Get to know the beauty and brains behind Parnell’s Faradays 

One of the country's only true luxury fashion buyers, Faradays Co-founder and Creative Director, Constance von Dadelszen recently returned from Paris Fashion Week where she was witness to the world’s top designer looks for next season. Remix Editor Amber caught up with her to talk runway shows, dressing for party season, and to discover what’s in her evening bag…

CONSTANCE, THE FESTIVE PERIOD IS UPON US. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE RETURNING TO TRUE GLAMOROUS EVENT DRESSING AFTER YEARS OF LOCKDOWN?

Liberating! The sentiment overseas is that everyone is done with the zoom culture, tracksuit co-ord, comfy aesthetic that has rained over (or has been imposed on) us over the past two years. Yes, I'm sure there's still a place for this at home (I love my leggings and hoodie when doing park runs with my toddler) but out and about everyone has been dressing for an outing. Pre-pandemic, I believe we took for granted the excitement of an upcoming invite or an occasion to dress up for. Now we know how great those moments were, when you received an invitation or were on a group chat, discussing what you and your friends were all wearing to an event - or even just drinks. It's half the magic of an event; the prep, the pampering, the production of it all. I've found with Faraday's bar we have become known for a ‘no fabulous is too fabulous" culture of dressing up, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. It's wonderful to see clients enjoying a glass of champagne in cocktail attire and a suit because they don't feel overdressed when they are in our bar.

YOU RECENTLY RETURNED FROM PARIS FASHION WEEK ON A BUYING TRIP FOR FARADAYS, CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT IT?

It was so special and, to be honest, a huge relief to finally buy everything in person. It's been a bizarre experience for someone who has a job like mine not be able to touch fabrics, see the colours in real life, experience the fit of the clothes but I got very used to it. After buying through a screen since Faradays’ inception, buying the collection in the beautiful showrooms, and sometimes after seeing some of the top models in the world wear the items on the runway, it was like going from a world lived in black and white and 2D to then experiencing 3D in full colour. I had a similar ‘wow’ moment when I was 10 years old and got glasses for the first time – And I thought, gosh, so this is what it should be like!

WHAT WAS IT LIKE FINALLY HAVING THE RETURN TO NORMALCY FOR A FASHION WEEK AND HOW DID THIS COME INTO PLAY DURING THE RUNWAY SHOWS AND COLLECTION VIEWINGS?

Prior to the pandemic I used to travel often and after each trip, had the expectation that I would be back to Europe in a few months. This time I had a new appreciation for everything and

felt incredibly grateful to be having the experiences I was having. I was humbled by the love that our collection of brands and designers have for Faradays, and for what we have created in our corner of the world. Hopefully we can continue to make them proud. I came back with a new level of ambition for what we want to achieve within the Faradays family and a new level of excitement for what lies ahead.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE IN STORE THIS SUMMER?

A celebration of the return to glamour, cocktail attire and party heels. A new elevated level of dressing for casual days. Beautiful homeware to party at home with and in the most gorgeous and flattering seasonal colours. We will also be extending our brand offering both online and instore.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE NEW FARADAYS PIECES FOR THE PARTY SEASON?

I can't go past a statement lip and a galaxy worth of highlighter for the party season so La bouche Rouge has me sorted. I'm a shoe addict so I think I'll succumb to another pair of heels, most likely by a new brand joining us soon. We also have a new delivery from La Perla that has a corset in the collection that will be a fail-safe party look paired with everything from tailoring to flirty skirts.

CONGRATULATIONS ON FARADAYS TURNING ONE! WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM THE LUXURY DEPARTMENT STORES FIRST YEAR?

I'm not going to sugar-coat it, I'm proud that our team weathered the pandemic storm and everything that that created in the retail landscape - with level heads, grace, positive attitudes and a never-waning enthusiasm.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SUMMER PASTIME?

Drinking a champagne cocktail in a great outfit and laughing with my husband and some of my closest friends.

WHAT CAN BE FOUND IN YOUR EVENING BAG?

This season I’m favouring my Alaïa Coeur bag in patent black. I chose it for two reasons, one of my favourite models Elsa Hosk has it and when I saw photos of her on an Italian holiday wearing it on Instagram I was sold and influenced! Secondly, it reminds me of my son each time I carry it. I did an essentials check with the Alaïa team during our dinner in Paris, as they had people who were convinced they couldn't fit much inside. However, it’s all about the angles! I can get my very large iPhone, a La Bouche Rouge lipstick, a card holder, a pair of earrings, some mints and a hair clip inside. Everything I need for a night out.