HEARTFELT CONVERSATION WITH ZOE GAMEAU
All women of this big wide world weave extraordinary, inspiring magic, however, there are a select precious few that make this earth sparkle just that little brighter with their presence, intention and commitment to making positive change, Zoe Gameau is undoubtedly one of these women. Whilst many of you may know her from her actress days, it is the projects she advocates, passions she shares and the authentic life that she lives that we at Chasing Unicorns find ever so magnificent. We are fortunate enough to have both Zoe and her Husband Damon Gameau of that sugar film and 2040 film legacy, residing in our beautiful Northern Rivers community where they continue with open hearts to inspire connection, conversation and creativity.
At Chasing Unicorns we adore Zoe, she stands committed in action for so many of the beliefs that are near and dear to our little brand's heart. Recently, Zoe has made a stand against “wear once” fast fashion by initiating the ONE GREEN DRESS movement, a concept that advocates and celebrates the repeated wear of the clothing we already own! This ideal is ingrained into the very soul of all that we do here at Chasing unicorns, this wear and treasure forever mentality. We are so incredibly excited to share with you a heartfelt conversation with the exquisite, courageous and ever-evolving goddess that is Zoe Gameau.
Q. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR LIFE AT THE MOMENT?
Well, I’ve just completed a very outward and busy time in my work with lots of travel and holding space for big groups of people in my gatherings with How We Gather. Now I'm 6 weeks off baby number 2 and definitely feeling the inward pull of the experience of coming close to birthing a human! So my life feels like a combination of celebrating having been very proactive in the world and now withdrawing from it a bit, in a cosy kind of way.
Q. DESCRIBE A FAIRLY TYPICAL DAY IN YOUR WORLD?
Right now, it revolves around completing all my work commitments to create space to just Be when the baby comes. Enjoying spending time with my husband and our older daughter, friends, and community. Plus resting, I know what I’m in for with baby number 2 so I’m making the most of the spaciousness before the next chapter commences.
Q. YOU ARE A PASSIONATE ADVOCATE OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION, WHAT WAS YOUR "AH HA" MOMENT?
Well, my passion for sustainability wasn’t so much an aha moment but born out of my love for vintage. Almost everything I bought in my 20’s (and still though I don’t shop as much now) was second hand supplemented by a few new pieces here and there that were mostly ethically made or made by my friends. Really I just love that old romantic aesthetic, the quality and feel of vintage garments, the history, the story, the rummaging, the uniqueness. I’m such a forager in that way. Markets and op shops for me any day over a mall.
Q. TALK US THROUGH THE “ONE GREEN DRESS” MOVEMENT?
Basically, it’s a celebration of repeat wear of one garment to social events in your life to promote that you value sustainability, care for the planet and want to be seen for inner substance more than outer appearance. Through this little project I’ve created, I encourage people to wear the same one ‘green dress’ it can be an actual dress, jacket or skirt, wetsuit whatever, and it needn’t be green, 30+ times to every social occasion in their life and hashtag #onegreendress to show their commitment to circular fashion and creating new conversations around people and the planet. I also have one green dress that I’ve been wearing, designed by another local Byron Brand Spell and The Gypsy Collective. I’ve worn it 11 times now styled in different ways including with Sarah beautiful Chasing Unicorns creations to the Byron Bay premiere of my husband's film 2040 which is about positive solutions to climate change.
Q. WHAT DOES THE TERM “ENVIRONMENTALIST” MEAN TO YOU?
Someone who helps advocate for and helps educate others about the environment really largely because of their own care and love for it. When we care for something we naturally want to protect it. Part of protecting it might be educating and inspiring others to care too through our big and little actions.
Q. BECOMING A PARENT IS OFTEN THE CATALYST FOR DEEP REFLECTION ON THE VALUES AND PASSIONS THAT YOU HOLD DEAR TO YOUR OWN HEART, THOSE YOU WISH TO INSTIL IN YOUR CHILDREN. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO NURTURE IN YOUR CHILDREN?
Substance, soul, good-naturedness, loving kindness, resilience. I really hope for my children to feel free to find their own way of expressing something meaningful and fulfilling to them whatever form that takes.
Q. BYRON BAY IS AN ABUNDANTLY INSPIRING PLACE, WHAT ABOUT THE NORTHERN RIVERS INSPIRES YOU?
Community. People actually do, they don’t just talk.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO SELF LOVE AND SELF CONNECTION?
Being in integrity with my words and deeds, and giving generously of my time, care and energy to others are two things that make me naturally feel loved and loving. Simple things have the biggest impact I find. We don’t need grand gestures, just pure ones, performed sincerely and from our hearts. For self-connection, I like space to reflect on spirit. I find nature outdoors or candles indoors quite good for settling the mind and helping create this reflective atmosphere. A little bit of internal time to balance the giving and outward flows towards my family and community is important.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
Practical, changeable, and above all - comfortable! If you asked my husband he might call my style ‘flowy’ because I often wear floaty long dresses and skirts. Flowy Zoë he calls me, which I think is cute.
@zoegameau
@how_we_gather
@onegreendress
Images supplied by Zoe Gameau
Emma Wiseman @emmawisephotography