PRETTY COOL: Cozying Up To Deadly Ponies' Furry Friends

After some sage advice this fine Wednesday afternoon? Try this on for size: simultaneously wearing an assortment of furry sage-coloured accessories will spark joy on par with a Marie Kondo-approved cleanse. Just ask Fiona Xu—New Zealand student, hardworking angel and all-round stellar human—who we recently dressed up in Deadly Ponies’ TDF range of fuzzy wardrobe friends. 

Turn your delight-inducing outfit up another notch with the addition of this multicoloured Georgia Alice top, the clothing equivalent of a rainbow Paddle Pop on a balmy summer afternoon. Then, get to know the A+ human better—including her own insightful life advice—below. 

Where are you from originally, and where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand and I currently live there. 

How do you think your upbringing helped to shape your worldview?
I grew up in a very tight-knit family. My parents both came to New Zealand with basically nothing and from there they had to work their way up and start a life of their own. From a young age my parents encouraged me to try my best in everything I do, and taught me to keep on trying if I do not succeed. They always motivated me to work hard, which taught me the importance of perseverance. Not only this, but I always remembered Mum telling me to treat others how you would like to be treated—she always reminded me to be loving and respectful to others. The qualities that my parents display, and the endless amount of encouragement and love that they have given me, influences me.

Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
I would take them to Muriwai beach. Muriwai is really special to me because my family and I go every year during the summer, and it is also filled with the most beautiful birds and wildlife.

What do you like to get up to outside of modelling?
Outside of modelling I love catching up with friends over food and shopping. I also love cooking and baking, and trying out new recipes. Baking is especially good when I need to take my mind off of things.

I hear you’re a student! What are you studying?
I am studying marketing management and I have just completed my second year.

What have you loved most about your degree so far?
So far, I’ve loved how much freedom and flexibility it has given me to pursue some of my own things. Also, it has taught me a lot about the world of marketing, and the way that organisations and businesses function.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned recently?
I’ve recently learnt how to surf, which is cool because summer has just started.

What books are you currently reading?
I am currently reading ‘Unbroken’ by Laura Hillenbrand and ‘Milk and Honey’ by Rupi Kaur. I wanted to broaden my literature horizon and read something that was different to what I usually read, and so decided to give ‘Milk and Honey’ a go. It’s all poetry, which is different, but I am currently really loving it.

What is your motto?
To be positive. Life is too short to be spent worrying and stressing. When things get too stressful or too much, always take time to breathe.
 

Words: Maddy Woon    Photos & Fashion: Imogen Wilson

Fiona is represented by 62 Management