The fashion creative who sources her jeans on eBay

Do you wear fragrance? I wear my husband’s Comme des Garçons 2 Man.

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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.

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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