IN CONVERSATION WITH:

SUZY ESKANDER

 

Suzy Eskander is a force of joyful nature.

A mum of three and a die-hard fashion lover,
she’s curated a rich career in styling and fashion advising.

LEO LIN sat down with the effortlessly stylish Suzy,
to chat fashion and her career success story.

 

You've had such a rich career to date, what inspired you to move into celebrity styling?

 

"As a child, I loved dressing up, then in my teens and 20s, I found myself always searching for unique, interesting brands and ways to dress – I was always experimenting and the passion (and obsession) for fashion was always there.

 

Having previously worked in PR/Marketing roles for 15 years I found I always ended up doing the styling in PR. After having my first two children, I decided the time was right to take the leap and go for it.

 

I did one job, posted it on social media and the ball started rolling from there. One celebrity client led to another, then I started styling for brands, magazines, advertorial campaigns and now television stations have become part of my stable."

 



 

What's been a career highlight for you?

 

My role is so varied, but I do love presenting new collections and becoming really connected to a designer’s creativity. I’ve been lucky to travel around Australia to present collections from a number of international brands including Burberry and Fendi.

 

Having worked with so many great brands, how would you describe your personal style and how it's evolved over time?

 

My personal style has evolved but I’ve always craved individuality. In my 20’s, my wardrobe was predominantly Japanese designers (including Junya Watanabe, Undercover and Comme Des Garcons). I shaved my head to a number one all over and I’d spend all my money on fashion. I lived in a $3,000 pair of leather pants (which was three months’ rent!) and black studded Comme des Garçon boots. Everyone around me was wearing skinny jeans and I was obsessed with real denim and baggy cuts. Twenty years later, I’m still obsessed with denim and would prefer to under-do a dress/skirt look with trainers and save stilettos for pants.


What will we find you in from the Roman Holiday Collection?

 

The pink leather Ziggy set! Worn undone with crop or done up – I would wear this to girl’s lunch or out at night – its striking and unique.

 


What do you love most about Australian Fashion?

 

As I’ve grown, my style has evolved and I’ve gone through many phases. I love exploring many different looks and styles – there is something about how dressing a certain way can make you feel. When I wear LEO LIN I feel beautiful and boldly feminine.

 

It’s incredible how much the Australian fashion industry has evolved and grown in the last 20 years. I love the growth and quantity of great designers we are producing. There is a sense of effortlessness to Australian designers that makes them really resonate with the consumer and gives them a unique, global appeal. I’ve grown, my style has evolved and I’ve gone through many phases. I love exploring many different looks and styles – there is something about how dressing a certain way can make you feel. When I wear LEO LIN I feel beautiful and boldly feminine.

 

How do you feel the landscape of Australian Fashion has changed over the last 2-3 years?

 

As we emerge out of covid women are loving the opportunity to dress up and embrace colour and special occasion dressing. Consumer attitudes have also shifted. They are less interested in jumping on and off trends and are reevaluating their wardrobes and investing in pieces with longevity.

Buying good quality pieces has never been so important.



How important is colour within your own personal wardrobe?

 

Colour comes in and out of my wardrobe. I dress so differently everyday as I can’t pick one style I like and I’m a bit of everything. Some days I’m tonal in a neutral colour pallet, then there are days where I’m a “give me colour!” girl and it lifts my spirts – especially on warmer summer days.

 

What draws you to the LEO LIN aesthetic?

 

I love the artistic nature of the brand and the sexy-boho-feminine aesthetic with an emphasis on creating original prints. I also love the new season check prints and simple silhouettes – there is something for everyone in this collection.