Friends of Brie Leon - Margie Cooney

In conversation with writer and stylist Margie Cooney

 Above: The Camille Bag, Black Oily Croc

Describe what you do for a living? What does a typical day look like for you?

I am a writer and a stylist, formerly at a magazine but recently freelance. Right now, a typical day doesn’t really exist for me, which is exciting and exhausting. Sometimes I spend my days writing for brands or media. Other times I’ll be focused on planning and sourcing clothes for a photoshoot. I don’t mind the running around, although I do appreciate the days I can just settle in and focus on one thing.

How did you start your business?

I loved working full-time as a writer/editor for a magazine but at the end of last year I wanted a change. Starting my own thing and working as a full-time freelancer has been challenging but I think I’m starting to get a better grip on how to manage my time efficiently.

Above: The Camille Bag, Black Oily Croc

What’s your favourite Brie Leon piece and why?

Right now, it’s definitely the Camille Bag. It has echoes of that classic baguette style that has been making a return from the annals of early-naughties fashion. But it’s also just the best size for taking out. It’s subtle and sleek, which, I think, is kind of the winning balance when it comes to accessories. On that note, I have also been wearing the Brie Leon Micro Sleeper earrings everyday. So easy, so chic.

How do you approach your personal style?

It’s funny, I still feel like I’m figuring out what my personal style is. Or rather, how to categorise it in a clean, concise way. What I can say, is that I’m drawn to pieces that walk the line between masculine and feminine shapes — which often translates to relaxed tailoring, experimenting with proportions or shirting (even wearing my partner’s pieces — much to his dismay). I would like to say that I only buy ‘classics’, or have a perfectly-curated wardrobe, but in reality my nature is a little more spontaneous, and sometimes, I'll just buy something that doesn’t go with anything because I love it. I definitely aspire to French thinking around fashion — find what works, stick to it.

Above: The Camille Bag, Black Oily Croc

What are you reading, listening to and watching at the moment?

I do this thing where I’m half way through a book and will suddenly start another, and then slowly work my way through the disparate narratives at a snail’s pace, l don’t know why. It’s probably the reason I’ve been more drawn to essay complications and short stories (easier to digest in little bursts). At the moment I’m reading Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett and the short stories in Union Street by Zadie Smith. I recently watched The Great which is seriously great (everyone should watch), and I’ve been listening to Nicolas Jaar’s new album Cenzias - which is unusual and meandering and almost has a cinematic quality about it.



What’s something exciting that’s coming up in the next couple of months?

I’m actually going away for a month — down to Queenstown — which I’m very much looking forward to. It’s been such a strange year, so having that time will be really special. Aside from that, not much of my life is planned in advance right now. Just taking everything as it comes. 

Thank you Margie! @margiecooney