Hey, I Like Your Style! Exploring the wardrobe of Blanca and Reliquia Collective’s Founder, Ana Piteira
IMAGE VIA @ANACPITEIRA/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Now, it’s less about feeling confident in the way I dress, and more about finding confidence through what I wear.”
We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years), so we’ve introduced a new series Hey, I Like Your Style!, diving into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.
While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
These are the stories behind the wardrobes, exploring how we develop our own personal style. There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story. As an official media partner of this year’s Australian Fashion Week (AFW), Fashion Journal is spotlighting some of the local creatives who feature in this year’s jam-packed program.
This week, we’re delving into the personal style journey of Ana Piteira, Founder of Blanca, Reliquia Jewellery and Sueño Communications. As a busy creative, business owner and soon-to-be mum of two, Ana’s wardrobe is a curated collection of soft, comfortable staples and select hero pieces, like vibrant accessories or a high-shine gold trench coat. Ahead of Blanca’s standalone AFW runway, Ana reflects on her style journey so far.
Who are you and what do you like to wear?
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I’m Ana, founder and creative director of Blanca, Reliquia Jewellery and Sueño Communications. My favourite looks revolve around oversized shirts, maxi skirts, soft pants and really good outerwear. Basically, I love to dress comfortably and then add a hero piece that makes me feel put together, like a great shoe or stacked jewellery.
What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?
Growing up in the ’90s and early 2000s, I definitely cycled through the trends – the ones we once looked back on uncomfortably but are slowly creeping back into wardrobes (hopefully just the best parts). I’ve always had a pretty firm idea of my style, though. I know what I like and what I feel comfortable in, and that was further tweaked and honed as I started working in the fashion industry.
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It’s easy to fall into traps and wear pieces that don’t feel like ‘you’, but confidence comes from finding the silhouettes you love, the shapes that work well, and the colours that make you happy – that’s definitely true for me, and it’s what I encourage via Blanca.
Now, it’s less about feeling confident in the way I dress, and more about finding confidence through what I wear. A particularly busy or stressful day might call for a sharp-edged blazer or something with a bit of drama. The threads we pull on each day hold so much power.
Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
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The fashion industry stereotypes are (partly) true. It’s hard not to be influenced by those around you, particularly when you’re young and first starting out. We look for ways to fit in instantly and most of the time, what we wear plays a major part. It’s a source of identity and connection, so as I launched my career, there was that urge [to fit in] for sure. I kicked off as a stylist’s assistant, so I was constantly surrounded by the conversation.
At the same time, it’s an industry built on experimentation and taking chances, so I found my way and settled into the looks that felt right. For all the classically-held, all-black looks and sharp suiting, there are people unafraid to do things completely differently. It’s a melting pot, and you take from it what you can. But I continue to evolve – influenced but not pressured, taking snippets of inspiration from the world around me to always build on and navigate style my way.
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
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If we flicked back through the family photo albums or tracked down an old MySpace account… definitely. Skinny jeans are probably a glaringly obvious choice. They were so popular at the time but in hindsight, not something that feels ‘me’ (or was even that comfortable, to be honest). Sign me up for wide-leg pants for eternity, please.
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
I love an investment accessory – bags, shoes and jewellery, mostly. My most expensive pieces comprise of vintage jewellery that I have invested in… these are also my most loved and hopefully pieces I will pass down one day. On the other end, an affordable basic never goes astray, like neutral tees from Uniqlo. There are some great practical pieces coming out of these stores.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
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Reliquia Jewellery was founded on the idea of introducing heirloom-esque pieces at an attainable price, widening access to statement and staple pieces. My grandmother’s jewellery box was the original inspiration for the brand, so I’d have to say one of the many pieces she has passed on to me over the years. My gold Figaro chain necklace is probably my favourite in the collection; it’s special wearing something so steeped in history.
Who or what influences your style?
I can’t get enough of the colour, vibrancy and bold patterns that are so synonymous with the Scandi bunch. They’re pushing boundaries and, most importantly, having fun with it when pieces are layered and design details go big. I find that way of dressing – so dopamine-heavy – really integral to creating a mood.
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At the same time, the easy neutrals of coastal mamas like Sarah Shabacon are easy breathing, effortless, and so based on comfort. My style is a fusion of both, I’d say, taking a bit from this and a bit from that, then playing around with it in my own way.
What fashion piece are you saving for right now?
I am currently thinking about a new handbag but I’m undecided on the specifics.
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
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I’m currently pregnant with my second bebe, so my outfits are dictated by maximum comfort – lots of stretchy knits, relaxed pants, and, you guessed it, big oversized shirts. My style hasn’t had to adjust too much, thankfully. Just pop a statement trench coat (the Hailey Trench in Gold, a Blanca new arrival, is my forever dream coat) or boyfriend-style blazer on top, and I feel ready for anything.
Who are your favourite local designers?
There is so much amazing local talent in Australia. I love and wear Bassike and Nagnata all the time.
You can follow Ana for more here.
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