EW enters the wardrobes and homes of the region’s most respected trendsetters and tastemakers; this month, we visit Ivana Bruic.
Who: Ivana Bruic
Age: 29
Nationality: Australian/Croatian
Profession: CEO/Founder at Austyle Distribution
You can spot Ivana coming a mile away – this girl has a serious air of coolness about her. Having moved from Australia seven years ago, she’s a true expat girl who knows the city like the back of her hand and is fast becoming Dubai’s fashion saviour. Not many people know that Ivana is the brains behind Austyle, a concept bringing unique and fabulous clothes from eclectic Australian labels, including one of our favourites, Talulah.
It didn’t surprise us when we walked into her penthouse apartment in DIFC. White walls are filled with blown-up photographs of coloured lips, and kooky treasures take pride of place next to shelves filled with fashion books. Her puppy, Poochkoh, a French bulldog, runs around, leading the way to her cosy bedroom and, most importantly, her wardrobe filled with lust-worthy pieces. There are racks full of clothing samples from Talulah’s latest collection, from bright patterned dresses and tailored trousers to leather jackets. It’s so clear that style is at the very essence of Ivana’s life and her home.
My Style
“I love a feminine boho look finished off with edgy pieces like my structured leather jacket or black ankle biker boots.”
My Beauty Secret
“I believe beauty comes from within and from taking good care of yourself. I don’t use expensive products, and tend to stick to a pharmaceutical moisturiser and sunscreen only. My beauty regime consists of making sure I drink at least three litres of water a day, practising Bikram yoga and, most importantly, getting at least eight hours of sleep a night.”
“Perfume evokes certain memories and moods. My pick of the moment is Jour d’Hermès, a gorgeous fresh and floral scent.”
Bargain Hunter
“I tend to stock up on high-end staple pieces during the Dubai Shopping Festival. It’s a good time to get quality basics you can wear all year round. By mixing these in with quirkier high street labels you can really nail an up-to-date look.”
Style Icons
“I really admire Miranda Kerr, Olivia Palermo, Elisa Sednaoui and Australian blogger Native Fox.”
Treasured Pieces
“A timepiece I received for my birthday. I’m very much a minimalist with jewellery, but it’s a piece I never take off. “
“I enjoy simplicity; saying that, you’ll still find me throwing a few statement pieces in the works, reflected in both my home and fashion décor.”
Shop Stop
“I’m always on net-a-porter.com and I love a shopping trip to Harvey Nichols and, of course, my high street favourite, Zara.”
Uniform Of Choice
“Dark denims and loose V-neck T-shirts, teamed with hi-tops or ankle boots.”
Closet Confidential
“I customise my clothing ensembles by season; it’s a habit I picked up from working seasonally in distribution.”
“Since I launched a fashion distribution business last year, my wardrobe has grown three times in size. It’s hard to work with temptation!”
“Quality leather goods are a great investment. A well-made piece not only adds to the charm of an outfit but can also be appreciated for a lifetime.”
“It was love at first sight when I first laid eyes on little Poochkoh a little over a year ago. We’ve been inseparable since.”
Images photographed by Vikram Gawde
