Yawynne Yem, Chloe Hill and model Lucy Pahina take a ride on Pōneke’s public transport system, in a celebration of the city’s bus stops and local fashion.
A black Lexus or Mercedes Benz have long epitomised the ultimate vehicle of chic in fashion. Through fashion week sponsorships and partnerships, they’ve earnt this association through trucking fashion editors and influencers from point A to B. But the formerly status-revealing accessory of a private driver has been replaced with a new one – public transport.
The Number 2 bus, a Wellington hometown love of mine had been lost over the last six years, firstly to a toxic ex (my Uber addiction during uni) and then a situationship (my work car park in Tāmaki Makaurau). My return to her doors was first met with apprehension, until I quickly realised that Wellingtonians embrace public transport with a self-assured style that other parts of Aotearoa don’t. They’ve simply got that je ne sais quoi.
Dressing for public transport is defined by three key factors: mood, timing and destination. It’s a fine balance between whimsy and practicality. Kitten heels? Totally hot and doable, but if you’re in a bad mood, desperate to get home and jump on a bus or train anytime from 3.20pm-5pm… The onslaught of stares from judgemental high-schoolers can feel especially sharp.
It’s a worthy sacrifice to work around these dressing variables for one of life’s greatest activities: daydreaming with a soundtrack. Music just sounds better with delusion. Some might argue that having a seat is a non-negotiable to reach the enjoyment of this, but honestly, the swaying while standing in the aisle is perfect for peak-dissociation mode. Do that while driving? Irresponsible. Done on a bus or train? Peak romance.
Walk onto your choice of transport with a great outfit, and you’ll also aid in the daydreaming capabilities of fellow commuters. A personal favourite bus activity is the analysis of the bag. It’s socially acceptable for the contents of people’s lives to spill out into messy cars, but on a shared commute, it’s often confined to an overflowing bag.
They come in all forms: a nepotism-heavy briefcase for the fresh mid-20s Lambton Quay businessboy, the miscellaneously logo-ed tote bags of uni students, and trolleys for the slightly klepto-prone supermarket shoppers.
We took inspiration from the colour of these patron’s lives to capture mass transit chic, immersing ourselves in the yells of ‘thank you driver’ as our soundtrack of inspiration. No stops have been missed.
One last tip for public transport chic: the must-have accessory of the AW24 season? A child Snapper card. Laugh for now, but you’ll quickly fall for the shine of her green exterior when a week’s worth of rides is discounted to just a mere $10. – Yawynne Yem
Huge Bag
(full of secrets)
In the queue:
Young Folks by Peter Bjorn and John; Promise by Laufey, followed by the Gypsy Rose Blanchard x Ryan Anderson episode of Significant Lovers.
Daydreaming about:
Getting back with a year-long situationship; Anne Hathaway’s hair in The Idea of You; if her noise-cancelling headphones are causing ear asthma.
Twenty-seven Names dress, $980.
Cawley cardigan, $649, from Sully’s.
Palorosa bag, $295 (on sale), from Kaukau.
Dr Martens suede creepers, $460.
Dark Glasses
(for discreet people watching)
Listening to:
Paparazzi by Lady Gaga.
Daydreaming about:
The day-to-day life of the 16-year-old who just drove by in a Tesla.
Campbell Luke top, POA.
Cawley trousers, $679, from Sully’s.
Vintage Gaultier sunglasses from Hunters and Collectors.
Asics Gel-Kayano 14 sneakers, $280.
Cushion Up
(optimise usage with both end of day/early morning nap)
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Listening to:
741 Hz frequency, to remove negative energy and cleanse aura.
Daydreaming about:
If it’s possible for a newly-adopted Gua Sha routine to change her face shape within three weeks.
Adrion Atelier one-off jacket, $650, and bucket hat, $120.
Twenty-seven Names top, $520.
Klay bolster cushion, $255, from Sully’s.
Otsu trousers, $326.
Discreet Party Girl
(where you want to look cute but don’t want to get followed)
On the queue:
Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter; The von dutch remix with Addison Rae and A.G.Cook by Charli XCX; Starships by Nicki Minaj.
Daydreaming about:
Paying for Hinge Preferred; whether ‘PRES’ is a good name for an RTD brand; if this is the year of putting your TikTok on private.
Adrion Atelier top, $120 (on sale), and one-off coat, $850.
Du Ciel silk bra (underneath), $250, from Underlena.
Laurence Sabrine mini skirt, POA.
Swedish Stockings tights.
Deadly Ponies bag, $499.
Buonocore knitted rosettes, $56 each.
Asics Gel-Nimbus 9 sneakers, $280.
Chunky Flats
(protects toes during rush-hour and gives stability in all areas of life)
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Listening to:
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino.
Daydreaming about:
Substack fame; the 5-day old gnocchi waiting to be heated up at home; whether her CV is colour-ready to be applying for new jobs.
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Otsu dress, $470.
Campbell Luke blouse, POA.
Buonocore rosette necklace, $56.
Swedish Stockings tights.
Dr Martens suede creepers, $460.
Long Live the Coat
(to avoid skin against seats)
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On the queue:
Never Going Home by Maggie Rogers; Lucky Girl by Fazerdaze; California by Chappell Roan.
Daydreaming about:
Whether it’s socially acceptable to ask a pregnant friend to buy her a Child Snapper card so she can lower her weekly budget.
Kowtow trench coat, $549.
Quinta Maso scarf, $119 (on sale), from Sully’s.
Laurence Sabrine plaid pleat skirt belt (worn over coat), $200, from Bizarre Bazaar.
Yu Mei Utility organiser bag, $345.
Deadly Ponies ballet flats, $499.
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Photography: Chloe Hill
Styling: Chloe Hill and Yawynne Yem
Model: Lucy Pahina at Kirsty Bunny Management
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