Chloe Hill is the kind of person people in fashion talk about in soft admiration.
A photographer and stylist based in Wellington, and the founder of Cool Pretty Cool – a platform celebrating new talent – she has carved out a space that feels entirely her own. There’s an ease to the way she moves through the industry. Thoughtful, generous, and quietly influential, Chloe is proof that ethics and aesthetics don’t have to sit on opposite ends of the spectrum. And, as everyone will tell you, she’s also one of the nicest people in fashion.
Driving out to Chloe’s home in Stokes Valley, Lower Hutt, felt a little like approaching somewhere I already knew. I’d seen glimpses – corners of rooms, flashes of colour – but nothing quite prepared me for arriving in person. Beyond a white fence, her front garden spills out in a kind of joyful chaos: wild, bright, and completely unapologetic.
At the baby blue front door, there’s a moment of stillness before it swings open. Chloe greets me with a warmth that immediately dissolves any formality. Shoes off, of course.
Inside, the house feels like stepping directly into her inner world. It’s colourful, retro, deeply considered, and just slightly chaotic – but in a way that feels alive rather than cluttered. Time slows down a little. It is, unmistakably, Wellington.
We settle into her bedroom, where her wardrobe sits open – not staged, not overly curated, just ready.
“It looks more chaotic than it is,” she laughs.
And she’s right. There’s a system here, even if it isn’t immediately obvious. Summer still dominates – lighter fabrics, brighter tones – though she mentions winter coats will soon begin to edge their way in.
When I ask how she decides what to bring into her wardrobe, her answer is simple.
“It has to tick at least one thing,” she says. “Colour, print, or a cool silhouette.”
Looking around, it’s clear every piece does exactly that. Chloe’s wardrobe isn’t about trends or accumulation. It’s about feeling. Memory. Movement. Clothes that live alongside her, travel with her, and quietly tell the story of a life well-lived – and well-dressed.
1. The Green Prada Cardigan
The first piece Chloe reached for was a green Prada cardigan, intricately hand-beaded with periwinkle blue beads and finished with electric blue buttons. It’s a piece she’s had forever, one that’s travelled the world with her. She describes it as “truly art,” but laughs as she admits she’s worn it countless times. Whenever she walks into a Prada store wearing it, staff become completely obsessed – a quiet nod to its enduring magic.
2. The Yu Mei Utility Bag
Next is a dark blue Yu Mei utility bag – perhaps not what you’d expect at first glance, but entirely Chloe. It still holds traces of sand from her last beach trip. Practical and well-loved, it fits all her chunky cameras with ease – a perfect blend of function and form.
3. The Brooch
Pinned to the Prada cardigan is a delicate white porcelain brooch, picked up at Te Matatini last year. It resembles the Raukura (feather plume) of Taranaki – a small but meaningful piece that carries both cultural and personal weight. Together, the brooch and cardigan feel inseparable.
4. Prada Slingback Brocade Heels
Her Prada slingback brocade heels come next. She can’t quite remember when she got them, which feels like a testament to just how often she wears them. They’ve become a constant – styled with tights, skirts, dresses – endlessly versatile, endlessly worn.
5. Meadowlark ‘B’ Necklace
A silver Meadowlark necklace sits quietly among her favourites – a simple “B” initial. Chloe explains that those closest to her will understand its significance; there are a few important people in her life whose names begin with that letter. Subtle, but deeply personal.
6. Romance Was Born Top
Then, a burst of colour – a bright pink Romance Was Born top. Pleated, high-necked, and patterned with an almost Egyptian-like motif, it’s bold and playful. Chloe admits it’s a little controversial (it features some titties), but that’s part of its charm. Designed by friends, it’s a piece she treasures – something she can dress up or down, depending on the day.
7. Untouched World Midi Skirt
A blue-and-white striped midi skirt from Untouched World follows. “I couldn’t not include a midi skirt,” she says. It’s a staple – worn often, loved deeply – and a reminder of the incredible talent within local New Zealand fashion.
8. Mahsa Shirt
Finally, she gestures to what she’s already wearing: a white button-down shirt by Mahsa, finished with an exaggerated ruffle collar. Chloe laughs at the irony – most of her wardrobe is full of colour – but she reaches for this piece often. It still aligns with her playful aesthetic while offering a quieter kind of statement. Having worked with the brand for years, it holds a sense of history too.
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In a world that often feels oversaturated, Chloe’s wardrobe is a reminder that the best pieces are the ones that hold meaning, spark joy, and are worn, again and again, with intention.
To see more of Chloe’s world – her work, her wardrobe, and everything in between – follow her on Instagram HERE
