KATT FORE celebrates the quiet strength of women who do it all. This month, we speak to Joanna Halpin about essentials.

Joanna Halpin is a British creative based in New York. Alongside her modeling work, photography has become a natural extension of her artistic voice, her images marked by a deep sensitivity to light, stillness, and the art of observation.

Is there a small ritual that's quietly become essential to your days, maybe something you never would have predicted needing a few years ago?

A consistent meditation practice, I had often dabbled in ‘trying’ to meditate daily and always gave it up. But now I have a consistent practice (in the morning before my day properly starts). This has brought so much more awareness to my thoughts and emotions, and to how I show up each day. If I skip a day I really notice the difference in how I’m feeling, which is a lovely thing to recognise and realize how much this ritual impacts my day, and life for the better.
 Is there a place (physical or otherwise) you return to when you need to reset?

Yoga, journalling, some alone time and a good old spring clean -  I find clearing things out deeply therapeutic. There's something about editing a space down to the essentials that brings an immediate sense of calm and order. Whenever life feels a little chaotic, I'll often find myself re-organising my closet or tidying the apartment. 

What's essential for you to keep feeling inspired?

Many things (light, warmth, people, books, galleries) but a big one for me is travel. Through my job I'm lucky to move around frequently, and a change of location has a magical way of resetting any creative stagnation. 

What would your essential uniform look like?

I've never been drawn to following trends, my wardrobe foundation is built on elevated basics: a well-tailored pair of trousers a simple tee, quality cashmere, and a great pair of shoes. Beyond that, I enjoy slowly and thoughtfully adding a few truly special, timeless pieces when I find them. Nothing rushed, nothing impulsive - just things I genuinely love as and when I find them.

Is there one piece in your closet you'd never get rid of and where did it come from?

I tend to buy slowly and deliberately, so most things I have purchased myself feel meaningful in some way. But the pieces I'd truly never part with are the silk blouses that belonged to my grandmother, I remember her wearing them and always looking so elegant. When she passed, my mum, my sister, and I each kept a couple. -they'll stay in my closet (and in my heart and memory) always.