My Look: Tanya Perilli
Tanya Perilli has a wardrobe to die for. There are sheaths and shifts, pants suits and maxi-dresses, all bearing labels like Dior and Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, Emilia Wickstead and Carolina Herrera. So big is her selection, in fact, that she is sharing it with the women of Australia.
Tanya, a former engineer, recently took a left turn to launch Fashion Alta Moda, a Sydney-based agency that lets clients hire runway-worthy looks. Clothing rental is big business in both the US and UK but until now, Australian women have had fewer options.
Why is clothing rental taking off in such a big way?
Renting allows more women to wear these amazingly designed and constructed garments that only celebrities can afford. [It’s also attractive] because we’re reducing landfill while satisfying our craving for something new and different. There is another upside: because we get to know you and your preferences, we can show you some items will take your out of your comfort zone a little so you can experiment with different styles you would never normally consider.
What designers are you currently loving?
I fell in love with Pierpaolo Piccioli, creative director for Valentino, because at every fashion show he thanks and brings out the atelier workers to the runway. His designs are timeless and glamorous, and his passion for what he does is boundless. I do love glamour! I also love Alessandra Rich, her ladylike designs fit the body in such a flattering way.
What’s your personal style?
I try to be sleek and less fussy with my pieces as I get older. For work, I stick to a palette of monochromatic pieces, but will always choose colour – the brighter the better – when I’m away on holidays.
What is your go-to outfit?
I live in pants: with two children and a business, I am running around all day. I need to feel stylish but also be super-functional for whatever the day brings. I love a pair of well-tailored pants that I can wear with sneakers. I add a pair of glamorous heels if I have to go out that night.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Seeing a client fall in love with a piece. When customers try something on that resonates, they light up, they twirl around and they don’t want to take it off. I absolutely love this – it’s the best part of my day!
“ When customers try something on that resonates, they light up, they twirl around and they don’t want to take it off. I absolutely love this – it’s the best part of my day!”
Interview & Styling_ Aileen Marr
Photos_ Sean Slattery
Hair & Make-up_ Kristen Brett @kristenbrettmakeup