wonder women: KATIA KELSO & ARIANE LEONDARIS

WE HAVE A HUGE GIRL CRUSH ON THIS DYNAMIC DUO and are obsessed by their designs. So thrilled to have sat down with them to find out more about them. Read on to be inspired…

KATIA

You, in three words? Ambitious, kind, loyal

What inspires you? History, art and travel. I was exposed to art and history from a young age by my parents who took us to art galleries, historic houses and museums. This really sparked my interest and passion for culture and the arts. My first introduction to travel was after studying Ancient Egypt at school. During the 2000 Olympics my family went to see the pyramids and tombs of the Pharaohs, this remains one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced! I love witnessing other cultures, and how people lived and created wonderful things. The textiles, pottery and jewellery exhibits are my favourite features of a museum. I just visited the Museo Nacional de Antropologia in Mexico City, which was not only incredible, but absolutely inspiring!

What’s your work title? Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer

What was your first ever job? Washing dishes at my grandfather’s fish and chip shop. I worked every Sunday, until my hands were wrinkled. The highlight of my day was an extended lunch break and the seafood feast with my grandpa!

What did you want to be ‘when you were little’? When I was little I wanted to be a boss, as I excelled at bossing my little sister around (she claims I still do!). However, when I started high school and studied Textiles and Design I began to dream of a career in fashion.

How did ‘Ilio Nema’ come about? Ariane and I discovered our shared passion for artisanal craft while working together in New York. After returning to Sydney, we spotted a gap in the market for sophisticated but easy clothing with exquisite craftsmanship. This spark led to the launch of ILIO NEMA.

Explain your usual day? I always start with a morning walk and coffee. Then my day can progress in any number of ways, from working in the studio to shipping orders – we do it all! The business is just myself and Ariane so we wear all the hats.

What ‘makes your day’? Working every day for a brand I’ve co-created. ILIO NEMA is our baby and intertwined in everything we do, from days in the studio to wearing it on the weekends. I have always loved my job and what I do. I’ve been very proud of the brands I have worked for and their amazing creations. Now I am extra proud of ILIO NEMA.

Three things in your life you can’t live without? Family & friends, the beach, coffee

4 fave songs added to your playlist?
Holiday- Crooked Colours (in the lead up to finally travelling internationally again!)
Le temps passe- Emma Peters
Everybody Love The Sunshine- Roy Ayres Ubiquity
Spooky- Dusty Springfield

Fave place to escape to? The pottery studio

How do you relax? Playing with clay and making pottery pieces. I do a pottery class every Wednesday afternoon, to make sure I get some down time.

Best piece of life advice you’ve received? Enjoy all that life has to offer. Travel as much as you can. Be dedicated and hard working. Follow your passion! Spend time with you family and friends, enjoying good food and wine!

What will you be doing 5 years time? Loving, creating and expanding the world of ILIO NEMA. As we grow we would love to introduce swimwear, jewellery and other accessories. We also hope to have a store by then!

ARIANE

You, in three words? Positive, courageous, open-hearted

What inspires you?  I love browsing artisanal artworks, such a baskets, textile weaving and pottery. I am definitely a basket lady! I can’t resist a precious artisanal object or a vintage blanket! I’m also inspired by Art in general. I get a lot of colour inspiration from Matisse, Gauguin, Hilma af Klimt, Rothko, Cy Towmbly, Basquiat… etc. I have also discovered the paintings of Pierre Mukeba, James Marshall and Nideka Akunvilli. Louise Bourgeois’s work with textile is also a constant inspiration. I am really into the afro-funk era right now and the 1970’s photographs from Bamako (Malick Sidibe, Seydou Keita…etc). In music I have been listening to Fela Kuti or William Onyeabor. And in Fashion- Ibrahim Kamara is really great right now, I am very inspired by the imagery he is creating.

What’s your work title? Co-founder and Design/Creative Director

What was your first ever job? Modelling in a cell phone advertisement, I think. Lol. I was 17 and it was my first gig, apart from babysitting the neighbours’ kids.

What did you want to be ‘when you were little’? An architect or interior designer. I just loved restyling my bedroom! I was drawing a lot and making maps of my ideal house. So fun! Also I wanted to be an archaeologist, I thought that was so cool!

How did ‘Ilio Nema’ come about? I started working on ILIO NEMA, in 2019 after coming back from New York. I had freshly moved to Sydney, with my family, and was wondering what was going to be my next step. I did not feel like working for fashion brands anymore, it felt like the industry’s production standard was not aligned with my values and I wanted to do something that was more authentic to me. I started making prototypes in Morocco and India, mostly for myself, working with hand-weavers and the idea slowly started to grow…. However, it’s really when Katia came back to Sydney in 2020, that we decided to start ILIO NEMA. We both share the same Greek heritage and we worked together in New York. We both felt very aligned with the vision and our sets of skills. With our shared experience and similar sense of style and aesthetic, it was very clear Katia was a great partner to have. Then Covid hit and it took us another year to launch the business officially. We had to be patient.

Explain your usual day?  I work from home and try to keep my day relatively stress-free. I am lucky I don’t have to commute. I do school drop off in the morning and usually try to do a bit of exercise or a self-care practice, such as meditation or a walk, before I get to my desk. I usually break out around 1pm and go out on the beach to have a light lunch. I work till 3pm and then I go pick up my kids. After that it’s mummy duties till bedtime:-)

What ‘makes your day’?  Sunshine! Usually good weather makes my day! But I would also say a classic “mummy, I love you” is a winner!

Three things in your life you can’t live without?  Good friends, good food & wine, and music. Very European of me!

4 fave songs added to your playlist? 
Funkier Than A Mosquito’s Tweeter – Nina Simone
Strawberry Letter 23- Snuggie Otis
Hit or Miss – Odetta
La Boheme – Charles Aznavour

Fave place to escape to? If I could ever go back somewhere it would be Satellite Island in Tasmania. But I can’t just “escape” there. Unfortunately, it’s a private island located off Bruny island. The Greek islands are otherwise my favourite holiday destination.

How do you relax? I love reading, so a good book is always a relaxing time. Otherwise, walk in nature and meditation. Everyday.

Best piece of life advice you’ve received? To prioritise myself and have boundaries with others. Also to trust my instincts.

What will you be doing 5 years time? Hopefully cracking it at ILIO NEMA!!! I love doing it, I love my job, I hope we can keep doing this for many years to come…