Edgy, effortless and undoubtedly timeless; these are just a few words we would use to describe leather in fashion. We’re seeing an increase in leather pieces being styled to perfection all over our social media newsfeeds, with leather jackets and leather pants being at the height of their game this winter. Considering this, we’ve been on the hunt to find some versatile leather items to add to our winter wardrobe and we think we’ve found just the label for us.
Free At Heart is an up and coming local label designed with love by Gloria Tsotstis, offering a wide selection of luxe handmade leather pieces as well as soft statement furs. We recently got the chance to play around in some of Gloria’s lovely leather looks, styling the likes of crops, shorts, culottes, chokers and more.
Joining forces with photographer Callum Jackson again, we took to the streets of Adelaide to shoot some of our favourite Free At Heart styles in between bouts of torrential rain. Lucky leather is suitable wear for the wet weather!
Our first looks were somewhat rocker-chic, with Kristen pairing the Belted Leather Moto Jacket ($565) with white flares and Mel parading the Fitted Leather Skirt with Front Split in Plum ($269) alongside a Free At Heart classic black leather jacket. The standout white flares and red jacket combo boasted the ultimate 70’s vibes while Mel’s outfit had a little festival flair to it, adding glam with the Feather and Leather Choker ($39).
Mel’s second outfit was a little more on the flirty and feminine side, combining a black pleat skirt with a white printed tee – a highly trending look right now – then layered over with the red Moto Jacket and the Leather and Metal Choker ($42) to add some edge. Kristen dressed up in a Lady gaga-esque Metallic Leather Bomber Jacket ($630) which brought about a sense of futurism as the light bounced off the stunning silver surface, making her outfit totally pop. Underneath, she wore the Leather Pencil Skirt with Back Kick Split ($269) in Black and a see-through embroidered crop.
Both of us used the Stretch Leather Bra Top ($110) as a layering piece, pulling it over an off-white button-up shirt and a loose, white T-shirt. This particular crop is super cute for festival wear and going out/party attire, especially when worn with the Fitted Flat Front Leather Shorts ($235) as styled by Mel; however, to make it more suitable to everyday and winter wear, layering over tops, sweaters, turtlenecks and shirts is key. Try wearing over a white shirt and the Drawstring Leather Pants ($545) as Kristen did for a comfortable yet stylish daytime look.
The Black Leather Corset Belt ($110) is one of our absolute favourites from the Free At Heart leather accessory collection. Featuring three metal rings either side, crocodile leather and a luxurious satin ribbon to tie it up, this fashionable belt is seriously stepping up the corset trend. Use of soft leather also ensures comfort and mobility. Mel styled it with a flowing white shirt and the flattering Wide Leg Pants ($580), lace-up suede heels and a pair of glamorous reflective sunglasses.
You simply can’t go wrong with a turtleneck sweater and jeans for winter; why not spice things up and add the super sleek Longline Leather Vest ($439) over the top like Mel did? This tailored longline vest is decorated with suede lapels and a tie belt waist; it is so easy to slip over any outfit and switch things up with.
Kristen also styled a few more pieces from the collection, wearing two different looks incorporating the quirky Gold Leather Choker ($25) and the Wrap Leather Skirt ($289). The leather string choker comes in different colours such as silver, red and a natural brown, and is oh so fun to play around with. You can tie it up in all different ways to suit all different necklines.
The effortlessly chic skirt also comes in various colours and is so easy to wrap around the waist. Kristen chose a subdued grey colour which is so beautiful paired with items in other hues of grey, white and black; yay for magnificent monochrome!
To browse the Free At Heart collection online, click here.
Hair thanks to L’Oréal Professionnel and Zink Hair Unley.
Photography together by Callum Jackson, photography individual by Kristen Byass and Melissa Zahorujko.
