Style Profile: Leonardo
Ahead of Father’s Day, Diana took a moment with her partner, Leo, to explore the ways fatherhood has shaped him personally, creatively, and emotionally. From quiet moments in the garden to hands-on projects that challenge and inspire, Leo shares his perspective on family, love, and life.
Rick Owens DRKSHDW Parchment Walrus T-Shirt. Song for the Mute Brown Side Panel Lounge Pants and Bronze Adidas Country OG Sneakers. Album di Famiglia Chocolate Crash Wool Coat.
Becoming a father to two daughters has changed so much in our lives. What has it taught you about yourself, and about love?
Having daughters has extended my goals dramatically. I’m now making long-term plans to provide better opportunities for their future. There is no question when it comes to giving up some of my goals. It has unlocked my instinct, something I buried when I focused on my career. All my decision-making is clear; I care less about the world and more about their world. Loving a partner and loving children is a very different kind of love. I’ve learnt a lot about my own struggles when I see the same struggles in them. I am more compassionate and forgiving towards my own parents now that I can put myself in their shoes.
Album di Famiglia Black Cotton Crash Over-Shirt and Crash Pocket Trousers. Rick Owens Tank Top. Uma Wang Tapestry Low Tennis Shoe.
Your garden has become such a sanctuary for you. What does tending to it give you, and how does it shape the way you care for family and home?
I’ve had many gardens, and they’ve always been a sanctuary for me, an escape, a meditative space, a place to ponder and resolve my problems, much like reading is for bookworms. It calms my overactive mind and allows me to separate my subconscious from my conscious. It’s an energy release, digging my way out of my angst and anger. It allows me to reconnect with the earth, the seasons, and the skies. It’s my internal calendar; nature and time go hand in hand. Every full moon is a new chapter. The seasons drive me to complete outdoor tasks.
My garden used to be a solo activity, but now I design for them. I create play spaces and provide opportunities to share my passion with them. I plant trees knowing they will reap the rewards, and we plant veggies they might enjoy and herbs to nourish their little growing bodies and minds. I teach them about medicinal herbs and include Indigenous medicine plants in storytelling and introduce culture. We discuss food pairing and flavours. We use neighbourhood trees for mapping and memory games and create teaching moments with wildlife.
Acne Studios Dusty White Stockholm T-Shirt and Beige Check Relaxed Shorts. Album di Famiglia Chocolate Velvet Hooded Jacket. Song for the Mute x Adidas Black Campus 80s Sneakers..
You built the new Dilettante store with your own hands. Renovating that together was such an intense chapter in our lives. You really showed up for me and I’ll always be grateful for that. What did that experience teach you about us, and about our partnership?
It was really hard work physically, but really easy and fluid creatively. You and I have enjoyed a few renovations and apartment fit-outs together, so we know our strong points and each other’s weaknesses. I love problem-solving, upcycling, and repurposing (I hate waste). We enjoy honouring beautiful natural materials. I love that timber has had a previous life and building things that may continue living within a future build. We both share an intuition for working with the skeleton of the building, not just smashing it down to suit our own concept. We let the building guide the outcome. Every man loves to be the hero, but without affirmation, I would be endlessly searching for an impossible conclusion. Working double shifts for 40 days straight is easy when you have the right muse, support, and encouragement.
Album di Famiglia Chocolate Crash Wool Coat, Black Cotton Crash Over-Shirt and Crash Pocket Trousers. Rick Owens Tank Top. Uma Wang Tapestry Low Tennis Shoe..
We’ve been together for eight years, and in that time you’ve lived inside the world of fashion through me. How has your relationship with fashion evolved?
I’ve always appreciated fashion, quality garments, and expressionism, but never really committed in the same way you always have. Deep down, I’m modest and shy. You've styled me to my shape and personality, giving me confidence in myself and helping me care less about others’ opinions.
Album di Famiglia Chocolate Crash Wool Coat, Song for the Mute Brown Side Panel Lounge Pants, and Adidas Bronze Country OG Sneakers. Uma Wang Jacket, Trousers, and Tapestry Tennis Shoe.
As our daughters grow, what do you most hope they will carry with them from you?
I hope our daughters carry with them a deep connection to nature, the confidence to make their own decisions, and the strength not only to survive but to thrive. I want them to embrace independence, question everything with curiosity, and nurture their creativity as a guiding force throughout their lives.
For you, what is the essence of being a father?
For me, it’s to be a protector and an educator, a steady rock that provides stability. It means offering firm guidance and tough love when needed, instilling strong values, and striving to be a constant source of inspiration.