When Kym Ellery was growing up in Perth, it’s unlikely she’d have envisaged herself eventually helming one of the country’s most sought after labels from a whimsical studio in Paris. Since her debut runway ten years ago, Kym Ellery has steered her business ahead by consistently designing beautifully bold clothes that are distinctively empowering, fun and ingeniously flattering. You always know when someone’s wearing Ellery — there’s never a rationing of fabric when it comes to her pieces, and it’s where that fabric flares, flips and clips that makes it special. Ellery silhouettes are exaggerated enough to stand out on the catwalk but not too over-the-top to wear everyday, they’re statement pieces that resist the tide of trends and promise to last a lifetime.
Maintaining a singular vision, Ellery has become an internationally regarded house that’s garnered the recognition and respect of the relatively serious Parisian market while at the same time holding tight to the easy going, fun Australian flair that Kym naturally brings to her work.
At a party in Sydney last week to celebrate a decade of the label, as well as the opening of her new boutique, we were reminded just how socially relevant and culturally important Ellery has become. As a designer with a talent for discovering new talent and a genuine interest in like-minded, complimentary creatives, Kym was surrounded by her muses and loyal brand ambassadors who were busily photographing, painting and performing as they collectively brought the label to life. Making up Kym’s ever-evolving tribe of willing co-conspirators are creatives including photographers Kitty Callaghan, Sophie Brockwell and Akila Berjaoui, artist Holly Fewson, musicians Izzi Manfredi and Alys Hale and model Raenee Sydney, amongst others. They make up a formidable team who serve as a reminder that it pays to be generous with your ideas in life.
Before she jumped on a plane back to Paris, we caught up with Kym to congratulate her on her achievements and find out her dreams for the next 10.
i-D: What are the main ways the label has changed in the last 10 years?
Kym Ellery: As I get older the clothes mature with how I, personally, want to dress. It has become more refined and sophisticated, however it still has a playful backbone.
What are the main ways you have changed in the last 10 years?
Starting a brand was quite intense. It has certainly changed my outlook but now I’m trying to have a more balanced lifestyle, realising that it ultimately brings more to the creative process.
Having had 10 years in this industry, what do you hope to see in the next 10?
I’d love to see the industry slow down. We should be able to stop and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a collection, before quickly moving onto the next.
What is your biggest creative thrill and what continues to drive you in terms of your label?
My biggest creative thrill is empowering women through design and working with my team of legends to achieve excellence on the daily.
Your clothing involves such attention to silhouette that they become almost wearable art. Can you tell us about the importance of art in your design practice?
Growing up with an artist for a mother means I have always been around art and it’s definitely my other passion. To me, art is an infinite world of possibilities which constantly informs my work.
Your parades are always so incredible. Can you point to a favourite?
The most recent show of our Fall 17 collection at Palais De Tokyo was an absolute triumph for the team. It was a seamless production, which isn’t something I can say about any of the others! I am very critical of my own work and it’s rare for me to not want to change things in retrospect. I can honestly say, in this instance, that I wouldn’t change a second.
How do you feel in terms of your identity as an Australian designer based in Paris and how does that influence your designs?
As an Australian it’s interesting observing the French codes of dressing. There is an unspoken uniform, it’s just a new point of view for me.
The women who surround you and your label have become quite powerful brand ambassadors for Ellery. How does this add to the brand from your perspective?
I love looking at the way my friends interpret the brand and incorporate their pieces into their wardrobes. They are all wearing their flares in completely different ways. I also appreciate that they are wearing pieces from five years back, which I feel is a testament to creating pieces that have life and relevance for many years. I like dressing unique and intelligent women who bring personality to the garments.
What are your plans for the next 10 years?
Continue building my empire and conquering the world. Easy?
Who have you loved dressing so far and who is someone you’d love to dress in the next 10 years?
I’ve particularly loved dressing Elle Fanning, Chloë Sevigny, Emma Watson and Alicia Vikander. In the next 10 years, I’d love to dress the new first lady of France Brigitte Trogneux. That’s my mission.
Credits
Text Briony Wright and Charlotte Agnew
Photography Kitty Callaghan and Duc Thinh Dong