LIV KOENNECKE
TASTEMAKER SERIES
We spoke with Liv Koennecke, the Founder and Creative Director of MAISON ESSENTIELE, a womenswear brand rooted in elevated essentials and vintage-inspired silhouettes. Liv always collected vintage, and even had a vintage fashion business as a teen. The idea started when she couldn’t find sleepwear that felt both luxurious and accessible. Since then, the brand has grown into a full ready-to-wear offering, blending European sensibilities, 90s minimalism, and timeless tailoring—all designed to move with their customer through every part of their day.
Talk us through a typical day in your life.
I’m big on routine. My day starts early with a walk or Pilates, a podcast or playlist, and a coffee. Most days are spent balancing the creative and the operational: fittings, production meetings, shoots, emails, or planning our upcoming collections and campaigns. No two days are ever the same, but I always try to carve out time for inspiration—travel, vintage sourcing, long walks or just people-watching. That’s where the best ideas tend to surface.
SS-DIN03BR Dining Table
Biggest work milestone so far?
Opening our concept showroom in Sydney was a major moment—it’s the physical embodiment of the MAISON ESSENTIELE world and a space where people can experience the brand beyond just the product. But honestly, the most rewarding milestone is seeing people wear our pieces in their everyday lives. Our customer and community—our #MAISONgirls—are everything. Every moment someone chooses to wear MAISON ESSENTIELE means the world.
What keeps you inspired?
Travel, old runway archives, flea markets, interior design, and the energy of a creative city. I love travelling for creative expansion: its important to get out of your routine, see things with fresh eyes.
Three style tips you live by:
- Invest in quality over quantity—good tailoring and beautiful fabric will last (with the right care)
- Contrast is key: masculine with feminine, structured with sheer, vintage with new.
- Don’t be afraid to layer. I love a silk dress over jeans, or a lace dress over suit pants with a blazer.
What is your must-have piece from our collection?
The SS-DIN03BR Table—it’s a standout in our showroom. Sleek, sculptural, and beautifully weighted. It anchors the space while still feeling refined and directional. I get asked about it constantly.
Sydney
Local Guide
Coffee spot: Elbon coffee in Double Bay - it's small, traditional and unassuming, but the coffee is incredible. It's been there 60 years (started by the owner's father) and they roast their coffee daily.
Bar with the best mood: Dear Saint Eloise for a neighbourhood spot with great wines by the glass, Freds front bar for a martini by candlelight, Ace Hotel or Jam Bar for a vibe.
Go-to dinner spot: 10 William Street in Paddington or Fratelli Paradiso in Potts Point.
Favourite way to spend time off: A swim at Bronte beach - it's my favourite way to wash away the week. Or a big walk through Rushcutters Bay, into Potts Point farmers markets for produce and a green juice.
Shop Liv's picks:
