Lana Wilkinson is Melbourne's go-to Fashion Week stylist and her own brand of shoes will grace the runway

The heart and sole of the runway

She’s styled some of Melbourne Fashion Week’s biggest drawcards, but when stylist Lana Wilkinson returns to MFW this November, her own brand of shoes will also star on the runway.

Her work with MFW over the decades has involved sourcing outfits for front-row guests and styling shows behind the scenes. Those styled by Wilkinson include international model Adut Akech, actress Isabella Lucas and two-time festival ambassador Ashley Hart.

A social media identity with 152,000 followers, Wilkinson never imagined she’d go from celebrity stylist to shoe designer, but it has now been two years since she launched her label.  

She’s also just signed a deal with The Iconic to sell her range, which includes stilettos, wedges and embellished slides that promise glitz, glam and occasional comfort.

It’s a huge coup for the Melbourne-born red-carpet stylist who never planned on a meteoric rise in the fashion world, preferring to take things at her own pace.  Her bridal shoe collection will also be unveiled in 2022.  

“I’m so excited to join The Iconic, it’s a daunting thought but the time is right for the brand,” says Wilkinson, who has kept her fanbase entertained during the pandemic by modelling shoes from home. “There was no rush to go big quickly with the business.

“I’ve never been like that, I had time to get to know my customer and realise that … using myself as a vehicle to promote my shoes is what has resonated with my audience. They know me, and they want a genuine experience.”

At Melbourne Fashion Week, Wilkinson will host an opening-night event and schmooze like the old days as the emcee of an early showing of a Secret Gardens Runway presented by Vogue (for those lucky enough to score a VIP brunch invitation).  

“Everything I do in my work life reflects who I am,” Wilkinson says, adding that the pandemic has allowed her time to think about what’s next. This includes considering opening a retail store and expanding her reputation beyond dressing some of Melbourne’s most notable WAGs.

“I don’t want women to think if you aren’t a size 8 then I won’t work with you,” says Wilkinson, who has a client list that includes presenter and entreprenuer Rebecca Judd, Myer ambassador Elyse Knowles, model and businesswoman Rachel Finch and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte. “Inclusivity is so important right now; to not acknowledge that is to be tone-deaf. 

“Through my Instagram, I show people how to wear the shoes and I keep the conversation social and honest. It’s for people who want an escape from everything else that’s going on in our lives.” 

Wilkinson is looking forward to getting dressed up and stepping out in Melbourne again, and says MFW is a time to make sure wardrobe staples are at the ready.

“I’m all about embracing bright colours, and you can do this by adding a coloured blazer, having core denim in there, like a good pair of jeans or denim shorts, a T-shirt or tank and tailored pants that go from day to night – and don’t forget the shoes,” she says.

Some of her favourite Australian brands include Scanlan & Theodore, Rebecca Vallance and Camilla & Marc. Her tip is to support Australian brands and go for those who know their clientele.

“Most importantly, don’t underestimate your own style,”Wilkinson says. “Fashion shouldn’t be dictated – it’s something you feel, and good style is owning your own.”

lanawilkinson.com