This week’s spotlight is on the South America-based designer, who makes some of the coolest capes you’ll set your eyes on. Check out her Q/A and designs below! -Shy
Name: Leslie Tessler
Age: 32
Occupation: Founder / Creative Director, Leslie Tessler
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: www.leslietessler.com
Twitter/Instagram: @leslietessler
“In 2010 I decided I needed a change so I quit my job in marketing, sold my belongings and moved from New York to Argentina for six months to learn Spanish. Three years (plus one new business, one husband, one dog and one baby on the way) later, I now call Buenos Aires my permanent home and couldn’t be happier!”
The song I have on repeat right now is: Dolly Parton – “9 to 5”
Growing up, I really wanted to be: oddly enough, an orthodontist.
The best part about being a designer is: designing pieces for myself that I can’t wait to have in my closet
My best styling tip is: don’t over style. Pick one statement piece, even if it’s something subtle like an earring and keep the rest simple.
People usually compliment my: eye color – it’s a strange yellowish mix that I guess is unusual.
I’ll never forget: going to the grocery store for the first time in Buenos Aires. At the check out, they asked me for my ID (documento), as they normally do here. I had no idea what they were asking me for so I froze and ran out of the store. To this day, I’m too embarrassed to go back.
For my skin, I use: I don’t use much on my skin but a well-known dermatologist once told me the worst thing you can do for your skin is to go to bed without washing your face so I never do that. EVER. I wash my face daily with Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil A/O and use Clarins SPF20 Brightening Hydrating Day Lotion to moisturize and protect from the sun. At night I use Mario Badescu’s Seaweed Night Cream.
My favorite place in the whole world is: Bora Bora. When we decided to do a two-part honeymoon (Bora Bora and then Japan), I have to admit I was much more excited about the Japanese portion of the trip. I’m just a little too ADD to lie on the beach for a week. But wow was I blown away! I have never felt so pampered or relaxed in my life. I’m sure my new hubby had a lot to do with it but either way, Bora Bora was magical and I cannot wait to go back.
Current beauty product obsession: Korres Lip Butter in pomegranate – sheer coral. It’s always been a struggle finding a lip color that’s bold yet doesn’t make me look like a clown. This lip butter looks great on everyone and I love how easy it is to build from super sheer to the perfect deep coral tint
But I also can’t live without: Nars the Multiple in Orgasm. I’m a sucker for a great glow so I’m constantly trying out whatever new products hit the market but no many how many “multi-taskers” or illuminators I buy, I always go back to The Multiple stick. It’s quite simply the best.
Worst habit: Whistling. Although I am am an excellent whistler, apparently I sometimes tend to do it at rather inappropriate times.
When I travel, I MUST have: Lots of water, an aisle seat and an eye mask
My favorite scent is: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino
People might be surprised to know that: I’ve never eaten ketchup.
My current favorite hair product is: Kérastase Powder Bluff Dry Shampoo. I’ve always been a big fan of dry shampoo but Powder Bluff is the first one I’ve found that leaves my hair looking so fresh and smelling divine.
I don’t understand people who don’t like: peanut butter or cookies or peanut butter cookies
The restaurant I can never get tired of is: I know it’s not exciting, especially since I do consider myself to be a “foodie” but living primarily outside of the US has only strengthened my already deep love (some may call it an obsession) for Houstons’ spinach and artichoke dip. I’ve been known to go straight from the airport when I land in the US and eat an entire portion. What can I say? Girl needs her fix! When I’m in Argentina I also dream about Momofuku’s pork buns and cookies from Levain Bakery.
Though I can make a mean: Risotto.
I hope in 5 years: will have a house full of kiddos and dogs / will be able to speak conversational Portuguese / will be a master in Pilates / will be loving life!
Who inspires me: My grandmothers. I’m lucky enough to still have both of my beautiful grandmothers with me. They’re very different in some ways but both are total spitfires with incredible spirits. Often times if I feel like giving up or just feel sorry for myself, I think of them. Knowing that I’ve got even a little piece of both of them in me is a huge motivator.
“Like” Beauty and the Feast on Facebook
Follow Beauty and the Feast on Twitter
Loved what Leslie said about her grandmothers!!