An Afternoon With Livia Arena

Since starting my blog, I've been surprised at the number of people I've met who started their career in a completely different industry to fashion, but have then decided to follow their passion and either start their own store or label. Livia Arena is one such designer. After working in banking for two years, Livia decided to change career direction and went back to study fashion where she learned the design skills she so wonderfully uses today.


I was lucky enough to spend an afternoon with Livia in her workspace in Carlton. With all her garments made entirely in Melbourne, Livia is doing a fantastic job of supporting the local industry.


Livia's workspace is what I imaged a perfect design studio to look like. With exposed wooden beams and sewing paraphernalia such as a dressmakers dummy, an old Singer sewing machine from her parent's farm, spools of brightly coloured thread it was a designer's paradise! Livia has decorated her place with cute little trinkets like an old bone under a glass dome, a bowl full of old globes and beautiful wooden branches which gives the space a unique feel.


Livia has just released her second collection, which includes a collaboration with Melbourne Jewellery designer Deirdre Hoban to create a beautiful colourful spot print. Highlights from the new collection are the creative inside collars, sheer tops and dresses and the voluminous circle dress (stay tuned for the lookbook images!).


Thank for letting me spend an afternoon with you Livia! It was great to learn more about your experiences in the industry. I have no doubt your label is set for amazing things!


Check out Livia's beautiful workspace:

Livia with her cute assistant Angelina Ballerina!

Check out the detail on this beautiful windmill dress I wore here!

Images by Stylus Muse