Kaleidoscopes of Colour & Culture at It’s a Fad
Inspired by cultures the world over, bold feel-good colours, a vibrant spirit and fearless self-expression, Sara Leonardi-McGrath had a secret design passion, discovers Helen Flanagan.
What started as an experiment in Sara Leonardi-McGrath’s kitchen using the intricate art of ice dyeing, morphed into a passion project creating unique T-shirts, hoodies and clothing with tie-dyeing. A pivotal moment that led to a flourishing fashion business, It’s a Fad by Sara Leonardi.
“You know when you just know you can do something?” says Sara, on reflection. “I knew I could do it. You think of people wearing tie-dye as hippy, easy-going, and I thought somehow, we needed to get back to that.”
The ‘wearable art’ label was officially born in 2019, however Sara’s world of notice-me, love-me designs, was undoubtedly in her genes. Born in Miami Florida, Sara draws inspiration from her global upbringing as well as textiles and colour. But no black, “the colour of mourning” preferring the bright dopamine palette.
“Colour is so important,” she says. “It can change your complexion, make you stand out in a room and even boost your mood. My grandfathers left a lasting impression as smart, hardworking, and I’m sure, OCD; and my very stylish grandmothers had totally different attitudes. One loved to wear turbans and kimonos, wore pants when it was a no-no and sailed around the world on the Queen Mary; and the other was more classic, best quality fashion– her 50s cashmere coat is probably still impeccable, like her embroidered linen bed sheets which I’m still using today!”
Sara’s fashion, history and textile-loving Mum was her go-to for an unfiltered honest opinion on life.
“I grew up spending endless hours at Saks and Neiman Marcus with her, and during summer in Europe it was always historical bits first, shopping in the best places after,” she recalls. “No matter where we were, it was such fun and only the best places in the world.
“There was no Google so how she knew so much remains a mystery.”
From the early days in street and resort wear, It’s a Fad today focuses on limited capsule collections made of cotton, linen and modal. Colour pattern and texture are the design principles that guide Sara’s creative vision to create practical, feel good clothing for women to feel fabulous and comfortable every day. A constant eye on global trends allows her to marry vision with styles women want and suit their body shape.
This winter also has a mix of linen, cotton, and everything in between, from bright neon to deep blue.
“The London Check collection is a viscose blend Prince of Wales in a navy check – can’t get more classic than that!” Sara said. “It’s made with the balloon sleeved belted shirt.
“I love to belt everything, all my styles come with them and can be used with other outfits in the wardrobe.
“There is no design genius to making a wide leg pant, but I think we have perfected ours in its proportions and it works in every fabric I have chosen.
“Feel wonderful walking Hastings Street, Madison Avenue or to work in Sydney’s CBD, and look hot for the races paired with the right hat! Cotton prints in deep tones of purple checks and fun rainbow stripes have arrived, also cotton harem pants are back by popular demand in a cognac colour, our version in
a barrel pant style.
“The beloved panel dress in both balloon and a straight sleeve version comes in a caramel and acid green combo; the Dolman Dress – long and short in lavender and acid green colour block, is perfect for travels in Europe this summer or wear here in our five-minute winter.”
Look out for the eye-catching leopard print and ikat. Sara loves to mix match and clash fabrics.
“But it’s an art – so if you adore the look, drop by and be styled,” Sara says. “For me fabric quality is paramount, our cottons are considered amazing, and disregarding the wholesale model gives me total control of sales and communication, assuring production is relevant and always sustainable.”
Sara is unapologetically expressive and committed to supporting women across all aspects of her brand – from production and design to retail and collaboration.
Proudly manufactured in Southern India, they extend to complementary partnerships such as Andrea Rembeck’s luxury children’s brand Tutu Du Monde, using Sara’s ice dye bodice creations.
The impeccably crafted Nadia Dafri, considered the ultimate in crochet bags and found in some of the world’s top boutiques, is stocked exclusively. Similarly stunning pieces from clever girlfriends in South Africa, such as Phillipa Green and CVH’s sculptural necklaces.
In the age of mass-market fashion, It’s a Fad sits apart.
“Our collections are limited edition capsule collections with no more than 10-12 pieces per size,” says Sara, wife of retired cricketer Glenn McGrath, mum of Madison and stepmum to James and Holly.
“Everyone who buys from me receives something unique. I suppose it’s part of the slow fashion movement. Each piece is personally crafted, and I also connect with every person who makes a purchase.
“The fashion cycle is neverending. From concept, fabric order to sampling, production and more; to planning, buying or making fabrics for future collections, so when new stock arrives Cortisol levels
go through the roof!
“Our customers are not defined by geography or age – it’s a personality. Either be excited by colour and all my art or just love exploring the tiny boutique.”
With minimal spare time, the busy couple are on par for golf at Noosa Springs and in complete relaxed mode at their hinterland home with no neighbours.
“There is nothing better than the ride-on mower, a cold beer and four hours of peace tranquility. We love it,” admits global sensation Sara Leonardi-McGrath with a sigh. Lucky for us, this fad is here to stay.
