MEET THE TEAM
PHILIPPA COOK - OWNS IMPULSE & LUMIÉRE WITH HER HUSBAND SCOTT. IS OUR BELOVED BUYER, MANAGER, PR WHIZ, PART TIME MODEL, SHOP INTERIOR DESIGNER, MASTER OF PUNS AND GENERAL SUPERWOMAN!
A quote you love...
Did you hear about the Italian Chef who died?
He pasta away
We cannoli do so much
His legacy will become a pizza history
Here today, gone tomato
So sad that he ran out of thyme
You never sausage a tragic thing
Sending olive my thoughts to his family.
Favourite body part?
I think it changes weekly! Growing a human is a pretty incredible achievement which certainly gave me more respect for my own body. I've always liked being tall and backing it up with good posture from years of pilates and dance in my youth. That and a good smile has always done me well.
Favourite exercise / wellness activity?
Pilates. I started after my back gave up on me after backpacking overseas and it changed my life. Pilates has carried me through two pregnancies and gives me the core strength I need. I can’t see myself ever giving it up.
Besides that anything outdoors. Hiking around the foothills near my house, Stand up Paddling Boarding with the kids in tow, Water skiing on the Murray and especially hitting the snow. Here in Australia or somewhere in the Northern Hemisphere, there is nothing quite like an alpine holiday.
How do you spend your down-time?
Currently you'll find me in my garden. I love the Mediterranean climate here in Adelaide which perfectly suits after being inspired by the gardens in my travels of Sardinia and the Balearic Islands in Spain. Recreating these sculptural, hardy landscapes is a growing obsession. I read somewhere- "To plant a garden is to have a plan for the future".
Favourite spot to eat/drink right now?
Pizzateca at Mclaren Vale for authentic Italian pizzas in a relaxed setting. Anywhere I can sit in the sun and drink wine and my children are entertained!
At what age did you become an adult?
Ummm, is this a trick question? Becoming a mother definitely changed my perspective on life. Having a greater sense of purpose and letting go of the things that just aren't important is a very satisfying feeling.
Three style icons:
Erin Wasson- my all time muse. Can I just be her? She exudes the perfect combination of feminine/ grunge/ boho/ gypsy cowboy and just freakin owns it. Plus her legs go on forever.
Emma Watson- although she has a completely different style to my own I think she makes incredible choices for such a young woman in the spotlight. Her ethical influences are always showcased in a polished way.
Instagram - As creepy and stalker-ish as it sounds, social media has really opened up a huge world of inspiration. I am guilty of getting way too sucked in and letting myself be bombarded by a variety of influences. I love seeing the way people interpret different looks and trends, and like to steal a little bit of everything from everywhere. At the end of the day its all an act anyway, so as much as I'd like to exude high fashion one day and gypsy boho goddess the next, I'm comfortable with the fact that I know what I like and can choose to share it with whoever I please. Note* I totally suck at taking selfies!
Must have item of clothing / accessory:
Jeans. I've lost count of how many pairs I own but it's totally justifiable when I live in them all year round.
Top style tip:
Know what styles and silhouettes suit you that make you feel great. Feeling like yourself in any outfit will give you the confidence to own it. Avoid trends that don't do anything for you. There's no point jumping on the wagon if you feel completely ridiculous in it, and let's be honest, fashion can be utterly over the top.
Beauty tip:
Sunscreen. My mum gave me an SPF moisturiser when I was 14 and told me to put it on my face, neck and the back of my hands every day. Now into my 40's I am seeing it has paid off! Looking after your skin is a no brainer and you feel so much better for it. Moisturise every god damn day, head to toe.
BECK - DOES THE CREATIVE STUFF LIKE PHOTOSHOOTS, MARKETING AND KEEPING THE WEBSITE LOOKING PRETTY
What is one of your favourite quotes?
What is your favourite body part?
I have great appreciation and respect for the entire incredible machine that is the human body. I was lucky to survive the birth of my son in early 2024, so I am just grateful for its tenacity, healing ability and the fact it's all in working order today!
What is your favourite form of exercise/activity?
I love team sports and played a lot of volleyball waaay back in high school, but these days I am into carrying around a 10kg kettlebell everywhere I go, A.K.A. my baby! To balance out the incidental weight lifting and hunching as we practice walking around the house I also make time for yoga to de-prawn my posture. 🦐
What do you do in your down-time?
*laughs hysterically* What's that?!
Favourite spot to eat/drink right now?I
My house - my fiance is an INCREDIBLE cook, he has great taste in wine and my garden is heaven.
At what age did you become an adult?
Despite being a mother now, I still don't really feel like an adult! I struggle to enjoy any music that has come out in the last 20 years, I don't get Tiktok and I'm very tired... is that the main gist of it?
Three style icons :
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - the twins from "Full House" have grown up and have their own highly successful and lauded fashion label called The Row. Since I am reasonably short and petite and love comfy clothes, their minimalist, relaxed tailoring is exactly what I want to wear all year round.
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Francoise Hardy, perfect seventies style - that cat eyeliner and enviable french way of putting things together à la perfection.
David Bowie - I love the creativity with which he expressed his multi-faceted identity through fashion and makeup
Must have item of clothing / accessory
I am still navigating my new body after baby, it can be challenging to find your style when what you used to wear doesn't work for your body shape any more. My go-to clothing item at the moment is loose, straight leg jeans in a size too big for me for comfort. I can dress these up or down with choice of top and adding the right accessories. Now that my daily outfits are decidedly more casual and basic, I'm turning even more to jewellery to elevate my look. Every day I make sure my ears have a varied selection of tiny studs, cuffs, huggies and either hoops or more statement studs in the lobe. I love Fairley Jewellery for their collection of ear candy in high quality handmade precious metals.
Top style tip
Invest in good quality items that will last, and that fit you really well. You will feel more confident when you know your clothes suit you, feel great to wear and exude luxury. Invest in great jewellery and shoes - they can make any basic outfit look expensive and polished.
Beauty tip
Smile and be kind :)
What is one of your favourite quotes?
We must go forward, not backward. Upward, not downward. And always twirling, twirling, twirling towards freedom. Unfortunately my brain is 80% Simpsons quotes.
What is your favourite body part?
The heart. I don’t think it gets enough credit for literally keeping us alive. However it’s one of those things I can’t think about for too long without starting to panic, like outer space or the depths of the ocean. Quick change the subject!!
What is your favourite form of exercise/activity?
Ever since I adopted my beautiful kelpie Jack in 2020 we’ve been running together. After 5 years it’s gotten to the point where I actually enjoy it and love trying to beat my own times. I even ran my first half marathon in September - unfortunately Jack couldn’t join me much to his outrage. I also love reformer Pilates and find it balances out the intensity of running.
What do you do in your down-time?
Well when I’m not scrolling mindlessly on my phone I’m usually sewing, redecorating a corner of my home or hyping up the dog. I also love vintage shopping and love any opportunity to rummage through 60’s and 70’s clothing - my favourite one in Adelaide is A Star is Worn on The Parade in Norwood. She has the most amazing collection I’ve ever seen and I’ve never left empty handed. Some other great ones are Pushpin Boutique near the Central Markets, Exclusive Vintage in Prospect and Little Miss Waste Not on Rundle St.
Favourite spot to eat/drink right now?
I want to copy Beck here and say home. My partner Tim is really into cooking and makes restaurant quality meals at home on any given day. He loves trying new recipes and finessing his skills, and I get to reap the benefits! But if I HAVE to be original, my favourite restaurant in Adelaide is Rosemont Hall on Prospect Road, after a lovely glass of wine at Sideways Liquor across the road.
At what age did you become an adult?
I guess it was the day I bought an air fryer and then subsequently started telling everyone how great it is and that they should also get an air fryer.
Three style icons :
Jane Birkin - i’ve spent the last 10 years of my life showing photos of her to my hair dresser. Obviously she was naturally beautiful, but I love the way she embraced ageing and didn’t fight against it. She seemed very self assured and confident.
Alexa Chung - I’ve never seen her in an outfit I didn’t like
Detective Olivia Benson - Queen of cool jackets and one liners. The only constant in my life. Mariska Hargitay who plays her is also like a real life Olivia Benson and does amazing charity work.
Must have item of clothing / accessory
When all else fails - blue jeans and a black turtleneck. Was I too lazy to put an outfit together or am I a cool mysterious French girl? (It’s the first one). However one time I tried to add a gold necklace and my partner asked why I was dressed like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. So just be careful of that unless this is the vibe you’re going for:
Top style tip
Learn to sew! Being able to repair or transform an item of clothing into something new instead of throwing it away is a priceless skill. Being able to see a garments potential opens up a huge range of wardrobe possibilities, especially when op shopping.
Beauty tip
Less is more, and expensive doesn't always mean the best when it comes to skincare/makeup!