Zanita Whittington, Zanita Studio

Zanita Whittington is the fashion blogging dynamo from the bush. The statuesque ‘slashie’ – model / photographer / fashion blogger is a breath of refreshing air in the frenetic digital space. Her blog, Zanita Studio, has fashionistas worldwide fawning over her creatively put together wardrobe, one which exudes a playful exuberance and eclectic twist. With icy blue eyes and a voluminous head of platinum blonde hair, Zanita is striking, yet as down to earth and unaffected as they come.

We managed to catch the forever travelling Zanita between fashion weeks and filming (for television series Fashion Bloggers TV), where she opened her beauty bag for us. We discussed some rather unfortunate youthful beauty blunders, a caffeine compulsion and what it means being the face of the Schwarzkopf ‘Hair Happiness’ campaign.

DESPITE A FORAY INTO FASHION; ZANITA HAD A VERY DIFFERENT LIFE IMAGINED

“When I was young I wanted to be a marine biologist

By the time I left high school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do – tough to be in that frame of mind and having to choose a university degree! I began my blog seven years ago as an outlet for my interest in fashion – I was working as a model and had a little too much spare time on my hands.

I love being self-employed

I’m the master of my own destiny and reap the whole rewards of my own hard work. I couldn’t imagine it any other way now.

My favourite [recent piece] is my Louis Vuitton handbag…

Such a splurge but it’s so lovely and practical, I feel like it fits everything I need. My Jimmy Choo ‘Rebel’ Bag is also one of my favourites, great for taking to dinner. My favourite labels are Stella McCartney, Gucci, & Other Stories and Topshop Unique.

ZANITA'S SENSO SNAKE STILETTOS

90'S AESTHETIC; ZANITA FAVOURS A BEAUTY LOOK OF BOLD BROWS, BIG LASHES AND A BOUFFANT DO'

I think my look is very 90’s, sans the tan

Big hair, big brows, fresh skin. I love that natural and energetic beauty of all the supermodels of the early nineties. So athletic and spirited. I wear really minimal make-up, so my hair is a huge part of my ‘look’. I love having good lashes, strong brows and really fluffy voluminous hair.

I use Dr Jart+ BB Beauty Balm….

Dolce and Gabbana Red Lipstick, Chanel and Dior Nail Polish, Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, Diorshow Maximizer Mascara Serum, Diorskin Nude Shimmer and La Mer Creme de la Mer, in addition to Lancôme Cushion Foundation, Tom Ford Lipsticks and a Sigma Blush Highlighter.

GILDED DELIGHTS; DR JART BB BEAUTY BALM, DOLCE LIPSTICK AND BY CHARLOTTE STAR NECKLACE

ZANITA IS A KNOCKOUT IN TIBI

I’m famously low maintenance (and terrible!) when it comes to doing my hair

So I was a little surprised that Schwarzkopf were interested in me – but once I heard about their ‘Hair Happiness’ campaign I understood that I was actually a perfect fit! It’s really just about finding what works on the bad hair days, something I hadn’t really mastered at all before I became involved. After I shampoo and condition, I’ll usually put a little of the Schwarzkopf Ultimate Oil Elixir in the very tips to nourish and then put Schwarzkopf Sea Salt Sprayin the roots for added texture and body. I [also] use a lot of Schwarzkopf Styliste Ultime Dry Shampoo! I want loads of it through my roots so my hair has that great touchable volume.

What really helps my skin is getting a sweat on from exercising…

That’s what gives it a real glow! I feel most beautiful after exercise! It’s all about good, healthy skin. I know I’m doing the right thing if I wake up in the morning and feel great about going outside with little or nothing on my face. I’m such a minimalist; I really just use Cosmedix Cleanser, wiped off with tissue and then use a moisturiser from The Clinic. I do that morning and night. I love caster sugar and lemon juice as a scrub and a good SK-II mask. One of those will cure all manner of ‘skin sins’.

IN THE NUDE; DIORSKIN, DIOR POLISH AND LA MER

FLOATY FORM; SWATHED IN SHEER LAYERS OF JOSH GOOT

I want to say I’m embracing ageing…

But it’s not as easy as it sounds when you’re constantly looking at images of yourself everyday! I love the way my friends look as they age, so hopefully in years to come I can embrace that attitude continually with myself. [I like] my eyes – I like the colour of them, they are very blue – like my dad’s.

My least favourite feature is my butt!

It’s a bit of a pancake – plus I have narrow hips, but to be honest, there are so many bigger things to worry about. I don’t really think about it that much.

I used to straighten my hair with an actual iron

Pressing my ear down on the ironing board and flattening my hair out – once I burnt my face! I still have the scar. Also, any time I wore shimmering lipstick [was embarrassing]!

My mum used to cut my hair.

I’m from a coastal town in rural Western Australia, my beauty routine went about as far as some lip gloss and moisturiser. Even for my high school formal, the only make-up I wore was some mascara, lip gloss and blush! My youngest memories of my mum are on the farm, she always had sun kissed skin, no make-up and a perm. I think the best advice she ever gave me was ‘wear sunscreen’. I left my town when I was 17 so at that time, I wasn’t really a regular at any spas or salons – I actually don’t think there are any spas there! It’s a pretty small town.

BLUE BABY; DR JART'S BB BEAUTY BALM, DOLCE LIPSTICK, MAKEUP BRUSHES, COOL FRAMES AND A JIMMY CHOO BAG TO HOUSE THEM ALL

ZANITA IS A FANATIC FOR MAGNESIUM TABLETS

I drink way too much coffee.

[I eat] lots of pan-fried greens like kale, broccoli, eggs, tomato, sugar snap peas, mozzarella, steak – those are my go-to foods. [My exercise regime] is nothing specific right now, I’m never in one place long enough, but I do Pilates and running and I thought I should take up Yoga because I’ve started to develop back and neck problems from sitting at my computer.”

Story by Chrisanthi Kaliviotis; Photography by Myles Pritchard; Hair and makeup by Sarina Zoe.