Past & Present – The Pieces We Keep with Lillivan
Meet the gorgeous Lillivan who brings creativity to life through personalised, engaging storytelling and visual design. Based in Melbourne, her passion for writing, film, and styling fuels her work, allowing her to craft unique, standout content that moves beyond the ordinary.
Lilli’s goal is to infuse every collaboration with a humanised voice, ensuring that both the brand and its audience enjoy authentic, meaningful connections. Her style is unique and her purpose and love for fashion is even greater. We are honoured to have her as our first feature on the blog.
Why this piece?
Not only is this jumper colourful, fun, and unique, but it was also a surprise gift from my mum. I had just moved away from my hometown when she told me she was missing me, so she decided to knit something she thought I would love.
What makes it special?
What makes this jumper truly special (beyond the fact that she made it from scratch) is the incredible thoughtfulness behind it. Mum created it just for me, intentionally selecting colours she knew I gravitate towards and making sure it was the perfect fit. Every stitch feels intentional and filled with love.
How does it feel to wear it?
Like a hug. It’s made from beautiful pure wool, soft, warm, and quite heavy. I actually love the weight of it - it feels like a wearable weighted blanket, comforting in every sense.
Does it bring confidence, nostalgia, or a sense of power?
All of the above. It gives me confidence because the design, silhouette, and colours perfectly reflect my personal style: bold, quirky, colourful, and fun. There’s nostalgia too - growing up, I was a prolific knitter, making everything from vests and pencil cases to little chicken dolls. As I got older,
Mum picked up knitting as well, and it became our nightly tradition to knit while watching TV together and laughing at whatever trash we were watching. And the power? That comes from pride, the privilege of wearing my mother’s beautiful creation. With that comes the responsibility to honour the love and intention she poured into it.
What does it say about your style evolution? How has it shaped your aesthetic?
Both my parents have played huge roles in shaping my personal style. From a very young age, they encouraged me to express myself freely, authentically and unapologetically. My love for colour and individuality was always nurtured. This jumper is one of many ways my mum has embraced my style and supported its evolution. It reminds me to stay true to myself, while still evolving. To never forget that six year old girl who wore mismatched socks because she couldn’t pick just one colour.
What are your thoughts on fashion’s longevity?
The role of sustainability, re-wearing, and emotional attachment to clothes.
I believe true fashion longevity is the future. There’s so much greenwashing in the industry that the word ‘sustainability’ has started to lose meaning. I’ve grown to understand how important it is to refine your personal style so you’re not constantly chasing the next micro-trend. Take the time to know yourself. Build a wardrobe that tells your story. Love your clothes. Take care of them, don’t over wash them. Develop a relationship with what you wear.
Now, when I receive or buy something, I intend to keep it for good. Sustainability should be malleable as we’re constantly redefining our roles in this space as new technologies and values emerge. But if you’re building a wardrobe that feels authentically you, then congratulations, you’re already doing it. Before you know it, you’ll be calling yourself Lizzie McGuire, because you, my friend, are now a proud outfit repeater.
Credit to @mattlindsay.mel for photos.