With more than 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, Keya Wards has developed a sharp, discerning eye for style. Her transition into the art world, managing communications and marketing for her husband Simon Lewis Wards (famed for his iconic glass aeroplane lolly sculptures and nostalgic Kiwi-inspired works), has shifted her office wear to the more practical activewear. Yet, Keya consistently presents a polished, thoughtfully curated look. We sit down with her to explore her personal style philosophy, the must-have investment piece for every fashion enthusiast, and why she firmly believes the world’s best designers are true artists.
In conversation with Keya Wards
I would describe my style as High Low. The shift in my day-to-day style couldn’t be more extreme. I’ve gone from spending all of my disposable (and non-disposable) income on clothes and shoes, to wearing activewear every day. A working, creative, messy glass studio is not the place for fancy clothes — although I did get a great tracksuit and super oversized bomber from Entire Studios that I wore on repeat over winter. Day to day I always have my eye on a few British fashion gals for styling inspo. At the moment I’m loving @monikh, @charlotteleahcollins, and @_amrita_singh_.
Every fashion enthusiast should have a Pleats Please set by Issey Miyake. Comfortable, easy to wash, easy to travel with, timeless. For me, fashion is as much about brand as it is the garment. If I don’t want to be a part of the world they’re creating — I don’t want the clothes. I’m a sucker for Bottega Veneta. I got a pair of the Intrecciato heels in bright Bottega green on a trip to Italy. When a colour becomes synonymous with a fashion brand… they’re doing something right.
I have so much respect for local designers still creating in line with a seasonal fashion calendar. It’s such a tough business model requiring constant innovation. I keep an eye on Paris Georgia, Harris Tapper, and Wynn Hamlyn; I never regret a purchase from that trio.
I probably go a bit overboard on the gold jewellery. My husband has well and truly got the memo and knows he can’t go wrong with jewellery for birthdays and Christmas. My favourite pieces are from Hera Saabi, J Hannah, and my bridal set from Jessica McCormack.
Good art makes you feel, and I really do believe our great designers are artists. The most significant piece in my wardrobe has to be my Vivienne Westwood wedding dress. Vivienne was a true icon, her ideas were completely original, and she had an immeasurable impact on art, music, culture. Everyone who has an interest in fashion should watch her documentary Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist.
The newest [item in my wardrobe] is a Cecilie Bahnsen marigold yellow top; the oldest a Tina Kalivas dress I’ve had for about 15 years. I remember visiting Tina’s studio when I was an 18-year-old baby on work experience at an Australian PR agency. She told me the pattern making and prints in her collection were inspired by fractals. Essentially patterns that repeat forever and ever, observed in nature in things like snowflakes, lightning storms, clouds… Fascinating.
I’d rather buy one thing that makes me feel incredible than 10 things that make me feel nothing. I know this is a luxury and a privilege, especially in 2024, but the rare times I do buy fast fashion I only end up wearing it a handful of times. I’m spoilt by 15 years in the fashion industry — a big reason new additions to my wardrobe are rare.
