MAYFIELD MUSE // STEPHANIE FERNANDEZ-NADINIC of ONTE
Name: Stephanie Fernandez-Nadinic
Label: ONTE
Year founded: 2019
What inspired you to start Onte?
Following 10 years of industry experience in Italy, England, and Spain, I decided to return home to Australia, and felt it was the right moment for me showcase my experience through my own label, dedicated to fully fashioned knitwear.
Your brand in three words?
Elegant, Atemporal, and Fresh.
Favourite item from your current collection & why?
The Mencia Robe Dress, named after a grape, grown on the hillside of the Sil River canyon in Galicia, known for its young wine with light, fruity and acidic flavour.
I travel a lot for work and pleasure and thanks to the crinkle fabric this style always makes it into my suitcase. The robe dress is so versatile, worn wrapped or layered, it adapts easily to any occasion.
Style icon?
Impossible to name just one. A few off the top of my head would be Isabel Preysler, Elin Kling, Gene Tierney, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Biggest fashion splurge you’ve made?
Probably my wedding dress, which I designed and had hand made by my dearest friend Nafisa Tosh. Nafisa is a London based garment maker who works with world top designers and fashion houses including Alexander Mcqueen, Prada, Miu Miu etc. I was lucky enough cross paths and work with Nafisa during our time at Halston and Peter Pilotto.
Biggest fashion mistake?
I truly don’t believe I have had any fashion mistakes. Of course, when I look back there are many outfits that I am happy to leave behind. However, I have always dressed for me and have been confident in my own personal style and identity. Every outfit was relevant for me at the time and that makes me happy.
Favourite restaurant to dine at?
When in Melbourne it’s Navi and when in Galicia its Culler de Pau.
Favourite holiday destination?
Getting lost in the peaceful Northwest coast of Spain.
What’s your morning beverage of choice?
Home made fresh cold pressed orange, apple, carrot juice.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Education is your best investment”.
Fashion design was always on the cards for me, after studying Graphic Design in Melbourne, I took myself off to Italy to gain a formal education and technical training from top fashion school, Polimoda in Firenze. A 3 ½ year course all in Italian! I knew this was going to give me a sound foundation in all aspects of the fashion design and manufacturing, under the mentorship of Linda Loppa. Not to mention the incredible international exposure and networking opportunities.
What sets Onte apart from other brands in the market?
We provide a curated range of design driven knitwear and wovens, of premium quality but at a highly competitive price. We produce only small runs to avoid contributing to over production and garment waste, only placing reorders on sell out product based on demand.
What’s next for you?
Having outgrown our beloved showroom in Davis Ave, South Yarra, we are thrilled to be opening a newly renovated showroom and ONTE HQ in High Street Armadale.
We are also excited to be developing Denim as a new category within ONTE. We are working with a family run 90+ year old denim mill in Italy, known for their sustainable fabrics and innovative, patented technologies, along with the superior manufacturing capabilities of our trusted factory in Portugal.
A few other big business milestones coming to fruition in early months of 2024, as we continue to grow and scale the business.