This was published 11 months ago
The fashion creative who sources her jeans on eBay
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Ariane Leondaridis, the creative director behind fashion label Ilio Nema.
“I don’t follow trends because they’re unsustainable. I buy mindfully.”Credit: Marilou Chabert
How would you describe your style? It’s quite bohemian. I mix high with low and vintage with new. And it’s subtle; I don’t like things that are too obvious or loud.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Vintage Levi’s 501s are part of my uniform – I source them on eBay and have them in every colour. Also Greek sandals, and something big and relaxed on top, like the short-sleeve “Danae” top from my collection.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My Egyptian grandma’s silk slips from the 1940s. I wear them as dresses. They’re the sort of thing you don’t find any more – embroidered by hand, rich in detail with beautiful lace.
And the most recent addition? Our Ilio Nema kaftans; they’re all cotton, woven by hand in Morocco or India.
The distinctive Alighieri gold choker is high on Ariane’s wish list.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? Black jeans, sheer T-shirt, Ilio Nema “Pollux” maxi shirt dress worn as a jacket, flats, lots of gold jewellery and my hair down.
… on a plane? Qantas pyjamas with an Ilio Nema hoodie and sneakers.
No zips, no buttons and no yoga pants because my skin needs to breathe.
… on the red carpet? A black YSL “Le Smoking” suit and pointy heels.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The ’70s and early ’80s. I love the high-waisted jeans, the crochet, printed T-shirts, sneakers, tinted sunnies and Farrah Fawcett flared hair.
Do you have a favourite designer? Dries Van Noten for the rich prints, metallics and ethnic textiles. And Martin Margiela – working with him is what made me go to fashion school.
Do you wear fragrance? I wear my husband’s Comme des Garçons 2 Man.
Any go-to jewellery? I wear a lot of gold chains from my mum and grandma as well as my christening medal, an old Cartier chain and my kid’s handmade jewellery.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I grew up in France and wore dresses, white socks and Mary Janes like a proper French kid. There was a cherry-print Jacadi dress with a white scalloped collar that I loved because it twirled. I still love garments that move and drape like that.
And your worst fashion mistake? My Gwen Stefani period in the ’90s. I’d wear a mini kilt with belly chain, crop top and over-the-knee socks, like a naughty punk girl. I had a belly piercing and a bit too much make-up. It was sexy, offensive and the opposite of my aesthetic today.
What was your first fashion moment? When I was 17 years old, I was street-cast in Paris and I walked for Martin Margiela for fashion week. It was a whole new world; I came from a family of doctors and engineers, and modelling opened up a future in fashion for me.
French singer Françoise Hardy has a classic, timeless style that’s an inspiration to Ariane.Credit: Getty Images
What’s on your wish list? An Alighieri chunky gold choker.
Is there anything you would never wear? I’d say Crocs but I said that about Birkenstocks and Ugg boots and now I wear them all the time. There’s more chance I’ll never wear stilettos again. I’ve done the New York fashion thing – 10 years of running around in high heels – and my feet are done.
Is there a current trend you like? I don’t follow trends because they’re unsustainable. I buy mindfully; I know my style and my body and what’s missing from my wardrobe.
What shoes do you wear most often? A.Emery or Lucy Folk sandals and Adidas “Stan Smith” sneakers.
Who is your favourite fashion icon? I have so many: Françoise Hardy, Jane Birkin, Lou Doillon, Talitha Getty, Lauren Hutton, Charlotte Rampling. Also all those rock guys with the tight pants and big hair like Jimi Hendrix, Robert Plant and Frank Zappa.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I love a matching set – our “Cronos” shirt and shorts, for example. But I live by Bronte Beach in Sydney, so I often spend the weekend in my swimsuit with a kaftan over it.
Ilio Nema was founded by Ariane Leondaridis and Katia Kelso.
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