Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, designer Amy Lawrance.
How would you describe your style? Feminine but unfussy.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A lot of my wardrobe is second-hand and vintage. I have quite a collection of cotton voile shirts from the 1960s and ’70s, but the oldest thing is a little sailor dress that my mum wore as a child in the early ’60s.
And the most recent addition? A cobalt blue Freitag shoulder bag made from upcycled truck tarps. It’s a great functional bag that I can take everywhere and fits my umbrella, sewing kit and keep
cup.
What would you wear … on a first date? Meg Ryan in You’ve Got Mail would be on my mood board. I’d wear a white pleated Anna Quan midi skirt with a cotton voile short-sleeve camp shirt and Post Sole Studio’s “Canal” fisherman’s shoes. … on a plane? A Uniqlo thermal with an oversized T-shirt, Deiji Studios cotton pants and Birkenstock “Arizona” sandals with socks. … on the red carpet? A natural-coloured raw silk dress and matching sailor hat – both made by me – with a corsage and a pair of flat Margiela “Tabi” Mary Janes in a matching colour.
What is your favourite fashion era? I love the dress silhouettes of the 1920s, the way they effortlessly hang from the body rather than cinching in. I also love space age designs from the ’60s, especially André Courrèges’ work – it’s quite left of centre.
Who is your favourite designer? French fashion designer Madeleine Vionnet’s garments were feats of architecture and technically brilliant; she was really an engineer.
What’s your fragrance of choice? “Karst” by Aesop.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A cardigan, Nars “Don’t Stop” red lipstick and comfortable undies.
Any go-to jewellery? I wear an engagement ring by Seb Brown with the diamond set so that when I’m hand-sewing, threads and fabric don’t get caught on it. It’s simple but striking.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? When I was five it was a black T-shirt that had “This is my favourite shirt because it doesn’t show the dirt” on it. I was always getting messy, so I liked that it had that functionality.
What was your first fashion moment? I’m from Bendigo and in year 10 I did my debutante ball, which is very much a thing in country Victoria. I couldn’t find a dress I liked, and I didn’t have the technical know-how to make one from scratch, so my mum bought me a simple strapless dress that I modified by adding synthetic crystal organza.
And your worst fashion mistake? My deb ball dress, one and the same.
What’s on your wish list? The sculptural “Classic Vase” bag by Melbourne designer By Nye. It’s made from very fine wire and reminds me of the work of modern artist Ruth Asawa.
Is there something you’d never wear? Uncomfortable underwear.
Is there a current trend you like? No. I don’t have TikTok and trends are so fleeting that I try to steer clear of them.
What do you sleep in? An oversized T-shirt and cotton boxers.
Who is your favourite fashion icon? Modern artist Anni Albers, who’s known for weaving; there are a few photos of her sitting at her loom where she just looks so chic and effortless. Her approach to dressing was the “form follows function” of the modern art movement – comfortable but elegant.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I work from my studio at home, so it’s all about comfort – Neuw “Nico” jeans, a T-shirt and Nike “Air Rift” split-toe sneakers.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? It’s very similar to what I wear to work, but I’ll add my Bendigo Pottery peak cap and a Freitag cross-body bag.
Amy Lawrance is showing at Melbourne Fashion Festival, February 14-28.
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