Cocktails With

Martina Vickers

Closet Code founder

Style Observer (SO:) What’s your astrological sign?

Martina Vickers (MV:) Pisces

SO: How did you get into the retail industry?

MV: I got into retail because I enjoy the business of fashion and have always wanted to share my fashion expertise with people. My first job was in my family’s retail business where, even though it’s a much different sphere compared to a fashion-based retail company, the fundamentals of running a business was something that was always intriguing to me.

SO: How did your educational background prepare you for the retail industry?

MV: I majored in fashion marketing, merchandising and retailing, so I would say my degree definitely went hand-in-hand with my business life today. And most definitely the internships I took part in during my college career were invaluable experiences that are the cornerstone of my retail business knowledge and practices that I utilise today.

SO: What’s your take on the recent global upheavals in the fashion industry?

MV: I am someone who will always pay homage to the godfathers and giants before us that have shaped a lot of what the industry is today because they were innovators and without them the industry would not be what it is today. But I am also a firm believer in the talents of newcomers and fresh voices. Understanding fashion itself is a life cycle so, with that being said, I believe there is room and a beautiful awakening on the horizon to let new talent in and allow them to reinvent, reshape but also build on the foundation that those before have laid out for us.

SO: Closet Code has been open for four years. How have you kept abreast of consumer needs and maintained relevance in such a competitive sphere?

MV: By staying very heavily rooted in the community! I do my best to take feedback and bring the people what they ask for while still pushing the needle to bring fun and adventurous styles. We would not be where we are without the support of our community so we do our best to listen and meet their needs and wants while still inspiring them to try new and exciting styles that may be out of their safe realm because fashion should be a safe space for self-expression and clothes should be fun!

SO: What does a typical day at Closet Code look like for Martina Vickers?

MV: No two days are the same for me! And truthfully, I thrive on the excitement of a new adventure every day but a typical day starts with a rundown of the days tasks, could be planning a shoot, curating our online content ideas, modelling and posing for the camera, deciding and launching new styles, planning out in-store installations, managing the team or sometimes just hanging out and interacting with our beautiful customers. It all depends on the season but it could be a little bit of everything, or a heavy focus on one thing depending on what’s currently happening for us.

SO: How would you describe your design aesthetic?

MV: Clean, chíc girl with a fun edge. I know my roots but I’m not afraid to be out of the box.

SO: Who are your current style icons, and why?

MV: Rosie Huntington-Whitely because she is just the queen of effortless chic.

SO: Which celebrity closet do you wish you could raid?

MV: I have a few that I would definitely love to peek, into like:

Elsa Hosk

Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe

Tamara Kalinic

Just to name a few

SO: What are your handbag essentials?

MV: My cardholder, lipgloss, sanitiser, to-go perfume scent, earpods, edge control and a mini brush

SO: Lip gloss or mascara?

MV: Lipgloss > mascara but if I’m completely honest, I have to have some baby hairs and edges flourishing. Can’t leave the house without that done.

SO: Share with us a few fashion staples that are guaranteed a spot in your wardrobe all year long?

MV:A white button-down

Loose-fit denim shorts

A statement-yet-everyday bag

Hermès Chypre (my fave everyday shoe!)

Ballet flats

Silk pants

SO: What’s currently hanging at Closet Code that would provide immediate retail therapy?

MV: We just launched a loungewear collection and I love a piece that can be versatile and serve me in many ways. We have two-piece sets that can be loungewear, day or night, and even dresses that could be the sexy chic dress at home but also the most subtly elegant night-out dress.

SO:Which wardrobe items are deserving of a splurge?

MV: As a seasoned shopper, I find the things that I splurge on that feel the best are the items that I will actually get the most wear out of, or the pieces that you can wear with anything (versatile queen), it’s like the first-time excitement seeing it all over again. I won’t say there’s a specific piece but if it’s an item I love, and is special, I will by any means find a way to wear it. So those special collectables that tug on your heartstrings those are the items that deserve the splurge. Could be an amazing coat, bag or shoes the cost per wear will make sense when you love it and actually use it!

SO: What’s your go-to fragrance?

MV: Phlur Missing Person.

SO: Heels, flats or kitten heels?

MV: Ballet flats, but we recently do love a kitten heel.

SO: What’s your cocktail of choice?

MV: An Appleton Estate Daiquiri!

SO:Which song is currently top-of-mind?

MV: Waiting for you Majid Jordan ft Naomi Sharon.

SO: Which country are you eager to visit or revisit?

MV: Japan!! I am extremely eager to shop vintage designers as they are loaded with so many good finds. I also love the cultural differences and way of life and, as a matcha and sushi lover, this would be an immediate try on my list.

SO: Finally, what’s your philosophy?

MV: Live like most people won’t so you can live like most people can’t. Dedicate and put in the work now and in a few years you will see exactly where that hard work and dedication gets you. Consistency is key.

Currently on Martina’s playlist? Waiting for You by Majid Jordan ft Naomi Sharon.