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Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, British cookbook author Rachel Khoo.
How would you describe your style? It’s eclectic, a hotchpotch. I’m a magpie when it comes to style. I’ve always loved colour and pattern but now in a more pared-back way.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My Austrian aunt was a costume maker and I still have the traditional Austrian outfit – pink and blue with little white flowers and an apron at the front – she made for me when I was a child.
And the most recent addition? An orange Jacquemus “Berlingot” bag with a silver orange-leaf clasp.
What would you wear … on a first date? A colourful Farm Rio shirt with jeans and heels. … on a plane? Linen pants, a white T-shirt, a long cardigan, Axel Arigato animal-print sneakers and a baseball cap. … on the red carpet? I felt amazing in the short pink Sheike dress with dramatic sleeves I wore on the red carpet for Foxtel last year.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the 1970s in terms of pattern and prints but 1950s silhouettes suit me best. When I lived in Paris in the 2000s, I was very into ’50s style.
Who’s your favourite fashion designer? I have a lot of pieces by Austrian designer Lena Hoschek. Her dresses are flattering and beautifully cut. And I love wearing Leo Lin and Alémais when I’m in Australia for The Great Australian Bake Off.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I worked in a department store selling perfume in Paris, so I’m kind of traumatised when it comes to fragrance. Also, I can’t wear it when I’m cooking – it inhibits being able to test the recipes properly.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A good bra – if you don’t have proper support when you’re petite like me, it messes up the whole visual shape of an outfit. Second is an item that brings joy, a feel-good piece such as the Farm Rio shirt I bought recently for my book launch. And red lipstick – it’s become my signature. People complain on social media when I swap it for pink.
Any go-to jewellery? A pair of gold croissant earrings.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A pale pink bridesmaid dress with a big skirt and puffy sleeves that I wore with patent pink ballerina shoes, white frilly socks and a flower crown when I was eight.
What was your first fashion moment? When I was 26, I worked at the Comme des Garçons boutique in Paris. They let me pick an outfit for my uniform, and I chose a houndstooth print taffeta skirt and a brown leather jacket. It was the first time in my life I’d owned a designer piece. It was high-street and charity shops before that.
And your worst fashion mistake? I’m making them constantly. For media appearances, I’m pretty on it. But at home I’m a fashion faux pas.
What’s on your wish list? A Farm Rio banana-print skirt.
Is there something you’d never wear? Super-high platform heels.
Is there a current trend you like? I can’t keep up with trends.
What shoes do you wear most often? I live in Sweden and my Blundstone boots are a go-to.
Who is your favourite fashion icon? I admire people who can look effortlessly stylish – Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, for example. But her style is not my style.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I have a lot of T-shirts and sweaters with things like lemons or watermelons on them, so it’s usually one of those with jeans and Blundstones. I also have a whole collection of vintage aprons. I should probably wear them more often.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Uniqlo lounge wear and cashmere socks. I love to put on a record, light a fire and read a book.
The Smallest Restaurant in Paris (Ultimo Press) by Rachel Khoo is out July 28.
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