Interview with Talisa Sutton

Today’s interview is with Talisa Sutton– a graphic designer from Sydney who not only is beautiful herself, but also takes the most gorgeous photographs. Talisa has such a lovely design aesthetic and it is still hard for me to believe she is only 22 (though that’s probably just my jealousy talking!). I really enjoyed getting to know more about Talisa, and I hope you all will too.

image via Vanessa Jackman for Grazia

First things first: who are you? What do you do, and where do you live?

Hi, I’m Talisa. I’ve just turned 22 and live in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. I’m a freelance graphic designer/illustrator with a background in fashion and and have just started a Fine Arts degree.

Talisa’s beautiful rings

I know you recently went to Paris/Europe (and got engaged!) Can you share a few details about your ring and the engagement? 

The ring is so beautiful, it was handmade in New York by the jewellery designer Satomi Kawakita. I have always wanted to own one of her rings, I love the organic shape of the band and the cognac coloured diamond. She used to be a diamond setter before she started her own label and each piece feels incredibly unique and personal.

Rohan proposed to me after lunch at the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel tower. It was our 5 year anniversary and they had just brought out our desserts complete with little candles and ‘joyeux anniversaire’ written around the plates in chocolate. It was the most romantic moment of my life, I’ll hold on to that memory forever.

Some of Talisa’s images of Jardin de Tuileries

What are some of your favourite places to visit in Paris for shopping and just beautiful sightseeing?

There are so many places I loved in Paris. These are my picks in Le Marais, one of my favourite districts filled with little designer boutiques and the best cafes…

Merci – Incredible concept store which is like a boutique meets gallery. There is a library cafe and a canteen downstairs, I recommend trying both!

Bonton – A very sweet children’s store which has a fun vintage photo booth.

Isabel Marant– Always a favourite, the store has such a great selection and is beautifully merchandised.

Carrot cake from Rose Bakery

Rose Bakery – That carrot cake! I recommend going on a weekend when they have the full breakfast menu.

Poilane – For more pastries, or on the weekends, brunch.

Chez Omar – The best cous cous in town! The servings are very big.

Yvon Lambert Bookshop – I found a few lovely zines and rare books. The space has a small gallery room attached to it and every time I went back I discovered something new.

A.P.C – For breton stripes and the perfect trench coat.

COS – My favourite high street store, they always have great basics.

Chez Hannah – One of my favourite cheap eats. The falafel special is a must try and they have cider and banana smoothies. My two favourite beverages!

Andy Wahloo– A very cool 70’s Moroccan style bar.

Celine tri-pochette

image via Vanessa Jackman for Grazia

What’s your day to day style like? How about evening? Favorite accessories?

During the day I’m almost always in denim (jeans or shorts), leather shorts or lately for summer I love a simple black skirt with a white t-shirt. I wear a lot of shirts, sweaters and jackets/coats. For evening I always dress up a bit more, some of my favourites for summer are an ivory Lover lace dress from a few seasons ago, a bright red Gary Bigeni draped dress and a T by Alexander Wang white silk t-shirt dress. My favourite bags to carry are my Phillip Lim 3.1 Hour bag in black or my Celine tri-pochette in grey.

image via Vanessa Jackman for Grazia

What are some of the most well worn items in your wardrobe?

I would have to say jeans, basic sweaters, my Isabel Marant coat, white t-shirts and button down shirts and Uniform leather shorts and skirt.

Also ankle boots, I wear these all year round. My favourites are the Acne pistols, Isabel Marant Dickers and Rag & Bone Newbury boots.

What about the most treasured items? What would you like to add one day?

My engagement ring and the Dior ‘Oui’ ring I bought in Paris never leave my fingers. I also have a few other pieces of jewelry; a jordan skill heart ring which Rohan gave me for our anniversary one year, a ring from my grandmother I got on my 16th birthday and a fine chain necklace my father bought me years ago which I treasure very much. I have always dreamed of owning a Chanel 2.55, maybe some day!

A few of Talisa’s shirts and shorts

Is there a trend that you really liked before…that you thought you’d be into forever…and now you regret?

My style has evolved over the years and looking back there are a few things I wore that I definitely wouldn’t wear now. I have no regrets though!

image via Vanessa Jackman for Grazia

Can you share a piece of advice about shopping/style/budgeting that you’ve had to learn the hard way over the years?

The biggest mistake I used to make is buying things in the wrong size. Even if it’s the last one left or on sale I now say no, otherwise they end up just sitting in my closet.

COS lingerie

You seem to be a bit of a minimalist…how many items do you typically add to your wardrobe each season?

Usually in summer I invest in new t-shirts, a pair of shorts and a casual dress, for winter it’s denim, button down shirts a great sweater or jacket. Probably about 6 pieces a season. My weakness at the moment is beautiful lingerie.

Talisa’s lovely bedroom

What are some of your other passions and hobbies?

I love painting, drawing, taking photos, reading and watching old films.

One of Talisa’s collages

Finally – please share something surprising about yourself!

I love sci-fi! Some favourites are Starship Troopers, Total Recall, Alien/Aliens, Fifth Element, Gattaca, Battlestar Galactica (the new series) and Bladerunner.

I’m also obsessed with the book series A Song of Ice and Fireand can’t wait for Game of Thrones Season 2.I adored her last answer! I’m a big sci-fi/fantasy fan as well (as some of you may know). I even took AP Bio in high school just because I heard that they showed Gattaca in class (and no…I did not get a 5 on my AP exam). And I love that Talisa invests in only 6 pieces a season…a great way to keep a streamlined closet.Thank you very much Talisa for sharing your beautiful photographs, style and life with us – and for more of Talisa, please check out her blog, here.