Katy Cox is observant. Despite having only just moved to Pōneke, she’s already established The Terrace as a fabulous eavesdropping spot. An excellent remark, for it’s an area constantly bustling with oh-so-serious business suits, yet also an equal amount of giggly uniformed high schoolers, both gossiping in their own languages.
Our lovely pal Katy grew up in a tiny town on the Otago coastline, with her high school years spent in postcard-perfect Queenstown. A perfect day in her stomping ground of Ōtepoti involves a walk on Warrington Beach with her best friend. “It’s the best way to solve all of life’s problems,” she says. This fondness for her South Island upbringing comes out in other tiny details during conversation. When asked where she can be found, she lists skiing as one. A classic South Islander quirk that Aucklanders dream of having.
Her new home in Pōneke can be found in the ultra-cool hub of Newtown. A neighbourhood that has seen many exciting new restaurant openings in recent years, but is also home to long-held Wellingtonian go-to's, such as an iconic eyebrow threading parlour for one. If you know, you know... The effervescent Katy moved here for a role at the Ministry of Primary Industries. An ironic role, she jokes, as she’s terrified of most animals. Oh, and also terrible at keeping houseplants alive.
Lucky for us, we’re a little more enthralled by her wardrobe than her garden. For Katy, it’s the idea of every item in her wardrobe having a story that creates her love for clothes. Pieces with special regard include a pair of cowboy boots inherited from her Grandma. She boogies in them now, FYI. If that’s not the coolest way of carrying on a family lineage, then we don’t know what is.
It’s hard to not fall under Katy’s spell. And we’ve got the luck of the draw with a few more moments under her magic. Prancing around in this winter’s most deliciously wearable pieces, Katy puts on a show against the ruggedness of Moa Point. You can trust that we’ve truly tried and tested this season’s staples against the elements. As the thing about the Aotearoa coastline is that its beautiful wildness often feels moments away from being undone, as simple as untying a bow.
Rejoice in getting to know sweet Katy even more below. You’ll probably leave wanting to be her best friend...
Describe yourself in three words.
Caring, ambitious, slightly-Arthritic.
Can you give us the Katy Cox elevator pitch?
A 21-year-old French, Swiss & Indian from Aotearoa. Weekdays, 9-5, I’m a data and policy analyst at MPI — despite being scared of most animals and utterly unable to keep houseplants alive. Outside of that, you can find me with my mates, at a gig, the beach, skiing or out in the hills somewhere.
What was the first thing that made you smile this morning?
Every day I can hear my flatmate Casey sleeping through his alarm, and it always makes me chuckle.
Where do you live now and where do you consider home?
I live in Newtown, a funky little pocket of Wellington. I grew up in a super small town on the east Otago coastline (near Dunedin) and spent most of my high school years in Queenstown — they will always be my home.
How would you spend a day in your hometown with your best friend?
Definitely a walk somewhere with a thermos of coffee, in Queenstown it’d be around Moke Lake but if it's Dunedin we’d trot down Warrington Beach. It’s the best way to try to solve all of life’s problems.
Tell us about your favourite memory in Wellington before moving here.
My first campaign was shot here for twenty-seven names. I got to take a day off of school and they flew me up to shoot the SS18 collection — it was so exciting, it felt like my Hannah Montana moment.
First impressions as a fresh-Wellingtonian?
Non-stop hustle and bustle of vibrant city life — loads of quirky corners and happenings that could be downtown New York or Paris or even bits of Dunedin. The food options and music scene instantly hooked me in.
Describe to us the view outside your window right now.
It's a pretty bleak day tbh — but I'm looking out at the courtyard of my flat. We’ve got a little porch surrounded by a vege garden and an apple tree. It's quite a wholesome little spot, it's where I hide out with a cuppa when I'm supposed to be working from home.
What’s the most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“If you’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room”
Best cafe to people-watch in Pōneke?
Swimsuit and Customs are best for outfit spying and fashion inspo. But any of the local yo-pro coffee spots on the terrace are amazing for eavesdropping on bizarre conversations.
Cutest date night spot?
Depending on the vibe you're after, Cicio Cacio is a secluded Italian restaurant that feels so homely and cosy. But I’m also impartial to a walk up Mt Albert or around the bays somewhere.
Song of 2023 so far?
John Coltrane’s 'Giant Steps' puts me in a funky beep-boop mood when I'm walking through the city or tidying the house.
Your go-to recipe for a potluck?
I’ve been told I’m a slightly chaotic cook, there's usually some sort of disaster occurring in the kitchen.. But some sort of quinoa/feta/roast vege salad is a safe bet.
You can be found at 6pm on a Saturday at...
Usually playing some sort of dumb card game with the flat before heading out to see a local band play.
Last movie you watched...
Drillbit Taylor ahhahahaha.
Most treasured piece of clothing in your wardrobe?
I truly don’t think I can pinpoint it. I really like the idea of every piece having its own story, so this is really difficult. I have a pair of cowboy boots inherited from my grandma that I put on when I go out to boogie. Or there's a chocolate woollen turtleneck handed down from my Dad that has been a winter staple. I’ve got a hot pink Shrek baby tee my best friend was wearing the day we met, and my mum's 90s Prada work bag that she lent me when I got my first job. I’ve got a pair of Georgia Alice suit pants that I found on TradeMe when I was 15 — I used to wear them to castings, and now I wear them to the office. TOO MANY!! I really appreciate the circularity of hand-me-downs, swapping with friends and second-hand shopping. It's really nice to have pieces I wear everyday that remind me of the people who made me who I am, especially when I'm feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed.
What would happen if you had to give up social media for a week?
I’d probably just get to bed at a reasonable hour tbh
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably the aforementioned quinoa salad, only because it's the only thing I know how to make
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Absolutely not a night owl, I reckon I peak mid-morning after some kai and a coffee
If you could say something to your 16-year-old self, what would it be?
You’ll find your people, you’ll figure it out :-)
Features Editor: Yawynne Yem Photos: Jacob Pietras Fashion: Chloe Hill Beauty: Ansel Xu
Katy is represented by Super
Shot on location at Moa Point in Pōneke, Aotearoa
