Textures, pastels, crochet... New season forecasting with leading industry voice, Nicole Adolphe

From editorial roles at the likes of Elle, Grazia, Cleo and Cosmopolitan, to freelancing and The Iconic, where she is currently Head of Style, chances are your wardrobe will have taken inspiration from Nicole Adolphe's work over the last 20 years or so.

Trusted as one of the country's top authorities when it comes to everything from emerging fashion trends to nailing that effortlessly chic look, the Bondi-based Stylist and Creative Director has travelled the world producing covers and campaigns for print, digital and events, and you’ll often find her sharing commentary with media outlets and on podcasts.

With spring just weeks away, we caught up with Nicole to chat about warmer weather trends to have on the radar, her wardrobe essentials, fashion faux pas, the brands she's loving right now, and more.

"Texture is big," says Nicole

How did you get your start in the industry, and how has your career evolved since?

It all started with work experience at Elle and really just saying a big "yes" to everything that was asked of me. That led to a junior role in the features team, which was a mix of being on set and writing bite sized advertorial content.

My next role was as Fashion and Beauty Writer at the Studio Magazines Group, which at the time published three fashion titles and two art magazines, and I worked across all five of them.

Dolly magazine's Beauty Editor was next, where I got to trial every new and amazing product or treatment, then it was Fashion Lifestyle Editor at Cleo magazine, which saw me produce and style celebrity covers here and around the world, including the famous Cleo Bachelor of the Year shoots.

I then moved onto Fashion Director at Cosmopolitan. Our issues were full of curated high low fashion and we loved a destination shoot, so I got to travel to so many incredible tropical locations.

Lastly I worked at Grazia and Women’s Health magazine as contributing Fashion Editor whilst I paved the way to diversify, start freelancing and focus more on social media content creation for brands.

"I now work as Head of Style at The Iconic ​​– a dream job – so it’s like all of my previous roles have come full circle and I am now styling and creating marketing content for fashion, beauty, the home and kids."

What have your biggest highlights or successes been?

I'm a creative, so seeing the vision in my head come to life in an image that’s either printed or online is a highlight everyday. Success wise, working in media was definitely the pinnacle.

Personally, I once hosted an event with Kim Kardashian, and that was a real pinch me moment. Me on stage, sharing fashion advice and then introducing Kim.

I also love a runway show, so whenever I get to go to an international show in Paris, Milan or New York, I’m excited.

Nicole handles the creative and styling elements of all The Iconic campaigns

How would you describe your personal style?

I'm a chameleon and a Gemini so I do follow trends, I try it all, but if I was to say what’s in my capsule wardrobe, I own a lot of black and then cute resort looks and I like to show a bit of skin.

"I'd do an endless summer if I could. My workwear wardrobe is all about minimalism with a fashionable twist, usually via the colour of the season."

My weekend wardrobe… I live in Bondi, so you’ll find me in my activewear, or a cute crochet set or slip dress for the beach and a sunset drink!

What would your top three wardrobe essentials be?

Right now, a black one shoulder top, a pair of barrel leg jeans and an oversized black blazer.

What are your trend predictions for the spring/summer ahead?

Aperol orange – inserting a bit of orange into the wardrobe, along with soft serve pastels like pistachio and soft blue.

Texture is big, so think crochets, smocking, fringing and ruching detail on pieces.

A crochet look styled by Nicole for The Iconic

The leather thong and jelly flats are both making an appearance, so those would be your shoes of choice.

Crop jackets or deconstructed tailoring will be the new shape rather than oversized ones – they look great with high waisted wider leg jeans.

Utility looks with pockets, zips and ripstop fabrics in dresses and separates.

"Sheer fabrics and lace are still big so it’s lucky we love a workout here in Bondi."

New neutrals like cream and caramel rather than darker tones. Hybrid pieces like skorts and skants form a new silhouette.

Print wise I’m seeing a bit of gingham and zebra print rather than leopard print, and for shoes and bags: snake print and mock croc.

All the Euro summer imagery has been emerging lately, so during our spring/summer we can expect to see cute smock tops, linen sets, cutesy florals, and raffia, fisherman or strappy sandals.

A sheer fabric look styled by Nicole for The Iconic

Are there any warm weather – or general – fashion faux pas you recommend we steer clear of?

Polyurethane (PU) in hot weather is never a good idea. Looking like you’ve tried too hard is also a faux pas.

It’s better to look like you just threw the look together. Effortless, that is true style. I’m not a fan of big logos either.

Which local brands are you loving right now, and why?

I love the minimalism of St Agni and Elka Collective for my capsule wardrobe basics, Camilla and Marc for workwear, Blanca for their lace pieces, Lover and Suboo for a party dress, Bond-Eye Swim for my bikinis and Sir The label for a great print.

What do you enjoy most about living in Bondi?

I love that I never have to leave the bubble, it has everything: restaurants, bars, coffee shops, my fave yoga – Sarana Yoga, pilates – Body by Berner, boxing – Rumble, sauna, pool and of course the beach, because I also surf.

Then there’s the people: we have like minded, cool and creative people everywhere, as well as international people to connect with.

"I love walking down the street, passing a venue and randomly running into someone, one thing leads to another and it turns into a great afternoon."

Camilla and Marc is one of Nicole's workwear go-tos

How does Bondi inspire you creatively?

Living down here I feel like I’m on a constant holiday, the vibe, the view, the people, the places.

It’s part of my creative process, whenever I walk, surf or exercise, I’m thinking, some of my greatest ideas have come to me on the Bondi to Bronte walk, during a yoga class or when out for a sunset drink or two.

What’s your perfect day in our suburb look like?

I do this every Saturday and Sunday...

Sleep in, grab a coffee, walk the promenade or to Bronte, have a swim and sauna at Icebergs if it’s sunny or The Slow House if it’s colder, wander the markets to get some food or flowers, go for a surf, alternate between a pilates or yoga class, and finish by meeting friends for afternoon drinks and a bite.

Connect with Nicole

Find her on Instagram

Shop Nicole’s looks on LKT

Visit her website for more fashion and creative inspo