MEET THE STYLE TEAM

MeeT ThE STyLE TEaM

Get behind the scenes at KOIBIRD

WORDS BY FLORA MACDONALD JOHNSTON

We might be biased, but our style team is the crème de la crème. Meet the faces and characters that make the KOIBIRD fashion universe so unique.

FLORA MACDONALD JOHNSTON
FASHION DIRECTOR

Growing up in Hong Kong it’s safe to say our Fashion Director has always had a keen eye for fashion, having been inspired by the mix of sartorial styles in the international city. Kimono’s were often juxtaposed by banker suits, and even at the tender age of three Flora could recognise the logo of a Chanel store (why are we not surprised?).

Flora cut her teeth at publications such as Monocle, Grazia and ELLE before working at British Vogue and the Financial Times. At the FT she covered luxury and fashion for four years and created FT Next Gen, an arm of the newspaper focused on Gen Z and Alpha Gen content. Straddling the worlds of editorial, partnerships and styling, you will most likely find Flora traipsing across London for photoshoots - heavy bags of clothes in hand - collaborating with influencers or scribbling down editorial schedules and feature ideas in her notebook.

Loves:

All jewellery (magpie syndrome), and transitional coats.

Hates:

Small cups of tea.

Style in three words:

Chameleon, layers, tonal.

ABISOLA ALAKA
PERSONAL STYLIST

It was at university studying Fashion Marketing that London-born Abisola, personal stylist at KOIBIRD, discovered her passion for the industry. Alongside her studies, Abisola’s work in retail cemented her love for styling which led her to assist in films and music videos. But it was in Lagos, Nigeria, where Abisola fully established her fashion roots, taking on a managerial role within a luxury boutique. Invaluable experience in tow, Abisola’s relocation back to London saw her dive back into luxury retail before being snapped up by us (don't be jealous!).

Loves:

Texture! Think feathers, buttons, sequins and beads.

Personal Style Mantra:

I take pride in dressing up at any given opportunity and love wearing undiscovered brands.

Style in three words:

Bold, mismatched, colourful.

HEATHER GWYTHER
JUNIOR FASHION EDITOR

A South-East London native, Heather spent years as a fashion assistant at publications like ELLE and Glamour before becoming a writer. Despite claiming to love fashion, she feels most at peace in an anonymous all-black outfit - albeit still very Y2K. A typical day for Heather is walking at a manic pace to some great event (she’s fond of the ballet), and confesses she loves nothing more than a good complaining session via Voice Note.

Loves:

Oysters

Hates:

That she is not an heiress.

Style in three words:

Sleek, clingy, practical.

JAZ BURMY
PERSONAL STYLIST

A proud born and bred Glaswegian, KOIBIRD personal stylist Jaz is a self proclaimed bold-mix master. If you had to put her in a fashion box it would be “Absolutely Fabulous meets Fresh Prince of Bel Air”. As a child, Jaz was dragged along on shopping sprees with her mum on the basis that a Pizza Hut buffet lunch was included in the deal (we’re here for it!). And so it wasn’t until she studied Marketing Management at University that her love for fashion flourished. Working at a high street retailer for over 7 years, Jaz garnered a wealth of experience and knowledge in personal shopping, which evolved into styling celebrities and influencers.

Loves:

Cooking, cycling, reading (currently Will by Will Smith) and listening to podcasts.

Earliest Fashion Memory:

Will Smith wearing his school blazer inside out in ‘Fresh Prince of Bel Air’. The patterned inside lining was on the outside - so innovative, a 2 in 1!

Style in three words:

Cool, experimental, colourful.

FLOSSIE STRICKLAND
FASHION & PR ASSISTANT

A DIY diva and lover of a one-off find, Flossie’s first foray into fashion started on Portobello road selling handmade pom pom accessories. After gaining a degree in Art History, Flossie spent two years at a luxury e-tailer eagerly lapping up the editorial world of luxury fashion before joining KOIBIRD. Never one to miss in a crowd, Flossie can be spotted from miles away in her standard uniform of cowboy boots and outlandish headgear.

Loves:

Socks, puffs and ruffs.

Fictional character:

Princess Pistachio

Style in three words:

A good jean (always searching)