RYLAN WOMEN: Felicity Brand

An acclaimed stylist and creative consultant, Felicity Brand is Head of Buying and Merchandising at Mode Sportif. The ultimate fashion destination for designer contemporary dressing, Mode Sportif delivers a curated edit of international and local designers ideal for the Australian lifestyle.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER AS HEAD OF BUYING & MERCHANDISING AT MODE SPORTIF?

"No day is ever the same!"

WHAT CAUSES DO YOU CHAMPION?

"The circular fashion ecosystem."

AS A BUYER, IS IT IMPORTANT TO CREATE A CONSIDERED BALANCE OF BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL LABELS?

"For me it is all about delivering the best possible range to our customers, so that means sourcing both local and international brands. We are lucky there is so much incredible local talent in Australia and New Zealand, that is now being championed by agencies such as The Known Agency."

WHAT EMERGING LOCAL FASHION LABELS ARE ON YOUR RADAR RIGHT NOW?

"Esse Studios, Wynn Hamlyn and Kourh."

IN JUST A FEW WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR STYLE?

"Mostly minimal but with an unexpected twist."

THOUGHTS ON PRINTS V’S BLOCK COLOURS?

"I very rarely wear prints – if I do, it’s usually stripes or something very abstract. Block colours express my most authentic sense of style."

WHICH COLOURS DOMINATE YOUR WARDROBE?

"White, Black, and Blue – my wardrobe is dominated by these 3 shades. It’s a timeless colour palette that creates practicality and versatility."

WHAT 3 WARDROBE BASICS DO YOU CONSIDER ESSENTIAL FOR SPRING/SUMMER?

"A great fitting white t-shirt you can wear day into night. A versatile black swimsuit. A cute raffia/straw bag."

PEOPLE ARE GETTING ‘DRESSED UP’ AGAIN – WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THIS RENAISSANCE TO?

"Post lockdown and the dreaded WFH tracksuit, I think people are having fun again and enjoying getting dressed up and out again."

THE OVERSISED BLAZER/SUITING TREND IS LINGERING. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE CUSTOMERS ARE ATTRACTED TO RELAXED SUITING SILHOUETTES?

"Most of my day-to-day dressing is centred around modern tailoring - I think it’s the versatility for me. For example, you can wear an elegant, relaxed fitting blazer with jeans during the day, or with matching pants as a full suit in the evening with heels."

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO ACCESSORIES?

"Less is always more. Keep it chic and understated with only one statement piece."

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR RYLAN BAG?

"I love Rylan’s understated, elevated and timeless design - the instantly recognisable signature buckle speaks to the heritage of the brand, and the Italian leather exudes impeccable quality."

WHAT 3 BEAUTY ITEMS ARE A MUST-HAVE FOR YOUR BAG?

"Lip Liner in Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury. To Save Face SPF50+ by Mecca Cosmetica. Natural Lip Balm by Cowshed."

YOUR TOP 3 TIPS TO CREATE A STREAMLINED, VERSATILE, AND PRACTICAL SEASONAL WARDROBE?

"Invest in trans-seasonal classics. For example, a trench coat that you can wear during Autumn/Winter, but also can layer with a dress on a cooler Summer day.

Buy less, but seek out quality pieces that will endure.

Don’t buy into a trend if it does not suit you – seek out pieces that are 100% aligned to your personal style to ensure wearability."

TREASURED INTERNATIONAL CITIES?

"London - I lived there for 13 years and will always hold a special place in my heart.

Paris - breadbasket heaven, the Jardin Tuileries, and the chicest street style."