LUXE has teamed up with fragrance maven Lumira in a regular column exploring the nature of scent and the spirit of travel. This month, Lumira chats with Deborah Symond founder of Sydney-based athleisure shop Mode Sportif.
It’s no secret that Sydney-siders love their luxe athleisure wear – fashion-forward yet practical, it’s perfect for the outdoorsy lifestyle. And if there’s one store in Sydney that will satiate your desire for the latest in Adidas by Stella McCartney or YUJ Paris, then Mode Sportif is it. Located in the heart of Sydney’s affluent Paddington, Mode Sportif is owned and operated by entrepreneur, Deborah Symond.
Tell us who you are and a little about Mode Sportif.
I’m based in Sydney and I’m the founder and director of modesportif.com. Defining athleisure and contemporary dressing, Mode Sportif delivers a curated edit of relaxed designer fashion and activewear from leading international brands.
What does a work day look like for you?
No two days are alike. I work very closely with the incredible Mode Sportif team. I can be working on anything from forecasting, buying, digital strategy, tech development or customer service. With Head Office close to our boutique, you will often find me in store merchandising and styling clients throughout the day. We are a growing business, which means my days are fast paced and packed. I often blink and find that 5 hours have passed without even realizing – I love it!
What are your favourite scents?
I love floral scents. I swap between Rose and Geranium based candles.
How does scent remind you of a specific place or time?
When I travel I always purchase a small candle to burn in my hotel room. It becomes the scent of the holiday. I’ll light it when I’m home to bring back the lovely memories of a certain city or mood
What do you love most about your city?
Sydney always feels free and relaxed. I am always 10 minutes from somewhere beautiful, whether it’s the beach, the Botanical Gardens or the harbour.
Travel is a huge part of what you do, where to next?
Paris for our upcoming buying trip. Paris is my second favourite city to Sydney and truly feels like home away from home.
What does your typical weekend look like?
EAT: Room 10, Potts Point: This hole in the wall cafe on Lankelly Place is a 5-minute walk from my house and has the best coffee in Sydney. This is my familiar and favourite breakfast spot. I take my puppy, order the brekkie rice and a piccolo and start the weekend very happy!
DRINK: Fratelli Paradiso. Aperol Spritz is my cocktail and no one does it better than the Fratelli Brothers in Potts Point.
PLAY: My version of play is working out! I’m either doing personal training or a spin class at Flow Athletic in Paddington or Hot Yoga at One Hot Yoga in Potts Point.
SHOP: I always pop into the Mode Sportif boutique in Paddington on the weekend. The area is buzzing, so I get a treat at Orchard Street Café and say hi to the team and our lovely clients.
– Published 19 October 2016.
