Spring means warmer weather and playful fashion. We’re ready to lose some layers, show some skin and embrace a sunnier palette. But it's risky. We all know spring days can be a seasonal mixed bag, and dressing for them requires a certain optimism before leaving the house. It’s a challenge model Charlotte Moffat knows all too well.

Growing up in Te-Whanganui-a-tara, Moffat was "often running through the wind and rain in a massive trench coat - umbrellas don't work in Wellington and I'm yet to find a cute raincoat.” After shaking off her “teenage awkwardness” and getting in front of the camera, she's been enjoying the new places modelling is taking her. She spent half of 2023 working in Japan, exploring Tokyo and embracing more colour - "specifically fluoro yellow and electric blue.”

Earlier this year, Moffat had a booked and busy Australian Fashion Week, walking for Rory Docherty, All is a Gentle Spring, Verner, Alix Higgins, and Emma Mulholland on Holiday, to name a few. More opportunities inspired a move across the ditch to Sydney, where she’s been based for the last six months. 

Inspired by new surroundings, a team of (mostly) Kiwi expats including photographer Lula Cucchiara, stylist Annabel Dickson, makeup artist Lara Daly and hair stylist Jemma Barclay joined Moffat for a whirlwind day around Chinatown in new season fashion. 

BANKING ON IT

Charlotte wears a Rory William Docherty skirt, shirt, and hat, all POA. Swedish Stockings socks, $55. A.Emery shoes, $265 approx.

The vibe? Following your big city vision wholeheartedly, even when things aren’t going to plan. 

It’s naively leaving the house in ballet flats and clocking up 15,000 steps because there was too much to see. It’s committing to the look in your little hat and getting caught in a wind tunnel. It's finding the best $4.50 onigiri from a street corner and taking in precious minutes of sunshine, or doing your makeup in a dated mall bathroom with Come On Eileen over the speakers, cheering you on. 

It’s seeking shelter from the rain in the fanciest hotel lobby, entering as a drowned rat and emerging in a Prada show-stopper. It’s feeling the warm gust of the subway blow your hair like Beyoncé, and always giving in to hope.

BASK FOR A MOMENT

Charlotte wears a Harris Tapper coat, $959. Jess Grindell bloomers, $150. Swedish Stockings tights, $77. Ganni shoes, $625. Agmes earrings, $725.

What I miss most about Aotearoa is… Bundy style. Community culture. Kākā. Small bakeries. Road trips.

What I love most about Sydney is… Ibis. Terrace houses. Trains. People saying what they want to say. Aldi. The markets.

My favourite city in the world is… Te Whanganui-a-tara, Wellington.

RUSH HOUR 

Charlotte wears a Prada dress, $9700, shorts, POA, and shoes, $2300. 

I got into modelling when… I finally shook off my teenage awkwardness.

When I’m not modelling, you’ll find me… Taking photos. Working in research. Learning languages.

My group of friends are… Full of life. Whole. Individual. Bring special energy. Ground me. Make me laugh.

HANG IN THERE BABY

Charlotte wears a Emma Mulholland on Holiday coat, $506. Harris Tapper knit t-shirt, $449. Wynn Hamlyn trousers, $1270. Ganni shoes, $625. Agmes earrings, $725.

I always get told I look like… Karen Elson. Jane Morris. Nicole Kidman.

I love to get dressed for… Coffee dates and art exhibitions.

My current obsessions are… Peanut butter. Broth. Kimchi (always). PI.FYI. ‘How it was made' on YouTube. Crosswords. 

RISK IT ALL

Charlotte wears a Miu Miu jacket, $2900, jeans, POA, and shoes, $2300.

What excites me about Spring is… It’s not quite too hot and it's hopeful.

My style icons are… Me. 

When I’m modelling, I’m thinking about… Playing a character, trying new poses.... becoming that girl.

I look after myself by… Patting myself on the back. Writing. Eating well. Singing and dancing. Running. 

MEET YOU DOWN IN CHINATOWN 

Charlotte wears a Wynn Hamlyn dress, $720. Ganni boots, $1300. Agmes earrings, $735, and cuffs, $1950 (top), and $1450 (bottom).

I’m dying to travel to… Taiwan.

My go-to karaoke song is… Bang Bang Bang by BigBang.

In 10 years I’ll be… In the arts and international relations sphere.

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Photographer: Lula Cucchiara

Stylist: Annabel Dickson

Model: Charlotte Moffat from Super Management

Makeup: Lara Daly 

Hair: Jemma Barclay at A_Studio

Photography assistant: Camelia Ardestani