Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, artist Beci Orpin.
How would you describe your style? Utilitarian and feminine without being too girly.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A silk kimono from the 1920s. I don’t wear it, but it’s a beautiful thing to own. I’m a bit of a hoarder and I have an archive of clothes. Fashion’s so cyclical I can pull things out from 25 years ago and wear them again. I recently rediscovered a Steven Alan pinstripe shirt with a frill detail on the collar and cuffs.
And the most recent addition? A striped Verner shirt with a hanky screen-printed onto the front. I love supporting local designers.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A Uniqlo cardigan, Hoddle jeans and ballet flats.
What would you wear … on a first date? A black Simone Rocha ball gown-style skirt with a Chopova Lowena mesh top and a pair of vintage snakeskin ballet flats from Goodbyes. To me, leopard print is a neutral and I feel the same about snakeskin. Those shoes go with everything. … on a plane? Uniqlo basketball-style shorts, an oversized T-shirt, a sweatshirt and Nike x Jacquemus sneakers. … on the red carpet? I’m so bad at dressing up but my dream outfit would be by Erik Yvon, Simone Rocha or Cecilie Bahnsen with a black Maison Margiela “Tabi” heel.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I love ’90s streetwear, particularly New York City men’s fashion – the baggy jeans, the era of Supreme.
Who’s your favourite designer? Rei Kawakubo – I’m a huge fan of Comme des Garçons. That era of Japanese fashion is massively influential for me, the whole aesthetic – the uniforms, the dressing up but dressing down, the effortless layering. Locally, I love P.A.M. (Perks and Mini).
What’s your fragrance of choice? Byredo’s “Open Sky” – I’m devastated it’s been discontinued.
Any go-to jewellery? For my 50th birthday, my husband had a necklace made for me with our family’s names on it. I also wear earrings by Underground Sundae and Bobby Corica, and a pearl necklace by Seb Brown.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? When I was seven, it was an Esprit lilac-and-green checked shirt with puff sleeves and a frilled neck. I was always so excited when it came back in the clean washing pile.
What was your first fashion moment? I was quite alternative as a teenager, even though I went to a conservative school. I remember buying a mustard-coloured mohair sweater from Camberwell Markets. I wore it with jeans and enjoyed the feeling of being a little bit different from my friends. I wish I still had it.
What’s on your wish list? I really want the Comme des Garçons x Melissa bunny-shaped bag in red. I love accessories.
Is there something you would never wear? A sequin top with a plunging neckline.
Is there a fashion trend you like? I like the current “girl” style of Peter Pan collars, puff sleeves, broderie anglaise and ribbons.
What do you wear to bed? Suku Home pyjamas.
What shoes do you wear most often? My snakeskin ballet flats and a pair of Asics x Finesse sneakers with lace detail.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? [American designer] Ray Eames had really great style. She’s one of my design idols. Her husband Charles was at the forefront of the business, but she was the genius behind it.
What do you wear on a typical working day? It might be a vintage Hysteric Glamour tee – it’s one of my favourite Japanese labels – a Verner skirt that’s like a slip with lace at the bottom, a cardie and my grey satin Margiela “Tabis”.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be hanging out at home in Ashley Williams track pants, a vintage tee and ballet flats.
Beci Orpin’s Uniqlo UTme! collaboration is available now.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
