Nou founder Alexia Iannou applies her impeccable eye to her newest venture, Objects of Affection.
PHOTO BY DAN SIMANTOV
A love for design runs deep for Alexia Ioannou, founder of curated vintage designer fashion destination nou. “I grew up immersed in the world of design, following around my mother, an interior designer,” she shares. Her fashion career began at Barneys New York, where she refined her eye for timeless pieces. Now, she brings that same discerning vision to her latest project of curated design items: Objects of Affection.
Photographed at her mother’s Montecito estate, the collection is a tribute to the high-end collectors who came before her. “My deep passion for collecting and creating beautiful spaces drives me to offer timeless keepsakes with rich histories,” she says. From one-of-a-kind French candlesticks to Italian porcelain plates and handpainted Danish brass vessels, each Object of Affection piece tells a story.
Living in L.A. keeps her inspired. “Most days start with sunny skies and swaying palm trees overhead. It keeps me calm but curious,” she explains. That curiosity fuels her work, whether scouring estate sales or dreaming up nou’s upcoming private label collection. “I get a rush from the thrill of searching for beautiful things in new places,” she says. “Whether it’s thrift stores, estate sales or online resale platforms, I’m always on the hunt. The surprises I discover fuel the spirit and ever-evolving vision of nou.” While she’s always searching for the next great find, here’s a peek at the design and fashion pieces Ioannou is currently obsessing over.
“An awe-inspiring read.” Flamingo Estate The Guide to Becoming Alive by Richard Christiansen, flamingoestate.com; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
“This funky flatware is a unique way to dress up any table.” Lazy Jamie Upward Spiral 5-piece flatware set, lazyjamie.com; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
“This vintage ottoman is upholstered in the softest velvet.” Galerie Solis Amber velvet ottomans, galeriesolis.com; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
“These Italian-made 1980s gem-toned cocktail glasses are bold, decadent, and designed for the art of indulgence.” Italian cocktail glasses (set of six), shopnou.com; PHOTO BY DAN SIMANTOV
“My everyday bag. It fits everything and is the essence of understated luxury.” Loewe Flamenco mini leather pouch in Chocolate, neimanmarcus.com; PHOTO COURTESY OF NEIMAN MARCUS
“These rare 1970s Scandinavian brass candlestick holders offer an effortless blend of vintage charm and sculptural elegance.” Scandinavian candlestick holders, shopnou.com; PHOTO BY DAN SIMANTOV
“The most beautiful highlighter ever. I love to use it as an eye shadow, too.” Westman Atelier Super Loaded tinted highlight in Peau de Soleil, westmanatelier.com; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
“This protective eye paperweight sits on my desk to keep out the bad vibes.” Lito paperweight, L’Objet Lito Paperweight, l-objet.com; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
“This incredibly rare vintage Barovier Toso Murano hand-blown bowl makes a statement on any surface.” Murano bowl, shopnou.com; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
