Style My Way: Fashion Q&A with Elise Pioch Balzac
Splitting her time between Sydney and France, Elise Pioch Balzac is the epitome of chic. She talks fashion with Georgie Gordon.
How would you describe your style?
Androgynous – a mix of femininity and masculinity – and quite French.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
A necklace. It’s a lion’s tooth on a gold chain that belonged to my grandmother Balzac. It was given to her by my grandfather when they lived in Morocco, and then to me when I was 18. I wear it for big occasions or when I need strength – I was wearing it when I gave birth to my daughter, and when I got married. It’s beautiful but it’s more than a pretty thing. It’s got really positive, good energy.
What’s the most recent item?
A cashmere jumper from Jac + Jack in a buttery colour. I mostly wear black, so it was a big step for me. I’ve been wearing it a lot.
What’s your favourite fashion decade?
The ’90s. That’s when Comme des Garçons, Rick Owens and people who added a layer of intellectualism to fashion really started. It was conceptual fashion as a reaction to the ’80s and that really talks to me.
Your favourite designer?
Dries Van Noten.
Your three wardrobe essentials?
Black cotton T-shirts from Petit Bateau, a sleeveless faux fur jacket – it’s just a vintage thing I found – and my R.M. Williams boots.
What is the first piece of clothing you remember wearing?
A grey Cacharel dress with lace around the neck. I was three. I still have it and my daughter also wore it when she was three. It’s A-line and when you turn, it twirls.
Your worst fashion mistake?
To buy colourful clothes. I am tempted but I never wear them.
What clothing would you buy if money was no object?
I would wear Hermès every day, morning to evening, all year round.
The material, the cut, the time they take, everything is just exceptional. I worked for them for many years, doing PR for the womenswear. I come from a small village in the south of France, so to be in the world of [Martin] Margiela designing for Hermès in Paris when I was 24 was just a dream.
What would you never wear?
I’ve never owned a miniskirt.
What shoes do you wear most often?
Flat shoes, sandals and boots – I always choose comfort. Marni flats are brilliant, and I like K.Jacques sandals.
What was your first fashion moment?
When I was five, I went with my mother to get a new pair of shoes. I set my heart on a pair of red patent ballet shoes. They were two sizes too small but I completely fell in love with them and pretended they were okay. My mum purchased them and though I could never wear them, they were my favourite shoes and I kept them forever.
Favourite off-duty outfit?
I don’t have tracksuits or leggings so the same as usual, black pants and T-shirt, any little cardigan I have floating around. To me being home at the weekend means no shoes.
Who is your style icon?
Iris Apfel. I am the opposite of her but that’s what I’m aiming to be one day.
Elise Pioch Balzac is the founder of candle and lifestyle brand Maison Balzac.
This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale September 22.