Kit Willow is a woman of strength and unwavering resilience. An early start in retail at former brand Morrissey Edmiston lit a fire beneath the fashion powerhouse and she started dreaming up designs of her own. Her first baby became the famous and much-loved womenswear line, Willow, but it was her sudden removal from the company that gave her a phoenix-like strength and the spark to launch a brand new label, known simply as KITX. Debuting at MBFW 2016, the collection was applauded by fashion folk and a testament to Kit’s dynamic personality and her Can’t-Stop-Me-Attitude.
Kit’s Sydney Home and Lifestyle
“As soon as I walked in to our [now] home, it had this energy…
I just thought, ‘Oh my God!’ It was a 1930’s double brick house with a rickety path to get in. But there was this amazing natural light. We made an offer straight away and the next day it was accepted. Clearing the rainforest of a backyard was no easy feat- we had to get bush heritage guys from the country because no one in the Eastern Suburbs clears that type of foliage. Now we’ve lived here for five and a half years, we love it.
I love burning a good candle…
The Lumira brand is beautiful and has gorgeous scents. I like light, fresh fragrances in my home. I think one I have on the go at the moment is Sicilian Orange- it smells like a holiday and the black packaging is really chic. Good coffee table books and fresh flowers are also a must.
Kit's Sustainable Fashion Philosophy
KITX is designed with high frequency wear, superior quality and creative design in mind…
We always consciously source materials that minimise harm to our planet’s precious resources. I strongly believe in a better world, through the simple mantra of making women look and feel beautiful, without harming our planet, then everyone can win! That’s what I love about fashion, when you feel good you’re more confident.
Kit's Skincare and Body Care
I love Avene Cold Crème and its beautiful old school French vibe…
It’s quite subtle but I love the smell. I use this as a body moisturizer. Avene is such a great brand; I just love their stuff. I don’t use fake tan though or anything like that, I’m very, very low maintenance.
I keep my skin care super basic…
I use a little La Prairie Foam Cleanserto remove the little makeup I have on throughout the day. For a moisture hit, I’ll use Resultime by Collin Harris Lipid Replenishing Cream. It’s quite indulgent and great in colder months. Eva Karpati put me onto it, I often visit her for a facial. She has some amazing machines that help to tighten everything and get rid of pigmentation, amazing! I also recently tried a moisturiser from an olive oil estate, it’s called Petra. They have a line of creams full of extra virgin olive oil- perfect for super dry skin.
Kit’s Minimal Makeup Approach
I don’t wear bronzer, I don’t wear concealer, and I don’t wear foundation ever!
I hate the feeling of foundation on my skin. But I do love a lip- I’ll say yes to a bit of lippie or a gloss. And I don’t mind playing up my eyes with a little smudged liner. I work a little MAC Kohl into my lash line and finish with mascara, I love Chantecallie. I also love getting a pedicure- that’s one beauty indulgence I always find time for. I just head to my local nail spa- it’s cheap and it’s something I love to do with my daughter.
Kit's Hair Care Essentials
When my hair frizzes up on a humid day I love my Cloud Nine straightener to settle it down…
And then I might tong it if I’m going out, just for some messy texture. For shampoo and conditioner, there’s a French brand I love, Klorane. This is my all-the-time! It’s great for blondes. I also use Aveda products, their shampoo and conditioner is really beautiful- I’m obsessed with the Daily Hair Repair. Original and Mineral is another brand that’s high on shower rotation.
Story by Emily Algar, Interview by Sigourney Cantelo, Shot by Myles Pritchard, Hair by Alanna Patterson, Makeup by Filomena Natoli and Styling by Kristin Rawson.
