Kym Ellery is one of the most likeable humans we’ve ever come across.
The super-talented Perth-born designer not only backs up successful ready-to-wear collections season after season, she does it with style, grace and big doses of humour. The last time we caught up with this fashion darling was in 2016, when Kym had just launched her debut eyewear range for Specsavers and was a fairly new resident in Paris. Fast forward to October 2018, and this now fully-fledged Parisian is releasing her third Specsavers collection and continuing to go from strength-to-strength on the world fashion stage. We caught up with Kym to hear what she’s been up to lately, what advice she can impart from her learnings over the last few years and – most importantly – what her top secret spots are in Paris.
Here are just 8 more reasons we love Kym Ellery:
1. She felt the fear to pull pin on Sydney and move to Paris… and did it anyway!
“The wisdom that comes with experience allows you to identify what you enjoy most in life and focus more attention on it. From a professional stand point, the move to Paris back in 2016 gave me the freedom to focus on the creative aspect of my work, something that I love to do. I also ensure that this flows into my personal life and that I give myself time to enjoy where I’ve got to.”
2. She speaks French and has some hot tips on how to pick up the language.
“It’s always tricky picking up a new language but I love living here so it is worth the small daily challenges. Immerse yourself in every aspect of the culture to absorb it – my advice: don’t let yourself ever become complacent. The best way to learn is moving outside of your comfort zone and set yourself achievable goals.”
3. Mother-daughter bonding time for Kym and her mum consist of art trips around Europe (so achingly cool!)
“I’m currently in Italy on an art retreat with my mother. I’ve enjoyed painting with her, it has taken me back to my childhood years where she would always be teaching me something artistic. We don’t get to see one another often so I try to enjoy our time together as much as I can in the small windows that we have together.”
4. She’s not afraid to try something new – in fact, she says it’s her secret to staying inspired and creating new collections.
“Look around you, continually ask questions and don’t be afraid to try something new. It’s about taking people on a journey and creating a collection that is always evolving, it uses the same language but in a new way.”
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5. Her new eyewear range for Specsavers will have you looking like you just got back from Paris.
“For this third Ellery for Specsavers eyewear collection, I was inspired by the thinkers and poets that live in the city of Paris, as well as the city itself. I wanted this collection to have a modern, yet classic aesthetic and included a very classic light and dark tortoiseshell, jet black as well as a lucid translucent and champagne colourway. The range includes six optical frames, as well as four sunglasses styles – our goal was to create something for everyone. I think of sunglasses as a great way to mix up your style, especially in summer of course, so we have included some modern classic designs for the warm and bright months ahead. The intricacies of Paris really inform this collection, there is a decadent edge that runs throughout the range. From the simple gold detailing seen on the Ellery Sun RX 11 sunglasses, to the mirror-like finish of the metal panelling on the Ellery 23 frames, we wanted to ensure that the whole collection has an artisanal quality to it, down to the smallest of details.”
6. Strong, fearless (and often androgynous) females continue to be her inspiration.
“I drew on different interpretations of masculinity and femininity when creating the Ellery for Specsavers collection. From the cat’s eye shapes through to the androgynous brow lines and retro pilot frames, I wanted the collection to embody the same style that you can find in Ellery garments; modern, classic with a few unexpected details.”
7. Even though she’s on the move and travelling constantly, she always looks flawless.
“My secret weapon is facialist Melanie Grant. Whenever I am in Sydney and go and see her as much as possible and I use the products that she recommends for my skin. I also drink lots of water and try to exercise as it is the perfect stress relief.”
8. Not one to keep hot tips to herself, she’s also happy to share her top three secret spots in Paris.
“They’re not so secret, but these are my favourite places in Paris:
Librairie Galignani: the oldest English language bookstore in Europe, founded in 1801. You can always find something brilliant in the store.
Les Puces de Saint Quen: an antique flea market on the outskirts of Paris, also a location in the Woody Allen film Midnight in Paris. I just love the energy there!
Rue Montorgueil: This is one of the buzzing streets in Paris. There is lots of wonderful classic French food stores and cafes. It is the perfect place to people watch.”
The new ELLERY eyewear collection is exclusive to Specsavers and available in stores now. The range includes six optical frames and four prescription sunglasses, starting from $299 for two pairs.
