INSPIRATIONAL TAYLOR WOMEN - FIONA MCCABE #15

For our latest instalment of our taylor Inspirational Women Series, we're delighted to introduce you to Fiona McCabe; a musician, psychotherapist and cherished member of our taylor Wellington family. We spent a morning with her learning about what a day in her life consists of and her passions.

Fiona wears the Washed Long Sleeve Oblique, Elongate Precipice Coat, Ribbing Extension Tank, Undone Tunic, Particle Pouch and the Unity Pant. SHOP THE LOOK HERE.

1. Tell us a little about yourself
I am a pianist, singer, actor, and counsellor. I suppose I live a somewhat unconventional life as I’ve rarely worked a 9-5 job. Over the last two years, when many creatives had their work cancelled, I was very fortunate to work as a Child and Youth Counsellor. I don’t have children of my own but have been able to pour my passion into the work I do, nurturing young people as both counsellor and musician. Although I can be a serious soul, I’ve got a very cheeky side and a youthful outlook which helps me relate to young people.

Fiona wears the Advance Pant, Extension Tank, Reconcile Oblique and the Covet Coat. SHOP THE LOOK HERE.

2. Can you walk us through what a normal day in your life consists of?
Each day is different, which I like, and though I dislike getting up in the mornings I always have a keto coffee and go for a run or walk to get the day going. Some days are packed with driving (I’m currently working in Hawkes Bay 3 days a week) and rehearsals, often ‘til late at night teaching, singing, playing the piano, learning music, rehearsing lines for an acting gig I’m doing and chatting to friends. People and cats are very important to me and I’m always up for a good chat.

3. What ignited your passion for music?
I’ve been talking to my parents about music since about age 3. Dad has always had a great love for music despite not being able to have lessons growing up. We had an old piano which my brother and I pretended to play on until we started lessons with our neighbour. We used to go through the hedge to her house next door. My brother played the piano for a while and the flute during high school. Once I started playing the piano and making music, I never wanted to do anything else. I also played the cello, guitar, composed and sang in the school choir. Dad was president and helped set up the Wainuiomata choir and I would sometimes go to rehearsals with him on Friday nights. Little did I know what an amazing training ground that was for my career.

4. We understand as well as your wealth of musical knowledge and talent, you also have a Master’s in Counselling and Applied Psychotherapy.
What is one of your main career highlights?
I would say that finding another passion and career in life besides music has been quite astonishing for me. Counselling and psychotherapy inform and support my music-making and teaching immensely. The skills and training I gained doing the Master’s help me cope a great deal with the demands of the various roles I perform, but more importantly for me, they help me really understand those whom I’m working with in an empathetic and holistic way. We all have lives and stuff going on, and sometimes this gets in the way of being able to perform as a musician and as a human! It’s a real blessing to be able to support people and show them the tools to thrive.

Fiona wears the Advance Pant, Extension Tank, Reconcile Oblique, the Covet Coat in the left image and the Raw Edge Cropt Conclusion Coat in the right image. SHOP THE LOOK HERE.

5. How did you discover taylor and what draws you to the aesthetic
I seem to recall it was by accident! I was in the Old BNZ building and decided to go exploring and came across the store. I was a little intimidated by the beautiful clothes in the entryway at first but was soon enamoured with both them and the staff, who have always been so friendly and helpful. There is much to love about taylor that draws me to it: the fabrics, the thoughtful unique styles which can be worn in different ways, the colour palettes, the beautiful prints, and the details. The clothes are timeless, elegant and have drama, which is great for wearing on stage when performing.

Fiona wears the Print Intermittent Dress with the Draped Sequence Jacket. SHOP THE LOOK HERE.

6. What’s something from our collection that you’re lusting over?
All the coats and jackets, the Focalize Top and Dress, and the new Print in Basalt and Alpine.

7. How would you describe your personal style?
I’m always looking for something different and don’t tend to follow trends. I would describe my personal style as edgy yet feminine. I like putting together uncomplicated outfits that make me feel and look good. I like things to be both bold and subtle. I’ve never really grown out of my teenage phase of wearing all black, and as a musician, it’s my staple but I did learn to love colour when I lived in Sydney.

Fiona wears the Washed Long Sleeve Oblique, Elongate Precipice Coat, Ribbing Extension Tank, Undone Tunic, Particle Pouch and the Unity Pant. SHOP THE LOOK HERE.

8. What’s your favourite ‘taylor’ memory?
Just finding taylor at all! It has revolutionised the way I shop for clothing.

9. What do you love about living in Wellington?
The abundance of culture and the dramatic landscapes. The harbour is one of the most spectacular in the world, and I have seen a few. I feel very fortunate to live so close to the ocean and yet have access to the bush. The light and colours of the hills and sky, particularly in winter inspire me. I love the sea fog that rolls in over the harbour and fills the Hutt Valley. I suppose what I’m saying is I love the Wellington weather! I missed the winters when I lived in Australia, I’m a true Wellingtonian though, I’m usually happy wherever I live.

Photography by Elise Cautley @37153_