BWA Chats To: Katie Pratt, Elliatt

We chat to Katie Pratt, the founder of beloved Australian label Elliatt.

Tell us all a bit about Elliatt and how it began for those who don’t know

I created E L L I A T T in 2010, the product was designed to find a balance between high end quality and affordability; resulting in chic, playful & designer pieces that wouldn’t break the bank.

E L L I A T T is targeted to a fashion conscious 25-35 year old. The brand’s signature look is in the luxe fabrications and unique, intricate detailing; contrast embroidery, delicate lace trims, lazer cut patterns and beadwork can all be found within the E L L I A T T ranges.

We showcase eight collections a year, and we shoot a creative campaign concept around every range . We are currently stocked in over a 150 stores in Australia. E L L I A T T has recently emerged as a strong contender in the US market with both Urban Outfitters, Nasty Gal & Revolve now stocking the brand, plus another 100 USA boutiques. E L L I A T T can also now be found in New Zealand, Germany, Korea, Japan and Canada.

What is the inspiration for this collection?

Autumn 2014 was inspired by the contrasting look of matte and shiny finishes on corrugated iron. We reproduce this interesting contrast in our feature metallic sequin dress and tank, and our metallic tweed biker vest. We shot the campaign in a warehouse with stark white textured walls, and beautiful shiny metallic roof, which mirrored the colors and tones in the range when shooting, creating a nice contrast look of cool industrial against playful feminine color.

Your favourite pieces from the collection?

I love the particle shorts and blazer and wear it as a twin set….this vibrant print looks so good on any complexion! I also wear the linear long line jacket all the time…it is the perfect layering piece for autumn. The frontier dress is so versatile to wear to work and then out for dinner/ drinks after work. And my absolute favourite is the variable dress….the hand feel of the fabric is so luxe, and it has the perfect boxy sleeve as well!

Who or what inspires you?

Traveling to new places and shopping in 2nd hand vintage and fabric markets inspires me the most!

The quality of make and intricate detailing in older garments (especially from the 60’s and 70’s era) astounds me….and I love using detailing inspiration from these kind of garments. I can walk fabric markets in Asia for 14 hours straight and still not be tired ……sourcing luxe and unique fabrications is the beginning of every E L L I A T T collection.

I have so many incredibly stylish friends and work colleagues that inspire me daily as well….I love analyzing their ‘everyday’ style, to ensure our product is wearable for a broad section of girls. Social media is also the best thing that ever happened to me (a self confessed ‘people watching’ junkie)

Your style icons?

Rachel Zoe(love everything about her style….she nails every look)
Daphne Guinness (for extravagant accessories and shoe inspiration)
Chloe Sevigny (for her quirky yet effortless everyday style)

If you could describe Elliatt in three words what would they be?

Eclectic, Detailed, Wearable

What items are on high rotation in your closet right now?

Given the hot weather, currently I am wearing floaty maxi dresses with splits, printed jumpsuits (loving ones with drawstring spaghetti straps) and almost every second day I wear the staple light weight printed Elliatt pant (we include a new version in every range), which is a flattering and very comfortable cut. I am currently living in the infused pant from our high summer range (a bold Zebra print) Looks great with drapey tanks!!

Finally if you could have breakfast with anyone, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Dead – Anne Boleyn – The history of this period fascinates me and perhaps I could warn her about her tyrant of a husband over breakfast?

Alive – Madonna, I have been having a re-occurring dream about her since I was 10 years old. I am always meeting her in obscure places and we somehow become best friends! In one dream she moved into my garage. I just love Madge!

Check out the range below or head to www.elliatt.com for more!