There’s nothing quite like an inner-city park. They’re at their most romantic right before summer hits, with hope high in the air as city-dwellers reunite with the feeling of sunshine on their skin. The only thing that could make them better? Our friend Liana Kelemen, and sequin Miu Miu knickers.
Undeniably the hottest garment of the year, Miu Miu’s sparkly golden knickers have provoked entire think-pieces, elevating them to next level it-status. We got Liana to take them for a stroll, and the conclusion? It’s a sparkly-knicker summer, baby.
We keep things playful, with these transeasonal looks combining the best of preppy goodness with a Sofia Coppola-esque dreaminess. Think a shaggy Chanel set amidst a sea of poppies, snakeskin and slingbacks to saunter in, and of course, the best in textural layers.
Get down with our pal Liana in the haven of St Kilda Botanical Gardens below. Her spirit simply sparkles, making her a perfect match for her attire. It truly will be your pleasure as she delves on the trivial-yet-profound magic of life, her current reading list, and more. Let’s roll…
Where do you live now and where do you consider home?
I’ve lived in Melbourne all my life, but I do have a place in my heart for a town in the Black Forest in Germany where my dad is from.
Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
The NGV (National Gallery of Victoria), or maybe to the kebab shop near Southern Cross Station that has shattered glass windows, is covered in tropical beach wallpaper and only plays Bruno Mars hits. That’s a fun place.
How did you get into modelling? Can you tell us the story of how you came to be signed to your agency?
It’s a bit of a confusing story but Grandma’s friend's daughter works on a magazine and lives opposite Priscilla (who owns the agency). I just sent my photos down this email chain and signed when we came out of lockdown. But I really got into this job because my mum is actually a fantastic designer who teaches at a TAFE so I walked in some student shows when I was in primary school. I’ve always had an interest in fashion because of her.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?
The huge amount of people you meet and the whacky ranges of experiences you can have. Sometimes you are shooting in amazing locations, meeting the loveliest creatives, making cool art and sometimes you are trekking around cities all day for weeks going into random rooms for castings, test shoots and meetings. You get to have so many fascinating conversations with so many people. It’s really such a strange job and weird industry but that’s what I love about it.
And the most challenging?
I actually enjoy solo travel and staying in hostels but it’s still impossible not to miss family and friends.
Do you consider yourself a spiritual person?
I'm more of an ‘existence is a cool and meaningless mess’ sort of person but I have an interest in and respect for all beliefs.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
#yolo permeated the internet when I was a kid… so trivial yet so profound. I think that hashtag conditioned me as a child to seize the day and enjoy the life the life that I live and all that
What is your idea of happiness?
Being in the car with all the windows down on a summer night, listening to classical music bangers at a deafening volume.
What would happen if you had to give up social media for a week?
I love an off-the-grid camping trip so it wouldn’t be a big deal.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Watch ABC News and consume as much caffeine as possible.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Maybe olive bread but that might kill me pretty quickly.
What’s the coolest or most interesting thing you’ve learned recently?
I’ve been trying to learn about cultural identity in relation to the war that's going on right now. It's all so upsetting but I’ve discovered a lot of beautiful poetry, photography and visual art on resistance and resilience.
Can you recall reading, watching or listening to something that completely changed your mind on something?
My high school politics lectures really made me value life a lot. Having a broad worldview and being able to see your life in the grand scheme of things makes you appreciate everything more.
How can we make the most of our time on Earth?
Enjoy it because it's your last chance anyhow yassss.
What are you most looking forward to next year in 2024?
I’m looking forward to another year doing the Film and Television course that I love and I’m excited to keep on travelling, meeting people and making art.
What books are you reading at the moment?
I’ve just given up on Wuthering Heights about 90% through, but today I bought William Burroughs' Junkie and the Julia Fox memoir.
Favourite song?
'These Days' by Nico.
Favourite movie?
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread.
Favourite podcast?
Frank Skinner's Poetry Podcast or The Louis Theroux Podcast.
Favourite Tiktok/Instagram account to follow?
Mubi.
Features Editor: Yawynne Yem Photos: Amelia J Dowd Fashion: Cecile Huynh Beauty: Natalie Ridler Fashion Assistant: Paul Summers Editorial Assistant: Isabella Kopae
Liana is represented by Priscillas
We acknowledge the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.
