The Journal

Introducing Isabella Mamas

Describe a typical day in your life.

I think being a fulltime assistant in fashion means that no two days are the same, so it's hard to pinpoint exactly how my day goes but I'll try my best. Depending on how big of a day I had the day before, I either wake at 5:30am and head pilates or do a late cancellation and deal with the late fee when I've woken up and had my coffee. Recently it's been very much the latter. I aim to get to work before 9am so I can get started on emails, and anything that needs sorting before anyone comes into the office. I like to try and be on top of it all as much as possible. Office days range from sorting clothes, emails, working with interns, prep days, fittings or shoot days. I run around like a headless chook for a little while and make my way home around 6pm to spend time with my partner and housemates. Sometimes it's hard to unwind but heading home to a bunch of friendly faces, literally always brightens my day. I love living with friends.

What is your favourite part about shopping for preloved pieces?

I love shopping for preloved pieces quite simply because they're preloved. I love history and a story, and I love knowing that a piece of clothing may have lived the wildest life before it enters mine. It has stories to tell and I think vintage pieces reflect that. There is something special about owning preloved pieces, when you find something you love it's not a simple purchase of something new, it's the hunt, it's the feeling of accomplishment when you find something, it's a whole journey in itself.

What are you most sentimental about in your wardrobe?

My first ever designer purchase was a pair of preloved Valentino red sparkly shoes reminiscent of Dorothy's heels from Wizard of Oz. I bought these when I was 16, and put them on lay-by and each Sunday after I finished my cafe shift and got paid I would trot down King Street in Newtown and pay them off. It took me weeks, if not months but I was so proud of myself when
they were finally mine. I wore them to my first ever fashion week when I was 15 (feels a little illegal) but I felt untouchable in them, and still to this day I love them so much.

How do you balance playful pieces with classic investments?

I believe the two can coexist, I believe the playful pieces are the classic investments!

What do you choose to invest in?
Dumb fun shoes, and great jackets. I love shoes, my tootsies deserve the best! The downside of this is I own a minimal amount of the middle ground, and am always looking for tops. Feet look great though! 

How does the interior design of your home reflect your current wardrobe?

I moved into my home during covid, so it was a difficult time to find things outside of our zone so facebook marketplace became our best friend. It was a fun little challenge to see what we could find within the distance we were allowed to travel. The same way I feel about preloved clothing is the way I feel about furniture, I love that each piece tells a story. I think colour and warmth are important to me, I love living in a colourful house with fun artworks and furniture. One of my favourite lamps was one given to me from my friend Ash, which is an orange spirally situation. I think dropping fun eclectic pieces through your house and wardrobe are so important to keep
your style fresh and fun.

Share a career moment that has inspired your style evolution.

It would be amiss to not mention Vogue. Being in this role has been so fun, you can wear absolutely anything you want under the guise of working for fashion. Each day is a dress up day, I'm living my absolute dream. However, comfortable shoes are always a must.

How do you intertwine your love for fashion with being sustainable and spending consciously? 

My rule of thumb is to sit on a piece of clothing for a few weeks and if you are still thinking about it, it's time to consider purchasing it. I really try to not spend impulsively and slow down my purchases to ensure it is something I will love and have for a really long time. I try to buy second hand as much as possible, and steer clear of fast fashion.

Introducing Victoria Haralabidou

Describe your profession as an actress and writer?

I travel a lot for work, meet new people, discover new music, visit galleries, go to the movies and eat amazing food. I walk a lot. It helps me to experience the city I’m in and take in the energy. When I am not travelling or filming, I try to relax, spend time with my family and friends and charge my batteries.

What is a typical day in your life?

I dare say there is no typical day in the life of an actress. Your filming schedule varies. Your location varies. Your ‘call’ might be at 4:30 am or 9:30 pm. To avoid the work ‘jet-lag’ I have certain steps in my routine I follow regardless. Shower, black coffee, meditation, vocal exercises and stretches. No matter what I’m filming, where in the world I am or when I get up.

Share your top three tips for shopping preloved clothing and accessories.

I am a big bag and accessories person. I think you can play and make the same outfit look completely different. Plus when you travel It’s my number one tip – accessorise! Whenever a the salesperson utters a phrase “this is very popular” they lose me as a customer. Uniqueness is important. As I grow older I make an effort to trust my judgment. In understanding my style and my needs I feel more empowered and give less ‘damns’ about what other people think. Know and love yourself. Sometimes we make a ‘mistake’ and buy something that doesn’t really suit, fit or speak to us. Maybe we have a piece in our wardrobe we haven’t worn in years – re-sell. Don’t wait to fit into your idea of self. Move on.

What’s your most prized preloved piece in your wardrobe?

The most valued preloved pieces in my wardrobe are my grandmother’s bags and her handmade dark blue wool wedding dress. They might not be the most expensive pieces, but they are certainly the most valued ones. I do wear the dress and it fits me perfectly. It’s a grounding experience. I style the dress and the bags with more contemporary pieces to give it an edge. My family went through multiple exiles, migrations and travels so to still have these objects in my possession feels very special.

Where do you find inspiration for sourcing sought after, pre-loved pieces for your wardrobe?

I find my inspiration in street style, fashion shows, art galleries and cinema. I saw a French film, a very long time ago, and I remember I spent months hunting for the rings that Isabelle Huppert's character wore. Design, colour combinations, shapes and texture are important. I look for clothes and accessories that make me feel comfortable, light, free and sexy.

Introducing Ria Kamat Shetty

Tell us about your tenure at Vogue India as a Fashion Editor. And what is your most special memory from your time there?

My time at Vogue was incredibly formative. Working in such a creative environment with strong intelligent women (and men) truly set the foundation of my career. I have such fond memories of my Vogue days that it would be hard to choose just one. From travelling to Europe for fashion week, to cover shoots in tropical destinations and working on our annual women of the year awards that celebrated women from different facets of life - sports, STEM, film, fashion. Being in the company of such brilliant people will always be such a special memory for me.

Share your style advice for someone who’s currently cleaning out their wardrobe.

I find that it's equally important to consider the pieces you are giving away as much as the ones you are looking to buy. Before donating pieces , I really like to think about why those pieces don’t serve me anymore - it is the style, seasonality, size, quality. It is an opportunity to extend the life of a garment by
altering it over discarding it as well as an opportunity to reevaluate the purchase I had made.

If you only had ten minutes to get ready for dinner with girlfriends - what would be your go to outfit?

A man's style shirt worn over a pair of well tailored trousers, a strappy heel that I can walk in, some chunky gold jewellery, and if it's cold an oversized blazer or coat.

Describe a typical day in your life as a fashion stylist and creative consultant.

Everyday is different and I love that about my job. I structure my day to meet both my personal and
professional goals. My happiest days are spent on set shooting an editorial or a campaign. I enjoy being around the energy of other creatives and working collaboratively as a team.

Where do you find inspiration for your editorials?

I find inspiration for my work through so many different mediums...a trip to an art gallery, a book that I might be reading, a conversation with a friend or another creative, travel or even a news article that I might come across. For me it always starts with a narrative or a story and then the clothes follow after.

Who’s your style icon and why?

I wouldn’t be able to say that I have one specific person who’s style I really look up to or am inspired by. I do find myself being inspired by women who are really confident in their bodies and so anything they wear looks incredible.

Share your top three tips for shopping preloved clothing and accessories.

1. Patience is key. More often than not, while rummaging through second hand stores, if you stay committed to your search you will come across a special find.

2. Participate in wardrobe swaps with friends or colleagues. A lot of vintage stores offer this service as well. It is also a good way to give away pieces in your own wardrobe for new ones without breaking the bank.

3. Don't buy just because of a label, brand name or affordable price tag. Approach this purchase with an equally conscious mindset.

What’s on the horizon for 2023?

I am incredibly excited for what 2023 has in store for me. I am looking forward to creating fashion editorials with powerful messing and working with brands whose values I resonate with.

Introducing Fleur Egan 

Fleur Egan is an English Fashion Stylist and Presenter, currently residing in her beautiful Sydney home, filled with vintage sourced furniture like no other. Hailing from London, Fleur has worked with numerous international publications including Vogue Arabia, Vogue IT, and has provided celebrity and style direction for celebrities including Rita Ora and Zara Larrson. 

In a first look inside her home, Fleur wears her favourite finds from The Turn that show why she is recognised not only for her styling skills, but also for her natural ability to wear and create unique fashion. 
Read on to find out more about what’s on the cards for Fleur. 

Describe a typical day in your life as a stylist? 

A typical day can vary as a stylist. I’d normally be in a creative meeting or starting prep on a job which involves mood-boarding my style approach to a job then visiting showrooms to select samples to start putting my vision together. Shoot days you’re always up early getting the wardrobe to location, but the days are always super creative and fun. 

What’s your most prized preloved piece in your wardrobe?

There’s so many, but my most preloved piece is my black Chanel trench coat. It’s so classic and timeless and it will never go out of style. 

Where do you find inspiration for sourcing sought after, pre loved pieces for your wardrobe? 

I just love vintage shapes and patterns. I’m always on Vogue looking at previous collections and I love following vintage clothing inspo accounts on Instagram. Other than that I regularly check in at all consignment and vintage stores to see if I can find any gems. I also feel like vintage and preloved clothing has become so accessible now to a new generation which I love. I’ve always shopped vintage as it’s a way to curate a look that no one else has. 

Share with us what’s on the horizon for you over the next few months?

I feel like I’ve achieved lots this year by doing my first Vogue cover. I just come off a huge run at work so I’m happy to have a cup of tea at the mo, but I have some great brand collaborations which I’m excited to work on in the next month and I’m also planning a trip back home to London so I’m really looking forward to styling some shoots whilst I’m there!

Introducing Jax Raynor 

Jax Raynor is an entrepreneur, model and Founder of digital publication ‘this is nice’, based in the northern beaches of Sydney. With extensive fashion knowledge gained from her time living and working across the globe from New York to London and Hong Kong, Jax has developed a refined approach to infusing her love for fashion, beauty, art and culture seamlessly through her creative endeavours. Having founded ‘this is nice’ over two years ago, Jax is at the helm of the editorial platform that offers a fresh take on her own taste and desires in the local and international fashion scene. Whether Jax is producing, styling or consulting for like minded brands, her passion for preloved vintage does not go unnoticed within her capsule wardrobe. Shot at Studio Maybe, find Jax in her most beloved preloved pieces and read on to discover how she continues to push the boundaries for ‘this is nice’ and how she intertwines her love for fashion with being sustainable and spending consciously.

What is it like being a female entrepreneur in the Australian fashion industry?

I’ve worked in fashion in New York, London and Hong Kong before coming to Sydney and although everywhere I’ve worked has been amazing Sydney is by far the most welcoming and encouraging creatively. Everyone seems genuinely interested in each other's work and projects and although many of us are technically competing for the same jobs there is a sense of respect that I hadn’t previously experienced. It feels as though everyone genuinely wants each other to succeed.

Where do you find yourself seeking creative inspiration for ‘this is nice’?

A lot of my ideas come when I’m alone, cooking, going for a walk or even in the shower. I’ll start thinking about one thing and then 5 minutes and 100 other thoughts later I’ve decided on our next shoot concept. I also look for creative inspiration in the everyday, how a couple interacts or the feeling a song gives me, the way a dress moves or the shapes in nature. Like most, I do love a bit of pinterest but I try to limit how much I am exposing myself to other people's work that are in the same space of ‘this is nice’. It’s great to see what other people are creating but it does end up subconsciously influencing your own work.

Describe a typical day in your life as the Founder and Creative Director of ‘this is nice’?

It depends on the day but my favourite days are on set working on an editorial. I usually arrive at the location/studio about an hour before my assistant and the rest of the team to make sure I have everything organised and feel good about the overall concept. As the team arrives I check in with everyone to see what their thoughts are on the shoot, beauty ideas we have, lighting, styling, etc. As we shoot I love going through the images and selecting our favourites and seeing the editorial take shape. It’s something I probably say every time we are shooting but I think it’s so cool that we are creating these images because we have an internal creative desire and that each person there is bringing something unique to set.

What have you learnt about yourself whilst undertaking this creative journey over the last few years? And how do you strive to continue to push the boundaries of your business?

I have learned a lot, both good and maybe even bad. I’m very hard on myself and always have been, I wish there were more hours in the day so that I could build ‘this is nice’ into what I dream of it being now but I know that will happen over time. Giving up any level of control is very difficult for me but I know that in the future when I do hire a team it will allow me the freedom to focus on the overall growth of the brand.

Share your favourite tips for shopping preloved and tell us about your most treasured vintage pieces in your closet.

There are a few great preloved designer stores in Sydney that I pop into every few months but I buy most of my preloved and vintage pieces through instagram or even facebook. I was recently going to purchase the Yrjo dress from Christopher Esber and did a quick search to find someone else in Sydney selling it for a quarter of the price online in my exact size and it was
brand new. Everyone loves a great deal but it also makes me happy that I’m giving the garment a chance to be worn and not sit in the back of someone’s closet. I am also very very fortunate to have a mother that was a great shopper in the 90’s and absolutely loved shoes. I always ‘shop’ her closet when I am back home in America and smuggle a few pairs of vintage designer shoes back to Sydney. All of the Gucci from when Tom Ford was there are my personal favourites.

How do you intertwine your love for fashion with being sustainable and spending consciously?

It’s not always easy to balance being sustainable while keeping your wardrobe feeling fresh while working in fashion. Most days I am viewing new collections or have showroom visits so I am constantly seeing new and beautiful things that are always tempting to add to my personal wardrobe. However, this does allow me to really take my time to think about what I like and where I would wear it as the collections I’m viewing are often months away from being released. We are also very fortunate to have so many amazing brands in both Australia and New Zealand that produce beautiful and conscious designs, Maggie Marilyn is a personal favourite of mine. So when you are thinking of buying a new piece you have some incredible options that aren’t having a harsh impact on the environment. My wardrobe also consists of very little colour, it’s around 90% black or very dark colours- I just find that I wear those pieces the most. So when I am purchasing a piece I do keep colour and
prints in mind but almost always go for the darker option. I also tend to buy pieces that I can wear for nearly any occasion, a blazer is a great example of this. I wear my favourite blazer to meetings, running errands, in the evening and even over a sweatshirt on the plane.

When you’re purchasing a preloved bag, what are the considerations for choosing this piece? And are there specific brands that you’re collecting?

I’d say I’m more of a shoe person than a bag person but the few bags that I have purchased are all black and all very classic brands and shapes. I have a Fendi Baguette that is black satin with a leather strap my grandmother gave to my mom and my mom gave to me. A piece like that will never go out of style and as we’ve seen in recent years will definitely hold if not go up in value
over time. The big dream is a Kelly bag.....I won’t hold my breath though.

What are your plans for ‘this is nice’ over the next six months?

Over the next six month I am really focusing on our brand partnerships as well as the creative direction and consulting I do for brands outside of ‘this is nice’. We do have plans to print in 2023....stay tuned.

Shot at Studio Maybe.

Introducing Christanthi Kaliviotis

Chrisanthi Kaliviotis is a journalist, editor, consultant, creator and presenter based in Sydney. With a decade of experience in publishing, Chrisanthi’s tenure for all things lifestyle and beauty illuminates her world. Recently having held the position of Fashion Features Editor of Grazia International, and previous to that, Beauty Editor, her words spanned across both digital and print platforms in an age of reinventing the media landscape. These days, you’ll find Chrisanthi consulting for global brands and creative agencies, whilst also content creating to showcase her exquisite taste. Residing in Sydney’s tree lined suburb of Woollahra, Chrisanthi mixes her passion for bespoke architecture with her love of pre-loved clothing and shoes in a ‘shelf-ie’ that not many can say they have experienced. Discover how Chrisanthi approaches sustainability within her own day to day and find out what’s coming up next for her.

How does your ethos for sustainability inform your love for shopping for preloved garments?

I’ve only recently taken a real shine to preloved fashion, and that was largely because I was always terrible at sniffing out sensational pieces in a thrift store and would get so overwhelmed! I now shop a lot of preloved fashion, however, with sustainability and the environmental effects of the fashion industry driving forces behind my shift. I (terribly) used to be a huge consumer of fast fashion and in the last three or four years have made the switch to buy beautiful preloved instead of trend-based fast fashion that lasts a season (if that!). I also love to have unique, slightly off-kilter pieces that no one else has, and preloved affords you that opportunity wholeheartedly.

Thankfully there’s been a bunch of online stores that boast the most stylish curations and now guide me / soothe the stress of my vintage woes! 

As a multifaceted journalist in the fashion and beauty industry, where do you think members of this creative community can start to improve on sustainability within their everyday lives?

I think we’re a relatively progressive group and given we are in the thick of the industry, we see, hear and feel everything that goes on and should be more inclined to make better everyday choices based on this. I do believe by simply swapping out your weekly / monthly high street purchase for a preloved option is a great place to start. The preloved movement is definitely gaining groundswell but we’re only at the beginning…so the more noise, the better! Raising our voices is so valuable. 

Share a career moment that has inspired your style evolution.

Paris always makes me weak at the knees, but attending Paris Fashion Week in 2019 was most definitely a career highlight and something that left an indelible imprint on my style evolution. From Chanel’s chic chimney girls to the sublime meditative rave that was Loewe, to a night at the museum with Louis Vuitton (at the Louvre, of course), the grandeur and glory of it all cannot be matched. 

The sheer magnitude of show production, the impeccable details, the buzz of the city, the people…the romance and majesty and magic of it all made it that pinch-me-moment that I still often reflect on (often being weekly!).

What is your current favourite piece in your wardrobe? And does it have a special memory attached to it?

This is too hard! I suffer from a severe case of indecision so I’ll pick a few. Most worn / heavily relied on is a pair of tailored Esse Studios pants in both black and white that I quite literally live in. Plus a Christopher Esber crepe black bias pant that is also my wardrobe infallible (and so flattering). 

But in terms of most precious / special, currently it’s a Jil Sander trapeze style bag in zingy chartreuse suede with a large gold chain link handle that I got on sale. I love her and am constantly terrified I’ll ruin her (which I likely will). Also a vintage white Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford jacket that is just the most perfect, perfect cut (because tailoring is always better from back in the day!). 

In terms of sentimentality, a gold, engraved Lucy Folk cuff gifted to me by my boyfriend that seems to lift every outfit it’s paired with! 

What do you think about prior to making a pre-loved purchase?

Condition is a big one for me. I’m a bit of a perfectionist so I do like things being quite spiffy and not too worn. In saying that, I don’t mind a little love here and there :-)

Can you describe a typical day in your life when you’re in Sydney?

As a freelancer, every day is different! But it always starts with an iced coffee and ends in natural wine ;) Somewhere in between is email trawling, writing copy for different brands and editorial platforms, zooming, mindless social scrolling, mindless online shopping, and sometimes wining and dining at an event (if I’m lucky). 

How does the interior design of your home reflect your current wardrobe?

I think the quirky, bold accents of my home reflect in my wardrobe and the way I dress. I’ve got kitschy bits ‘n’ bobs around the house and pops of colour - everything from a vintage wavy lamp to colourful wax busts of Napoleon and a big shiny orange booty à la Anissa Kermiche - this kind of kooky approach to design definitely resonates in my wardrobe (feathers, sequins, colour!) 

Do you have any upcoming projects you are working on which you can share?

Yes! My partner and I started a Greek dad cap brand, Savvas Says, during the pandemic and while we’ve been a bit slow to get things moving (Greek time, obviously), we’re finally launching some new products in the very near future! Think fun, kitschy, cool, Hellenic holiday merch. Opa!

Introducing local creative Yasmin.

Yasmin Suteja is a photographer, director and multi-disciplinary content creator.

Yasmin completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, majoring in Media Arts and Production at The University of Technology, Sydney.

For almost 10 years, Yasmin has been pushing the boundaries of brand direction and self expression with her Sydney-based creative production company, talent agency and photography studio CULTURE MACHINE.

Through CULTURE MACHINE, Yasmin brings together like minded creatives in an inclusive & diverse space, specialising in fashion photography, film + branding, and art direction for both talent and brands.

Her forward thinking and multifaceted approach to running a business has resulted in a strong reputation for CULTURE MACHINE as a production company that’s on the pulse, with a reputation for delivering content, brand strategy & talent that transcends the industry standard. 

        

How do you express yourself through your style?

My style is quite paired back, my wardrobe is mostly classics and basics. I don’t like my clothes to speak for me; so I think what I am expressing through my style is more an invitation to get to know me than a declaration of who I am. I’ve always loved rockstars and French actresses that manage to make a ratty pair of jeans and a t-shirt look like the sexiest and most alluring outfit you’ve ever seen.  And I am realising more and more as I get older that it is not the clothes that make the woman but the other way around. 

How has your style changed over the years?

I feel like my style has become a little more refined and definitely, the quality of the pieces that I buy has improved, but at the end of the day, I've always been a jeans, t-shirt and black boots girl. There have definitely been periods of my life that have been more out there and I've let myself lean into going through some pretty defining phases. Growing up in a coastal town and being interested in music and fashion meant that I didn't really start expressing myself through clothes until I moved to the city. And the city I moved to was New York where the range of self-expression was so inspiring that I just let myself fall into it. This lead to a lot of casual bondage wear, ripped tights and fishnets. Outfits that I would never wear now but I look back on and I’m grateful for the time and the space to explore and experiment. 

My style always comes back to something that feels a bit rock n roll, a little edgy but always a bit casual. Music and the musicians that I love have always been at the centre of my inspiration when it comes to how I dress. I've just always wanted to be a rockstar. However, I do think the brand of rockstar that I am trying to emulate has changed and grown up over the years. I've retired my ripped tights and fishnets thank god. 

How do you balance playful pieces with classic investments?

I think that this is something that I am still actively trying to figure out. I am so privileged to be in the position that I am in with regard to my career that makes me able to borrow and wear pieces for events that I would not usually a) be able to afford and b) have the opportunity to wear. I am so lucky to have had these opportunities to be more experimental and playful with my style in this context. However, in my day to day life, I tend to stick to the classics, times when I have strayed the items are often left unworn. I would rather have a wardrobe of loved and worn classics that I feel confident styling than a cupboard full of pieces that I tried to make myself love and don’t feel confident wearing. 

Colour and print can be intimidating—how did you start being more experimental?

Refer to previous answer!!! My wardrobe is quite bereft of colour and print! However, I have recently found myself experimenting more with unusual cuts, twists and cut outs. A simple black dress with an interesting cut out is an easy way for me to feel more cool and current but still like myself than trying to wear anything printed or floral! 

What do you choose to invest in?

Classics that make me feel GOOD. I will never have enough pairs of jeans because I know that denim makes me feel cool and sexy. I very much subscribe to the belief that if you know you love a certain item and you know that you will love and wear it, buy ten. I will never have enough tight ribbed singlets because I know that I will always go back to them and they are always worth investing in. The same goes for well-tailored black trousers, good mini skirts, and black boots. Additionally but maybe not by the dozen, a good leather jacket, classic handbags in styles that I will pass on to my children and really delicious quality knitwear. I live and die by a good cardi.

How does sustainability play a role in your daily routines?

I cut out fast fashion several years ago and started focusing on building a wardrobe that would really stand the test of time, which inevitably lead me to become more interested in sustainable practices with regard to production. Furthermore, I feel like having quite a simple timeless sense of style has naturally integrated sustainability into my wardrobe. I buy clothes that I can see myself wearing for a very long time, and then either reintroduce them into the circular economy or passing onto my (future) children. 

What are you most sentimental about in your wardrobe?

My mum has always had great style and has passed on a lot of really beautiful pieces to me that have a lot of sentimental value. I really look forward to being able to give my children the same experience; which means that I take a lot of care with my clothes to ensure that they will still be around and looking beautiful when it is time to be passed on. 

What is your favourite part about shopping for preloved pieces?

My biggest wardrobe fear (which I am surely not alone in) is turning up somewhere to discover myself in the same outfit as someone else. I love that vintage and preloved pieces radically reduces that risk. There is an exclusivity with shopping pre-loved that gives me a real rush. 

I feel most inspired when…

I’m listening to or making music. When I’m on set. Whenever I am around and involved in creativity. I feed off others creativity and love getting to be a part of bringing a fantasy to life. I feel inspired whenever I get to be the canvas or the muse for someone else’s vision. 

How To Take Care of Your Clothes

Keeping your clothes looking good for longer doesn’t have to be a burden just a few simple steps can lengthen the life of your items and increase the resell value.

Here are a few ways you can do this from The Turn team.