In 2019, Alexia Ioannou launched Nou: a corner of the internet that could be described as a shoe-heaven for the vintage girlies, where you’ll find mother-of-pearl embellished Manolo Blahniks sitting next to Rene Caovilla’s crystal-studded sandals. More recently, Ionnaou began offering a tight edit of clothing and accessories—and today, she’s officially stepping into the world of homewares.
“Objects of Affection,” as the new offering is called, debuts with 66 unique pieces spanning vintage glassware, hand-painted brass vases, and tabletop treasures with price points ranging from $45 to $475. The idea is that the same design throwback oomph a pair of Nou’s vintage pumps can lend your outfit can be applied to your coffee table, too.
Reflecting on her decision to venture into homeware, the LA-based Ioannou describes it as a natural evolution. “I’m always on the hunt for beautiful things in new places,” Ioannou shares, and as it turns out, Object of Affection is really nothing new for her. “I’ve been collecting homeware for myself and friends for many years, but it wasn’t until an antique sourcing trip to Provence with my mom this summer that I decided to share vintage homeware with the Nou community.”
For the debut offering, Ioannou has curated hand-blown glassware from the 1980s from a family-owned firm in Murano, one-of-a-kind French candlestick holders, Italian porcelain plates, and hand-painted brass vases from Denmark. “Each piece has been thoughtfully chosen from various eras and regions to form a cohesive story,” says Ioannou. The result is a collection that captures the spirit of Ioannou’s own interior style: layered, storied, and evocative. She describes her home as “an oasis of curated treasures that resonate and bring me joy.” It’s a spirit she says she inherited from her mother, so when it came to Objects of Affection’s evocative campaign imagery, only one location would do: her mother’s colorfully wallpapered and upholstered home in Montecito.
But is the girl shopping Nou’s vintage pumps also in the market for silver-plated candlesticks sculpted to look like mermaids? Ioannou is optimistic that her customers’ appreciation for vintage knows no limits, but “expanding into a new category is always a leap of faith.”
Objects of Affection is for those who see their homes as an extension of their personal style and who desire to own items with stories that transcend trends—all of this without spending hours scouring thrift shops or antique flea markets. As for how often these one-of-a-kind pieces will be replenished, Ioannou tells us to expect a steady supply. “I discover more every day, and I can t stop!” Best of all? Objects of Affection arrives just in time for gifting season. Your one-of-a-kind friends and family deserve a one-of-a-kind gift, after all.
