VH World: Maggie Zhou
Say hello to Maggie Zhou, aka @yemagz. If her name doesn’t ring a bell, let’s just say you’re about to discover a Melbourne creative powerhouse who’s making waves in all the right ways.
Among other things, Maggie is a writer, podcast co-host on Culture Club, and a passionate advocate for slow fashion, sustainability, and a refreshingly honest approach to wardrobe styling. Yep, if you can't already tell, we’re totally smitten with her work.
We’re beyond thrilled to share our chat with Maggie, where she opens up about her life as a creative, her journey into slow fashion and shares some styling tips that’ll make you rethink your closet. Dive in & get inspired!
We'd love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share a little about yourself?
Hi, I’m Maggie Zhou! I’m a Melbourne-born and based creative. I’m a freelance writer, content creator and the co-host of the Culture Club podcast.
We’re huge fans of Culture Club! What was the spark that led you to create the podcast, and how’s your journey into podcasting been so far?
Thank you! Culture Club started back in 2020, when my friend and fellow writer Jasmine Wallis and I pitched a couple of similar stories to the same publication. Instead of viewing each other as competition, we decided to team up and create a podcast together. Back then, we’d only hung out a few times in person – and so the podcast was where our friendship really developed and grew.
Fast forward to four years later, and we’re here! We’re still recording and chatting about all things pop culture, internet trends and current affairs.
With so much on your plate—writing, content creation, and Culture Club— what part of your work do you find most rewarding?
I love that I get to be creative in various ways; it keeps every day interesting. I used to be quite self-conscious about feeling like I was good at a few things, but not outstanding in any particular area. You might’ve heard the saying, “Jack of all trades, a master of none”. Nowadays, I lean into the breadth of what I do. I love fashion, writing, photography, styling and podcasting. I’m so grateful I get to dip my toe in many areas! Above all, writing brings me the most joy. I can’t picture my life without it.
We love that you are a slow fashion advocate. How did you first get involved? Do you remember the moment you made the full switch to slow fashion?
At the tail-end of 2019, I made the decision to try and cut fast fashion out of my life as much as possible. Before then, I was actually working with and accepting gifts from fast fashion brands. After grappling with cognitive dissonance, I bit the proverbial bullet. It was kind of a lightbulb moment; I’d been gradually learning about the effects of fast fashion for a few months, then I realised I was a part of the fashion system myself.
For someone just dipping their toes into slow fashion, what’s your top piece of advice to get started & shopping with sustainability in mind?
That sustainability doesn’t have that much to do with buying stuff! As the cofounder of Fashion Revolution, Orsola De Castro, says, “The most sustainable garment is the one you already own”. Wear what’s already in your wardrobe, and treat your pieces well. When it comes to shopping, try buy less and prioritise secondhand.
We love that you encourage your community to get creative with their personal style. What do you think the secret sauce is for creating an outfit with authenticity & making it your own?
It’s funny because personal style is simultaneously something that comes naturally to us all, but it’s also something that requires thought, experimentation, and trial and error. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to personal style. I think it’s epitomised by that glorious feeling when you feel 100% yourself in an outfit. More often that not, these outfits exist outside trends.
Do you have an all time fave VH piece or print?
I adore VH’s Cooktown Orchid print and colour way! I’m a sucker for cobalt blue and picked up a sample tank top in this print earlier this year.
What exciting projects are you working on next, and where can our readers learn more about you?
You can find me on Instagram at @yemagz, TikTok at @maggie_zhou and in your ears over on Culture Club podcast!
