SS25 KNOWN SERIES: LYDIA & STELLA FROM IZENA STUDIOS

Our three-part series highlights everyday inspirations from our own circle - not for fame, but for their authentic impact.

Next up: Lydia Dickens & Stella Smith from Izena. We asked them about their style and daily inspirations.

Does your eye for art shape the way you see clothes and are you drawn to similar colours/ forms/ materials in both? 

L: Yes 100%, I tend to love layered textures and offbeat silhouettes and colours that feel a bit weird and surreal - very material focused, e.g. silks and wools put together.

S: Yes sometimes, I think its more generally my eye for colour and shapes in the world around me rather than specifically art - particularly as my “eye” for art is informed not only by the visual. I like Rothko’s tones, O’Keeffe’s shapes, Blake’s magic. A wayward grooviness underpinned by quality form.

Where does fashion sit in your creative life, is it a quiet influence or a loud one? 

L: Definitely a loud one. Fashion sets the tone for my day and mood and often mirrors my day - kind of like a way to lean into how I am feeling creatively. 

S: I'd say it has a quiet but ever-present influence. I go for simple and chic, I like classic good quality pieces, Levi’s, a white tank, my brown frye boots, and my leather jacket. I love Jane Birkin, a bit of Bill Nighy, Kate Moss in the 90’s, and my friend Edie Ashley. Bit classic, bit sexy, bit cowboy.

As friends and collaborators, do your personal styles influence each other? 

L: For sure!!!! Style is contagious in the best way. I'm always picking up little things from Stella - her style is effortlessly chic. And she has this unbelievable way of finding vintage pieces - something I've always admired. 

S: Absolutely! I feel so lucky to have such sweet stylish friends, they inspire me always. Lydia is such a fabulous Queen I have huge respect for her bold and beautiful colour and texture choices - she always stands out from the crowd.