Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Lune Croissanterie founder Kate Reid.
Kate Reid developed a passion for fashion after she became involved in the F1 Australian Grand Prix.Credit: Peter Tarasiuk
How would you describe your personal style? I’m a late bloomer. A few years ago, I would have said “vintage engineering chic with a touch of baker flair”; in other words, zero style. But in 2022, I was asked to be an F1 Australian Grand Prix ambassador and was introduced to the world of fashion; I’ve never looked back. During the day, my style’s utilitarian; I love workwear, denim, tees, knits and sneakers. In the evening, I’m partial to a glam-up.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A brown leather bomber jacket I bought in Bruges [Belgium] in 2007.
And the most recent addition? A black velvet Gucci blazer and matching hotpants I bought to wear to my book launch.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? White Uniqlo tees, Levi’s jeans and my black Maje skort – it’s the wardrobe equivalent of a Swiss army knife.
What would you wear … on a first date? Depends how much I like the guy. If a lot, then a sheer black Alessandra Rich dress and my Valentino Garavani “Rockstud” pumps. Not fussed – jeans, a nice top and sneakers. … on a plane? I always wear a destination-approved outfit and change into pyjamas as soon as possible. Also, Muji’s $15 slippers are the perfect plane shoe. … on the red carpet? I have been lucky to work with several exceptional Melbourne couture designers, including Kyha Studios, Jason Grech and Alin Le’ Kal. For Glamour on the Grid this year, I wore a vintage Vivienna Lorikeet dress with a silk dupion train that will be hard to beat. I felt like a queen.
Wearing Vivienna Lorikeet at this year’s Glamour on the Grid.Credit: Getty Images
What’s your favourite fashion era? Can we call Audrey Hepburn an era? No further explanation required.
Who’s your favourite designer? Melbourne designer Vivienna Lorikeet. She jokes that I am her muse, an honour I take very seriously. Also, I have a thing for designer shoes and Christian Louboutin is at the top of the list.
What’s your fragrance of choice? It’s predictable, but I can’t go past Le Labo “Santal 33”.
Any go-to jewellery? My favourite piece is a pendant made by an insanely talented jeweller in Florence. It’s inspired by an ancient mosaic depicting a skeleton holding two jugs of wine; on my pendant, the skeleton is holding a croissant in one hand and a coffee in the other. I love it so much.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I desperately wanted to be a Christmas tree when I was little. I had a green dress that I would bedazzle with clothes pegs, imagining that I was on par with the majestic pine tree that stood glittering in the loungeroom.
What was your first fashion moment? Wearing a teeny tiny Kyha number to Glamour on the Grid in 2022. It looked like something Kylie Minogue might wear; I barely recognised myself.
And your worst fashion mistake? The entirety of my teens and 20s.
What’s at the top of your wish list? I’ve had my eye on two Omega “Speedmaster” watches – the “First Omega in Space” and the “Moonwatch Professional”. They feel particularly apt given my love for the moon, technical innovation and precision.
Reid, pictured at the 2025 Melbourne Fashion Festival, is a fan of the “no-pants” trend.Credit: Getty Images
Is there something you’d never wear? I look ridiculous in floral print.
Is there a current trend you like? The “no pants” trend – Dakota Johnson and Kristen Stewart do it well.
What shoes do you wear most often? Adidas “SL 27” sneakers, heeled Prada military boots and Christian Louboutin “Kate” pumps.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? If I’m looking for inspiration, I think to myself, “What would Jane Birkin wear?”
What do you wear on a typical working day? Levi’s with a Grant NY tee and a Kowtow knit.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? After a dog walk and a group exercise class in activewear, it’s a cheeky pub dinner in flared Rolla’s jeans and a slouchy Handsom knit.
Kate Reid is founder of Lune Croissanterie. Her book, Destination Moon (Simon & Schuster), is out now.
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