Punta del Este, South America’s hottest summer destination, is buzzing in the wake of the launch of fashion designer Anushka Elliot‘s much anticipated S/S Collection. PlanSouthAmerica met up with the Argentine designer to learn about what sets her collection apart…
By Carolina Beresford
You started designing from a young age and have worked as a stylist for many fashion brands and magazines. When was Anushka born?
“My family own a store in Jose Ignacio called Sentido, right next to the restaurant La Huella. It’s an amazing place, in the best location of Punta del Este. I decided to make the most of it and create my own universe within it.”
Tell me about your universe.
“It’s eclectic and playful, designed for a woman who wants to have fun and knows what she likes. It’s personal, but many people can relate to it. It’s about being cool, yet refined – and there’s an interesting dichotomy that comes from dressing with oriental fabrics, leather and prints at the same time, mixing different roots and cultures, and not settling for one look or identity.”
Your source of inspiration seems to be quite diverse – your latest collection is a mixture of gaucho and Indian influences. What inspires you when you design?
“Places inspire me more than people; travel is the best inspiration for me. When I go to the campo, the people there generate something in me, especially the gauchos – they have their own style. When I went to India I was drawn by the vibrant colours. I enjoy combining different elements – a ribbon from India with Argentine leather, and maybe fabric I bought in New York; from there I create a different world.”
Your looks can reflect a summer, beach vibe, yet they can just as well be worn on a night out in Buenos Aires…
“My looks can definitely be translated to city style. When I’m designing I also think about a woman who is out on the town, and I try to create looks that are interesting and elegant at the same time. Buenos Aires is an amazing city, but I don’t think I’ll ever have a store there; I don’t believe in the traditional store set up. I find it more interesting to display exclusive pieces of my collection in an art gallery, where the pieces have to be discovered. For now you’ll have to head to Uruguay to see my collection!”
“I like to distinguish myself from other designers that are mostly influenced by external trends. My collections develop from internal ideas – my thoughts and feelings. Not everyone dares to mix and match so dramatically, but the looks we create are comfortable and easy to wear. I think that everyone can identify because there is so much variety, and it’s original. If you have a bit of creativity and sense of humour, and dare to wear something different, then you can definitely relate to Anushka!”
Do you have a go-to piece, which you can throw on if you don’t know what to wear?
“I’m not one for the Little Black Dress – you need to stand out! If in doubt, I always head for my leather leopard print leggings!”
