MEET THE DESIGNER BEHIND THE AMAZING LABEL, ESTILO. WE FOUND OUT AS MUCH AS WE COULD IN A FEW Q's AND A's AND HERE THEY ARE TO SHARE WITH YOU...

When and where did Estilo start and where is all the inspiration behind the label continually coming from?

1/ The inspiration for the estilo range has its roots in Spain where my husband and I lived and manufactured in a fishing village called Sitges. I admired the Spanish tradition of appreciating beautiful leather products and was inspired by their obsession with changing fashion and trends, yet always coveting beautiful, classic pieces in their wardrobes.

Why is it so important for you to offer designs that are completely unique and appeal only to a specific niche, rather than produce generic designs that can be worn by anyone and everyone?


2/ In Spain, we developed a feel for European styling and recognized the high value placed on quality, detail and individuality. We grew to design for the people who we were surrounded by…international models, writers, and artists, all highly quirky, creative and individual people. It is important for me to design for the woman who wants to stand out in a crowd. I design for a woman seeking an individual look, a woman with impeccably good taste who relates to the estilo design, attention to detail and beautiful quality.

Where did the idea of developing chunky and sharp but yet sexy and stylish designs come from and how hard was it to make this really work?


3/ The chunky and sharp but sexy designs are a synthesis of seasonal trends and classically sexy chic designs; an explosive mix of styles. This comes through in the Spring/Summer 2008 collection which has a strong futuristic and architectural influence. It is about finding that perfect blend between tradition and innovation; creating a classic look with an edge.



How many years has Estilo featured at the Rosemount Australian Fashion Week?

4/ Three years

What was the initial idea and concept behind Estilo and who is the label directed at?

5) We wanted to give Australians luxurious fashion accessories with class and style to rival their European counterparts. Our philosophy is to create high quality classic accessories with a contemporary twist. I design for a strong, sophisticated, self confident woman who stills wants to exude charm and elegance.

With European influences, focusing strongly on Spain, how will customers feel whilst wearing Estilo designs?

6/ Customers that wear estilo exude unmistakable European style and good taste. They feel quietly confident, modern and chic.

Have you always been into Fashion Design or was it just a hobby that became your career?

7/ I was Political Science / Spanish major who went to the University of Madrid for a semester. While studying in Madrid, I fell in love with the people, culture, and most importantly my future partner, who happened to have a leather factory in Sites and boutiques in Barcelona and along the Costa Brava. He had a cottage industry, employing most of the village. I guess I became interested in fashion by osmosis, being involved in every facet of the business… from hand dying veg tan leather in a clay mixture in my kitchen sink to flying all over Europe to participate in leather exhibitions. It really has been a learning curve.

What are some key points in creating and establishing a successful label that people learn to love and follow?


8/ Maniacal passion, tireless effort and hard work. You have to constantly strive for perfection and keep raising the bar. Give your customers a beautiful quality product that they love, cherish and feel good about wearing… I think that is how Estilo has carved a place in the luxe accessories market.


Where can customers find the unique designs that are Estilo?

estilo is currently stocked in some of the best local and international boutiques including: Pasaraya (Jakarta),
NV Fashion (QLD), Ruby & Min (NSW), Torso (W.A), EMIA (VIC),Aldeci(S.A) Deval (Christchurch, NZ), October Reign (Auckland, NZ)