stylish, positive & great business-women.
Non-alcoholic drinks? Ginger beer. (Also good for curing nausea!)
Alcoholic drinks? I love cocktails, the more pink the better, but if I'm trying to make it easier on the bartender I order a scotch & dry.
Do Australians actually say g'day mate in casual conversations? They actually do. Only weird old men in short shorts with bright red noses, though -- otherwise, young people sometimes say it in jest.
And finally, finish this sentence: You can't go wrong with...A pair of heels which transform you into a super-vixen!
Yes, it is! That doesn't mean I was born with it, however...
If it is your real name, where does it come from?
The breakdown goes like this: Gala was Salvador Dali's wife [ed note: that's Gala Dali on the left in her wedding photo], & the name means party, celebration, festival, joy. My middle name, Lumière, means 'light' in French. & Darling... well. What can I say about that?
If it's you nickname, how did you decide upon it? Does the Darling portion have anything to do with Peter Pan, and a desire to stay young and fresh?
The name actually came to me in a dream, & as soon as I woke up, I wrote it down & stared at in wonder. I was so delighted. I had wanted to change my name for a really long time, & so I guess I put out the intention for a new one... & it just came to me. Darling has nothing to do with Peter Pan, though I'm glad you brought it to my attention, I never would have made the connection!
When did you realise that putting words onto paper, (or these days, onto a screen) was what you wanted to do with your career?
I think I have known forever. When I was a kid, I used to write long stories, staple them together & illustrate them. I gave them covers too, complete with a bar code. I also used to borrow stacks of books from the library with my father every Saturday, so I have always felt like writing was a worthwhile pursuit, just because I knew how much joy it could bring.
What is your favourite part of being a writer?
Well, my favourite part of writing online is the instant feedback. You really know, straight away, whether what you've written is a hit or a miss. Journalists & poets & novelists may not ever know -- the mediums are so different.
Since you are a writer, you can eloquently put words together, as you've shown us through GalaDarling.com. You know that feeling you get when you are in the arms of someone you love? Describe that the best way you know how to for us.
It's not entirely dissimilar to ice-cream melting delightedly on a happy tongue.
Being self employed is a wonderful mix of things, especially in your particular industry. Can you tell us more about taking that leap of faith in yourself, and into the world of an un-guaranteed income? What's a typical work-day like for you? Starting a business really kicks up a lot of emotional garbage. It raises so many questions about your self-esteem, your worth, your knowledge, not to mention all the stuff about whether you "deserve" to be successful. It's a total minefield. That was the hardest part -- getting myself over the mental hurdles. The rest of it is a walk in the park. A typical workday for me starts at 7am, ends at midnight, & could contain all manner of activities -- fashion shows, shopping, poring over magazines -- though it always includes writing articles & answering piles of email!
When and why did you decide to start iCiNG?
I published my first article on December 16th, 2006, though I had been working on making it look good etc. for about a week beforehand. I started it because I had just moved to Melbourne & knew that I didn't want to work in a shop or in an office ever again. I thought that if I started down that track again, it would be a hard habit to break. So I decided to go into business for myself.
How did you start writing for Cosmopolitan?
They head-hunted me & asked me to write for them! Pretty simple, really! I think that the "secret of my success" (to get a bit Michael J. Fox on it) is that I am obviously dedicated & passionate. People notice things like that!
Your sense of style is pretty unique, and clearly solely yours. How did you go about developing it? How long did it take you, and have you always dressed like this? Along with that, do you have any fashion icons?
I've been developing it since I first became aware of fashion, at I guess age 12 or so. I grew up in the back of my mother's clothing boutique, so I have been surrounded by it my entire life. I think a lot of it I just absorbed -- some people know a lot about cooking or cars or child-rearing because of their parents. I learned about style & running businesses (from both of my parents). My look is always evolving, & I often decide on a personal style for a season. I don't know if I really have any style icons -- I certainly don't have anyone I aspire to look like. I very much admire Patricia Field (stylist) & Diana Vreeland (fashion editor). [The picture of the lovely lady to the right is Gala Darling herself.]
Aside from putting together fabulous outfits, and fashion writing, what do you do with your time?
I like to go shopping & eat! I also like to talk to my boyfriend, travel & explore new cities, dance, sing, go for long walks, plot my future & go on strange adventures. I am a huge fan of interactive art & summer in Melbourne is fantastic for that. Oh, I also LOVE taking photographs & documenting my life.
What kind of music do you listen to?
All sorts of things. I love strange, obscure stuff (Legendary Pink Dots, Bola, Bitcrush) & hip-hop (Atmosphere, Talib Kweli, 2pac), as well as Madonna, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Amy Winehouse, Fiona Apple, Prince...
Alright, so you're still pretty young, but looking back on your childhood, what lesson did your parents teach you that you wish you had heeded? Was there ever anything they said to you that you later realised was just to get you to follow their rules?
Not really. My relationship with my parents has always been quite exceptional. I'm an only child & they always treated me like an adult, which meant that they never coerced me into anything & let me make a lot of my own decisions. In return for this freedom, I pretty much always behaved myself. I never had that rebellion/anger thing that a lot of kids go through. I think that was a big relief for them. My parents also never really had a lot of rules. They wouldn't let me wear black lipstick (good call!) & they were big on manners & treating people/things with respect. All of it was pretty reasonable & I could see that. (Not to say that I didn't have moments of angsty teenager rubbish!)
What life lesson have you learned that made you snack you head, and go "Well, duh!"?
One thing I've learned recently is that you should never take anyone's nasty comments to heart. It's ALWAYS about them & their baggage, never about you. Do you think the Dalai Lama sits around bitching about celebrities?!
What do you think is the most valuable lesson running iCiNG has taught you?
Just that it's really important to be positive. People pick up on your emotions & how you're feeling much more than you might initially think.
What would you say to those trying to emulate what you've done?
Firstly, I'd encourage them to bring their own spirit to whatever they want to do. Passion & enthusiasm & touches of your personality will take you a really long way. Secondly, ignore whatever rules or limitations other people try to impose on you. Thirdly, be prepared to rip your personal belief system apart!
Off the top of my head, I can't remember you ever, ever repeating an outfit. I know accomplishing this requires a wardrobe of great basics, but how many clothes do you actually own? How many shoes?
Ha! I repeat separate items, but I don't see much point in wearing the same outfit over & over! I always change things in little ways -- a different scarf or shoes or a belt here or a different cardigan. I have no idea how many pieces of clothing I own, all I know is that my closet & two chests of drawers are bulging. Bad. I also don't own a lot of basics, naughty! I don't know how many pairs of shoes I own either... not that many... Maybe 20? My wardrobe is constantly revolving, I get rid of the stuff I don't wear! [On the left, is an outfit that is actually not Gala Darling's, but her friends. But it was on her website, and I thought the Pucci boots were simply divine! ]
How do you go about goal setting, and achieving?
I set myself new goals all the time. I like to celebrate small steps with cupcakes & fun excursions. I also use EFT a lot.
Alright, so you know those super annoying chain mail things that circulate the internet? You know those super annoying questionnaires? Well, let's end them once and for all, and get your answers out there for the world to see. What are your favourite:
Colours? Cotton candy & Schiaparelli pink, violet, & a magical turquoise that makes my spine tingle.
Stores? Patricia Field in NYC!
Animals? I don't feel much of an affinity with any animal, though I love dogs & w
as born in the year of the pig...Writing medium? I *heart* the internet.
Vacation spot? Black Rock City, Nevada.
Underwear brand? love to gawk at the Agent Provocateur website, but whenever I am near a store I never have enough time to do it justice. I really like cute, colourful, comfortable underwear -- I own maybe two black pairs of knickers. Bonds (an Australian brand) do incredible stuff, I love it. Though most of my bras have polka-dots on them...
Shoe store? Christian Louboutin on Fifth Avenue, NYC! But really anywhere I can get my high-end shoe fix. The department stores here in Melbourne are pretty good for Manolo Blahnik, Pucci etc. ...
Ice cream? Fry's Turkish Delight ice-cream bars. Delicieux!
TV show? Sex & The City. (I am so predictable.) Though I have a secret love affair with most editions of ____'s Next Top Model.
Website and/or blog? I don't like the word "blog"! So many of us publishing online have such high production values -- images, editing, aesthetic & content -- that I almost feel the word "blog" devalues the whole thing. So, website.
Celebrity? Mary-Kate Olsen! Sarah Jessica Parker is a close second. I like them because they're quirky, stylish, positive & great business-women.
Non-alcoholic drinks? Ginger beer. (Also good for curing nausea!)
Alcoholic drinks? I love cocktails, the more pink the better, but if I'm trying to make it easier on the bartender I order a scotch & dry.
Do Australians actually say g'day mate in casual conversations? They actually do. Only weird old men in short shorts with bright red noses, though -- otherwise, young people sometimes say it in jest.
And finally, finish this sentence: You can't go wrong with...A pair of heels which transform you into a super-vixen!
1 comments:
eeks! i ADORE this girl!
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