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Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, tennis commentator Jelena Dokic.
How would you describe your style? It’s evolved over the years. Being an athlete, the staples were sports clothes and tennis shoes. Until I retired from tennis, I’d worn heels maybe twice in my life. Now I like expressing myself through fashion.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I don’t let go of things that have sentimental value. My first designer piece, a Louis Vuitton bag I bought about 20 years ago, stays with me because coming from where I came from, and being able to afford that, something I worked so hard for and
earned, was massive.
And the most recent addition? A “Boyfriend” blazer from Motto.
What would you wear … on a first date? A Zimmermann dress and heeled sandals. … on a plane? I take over 100 flights a year, so I go for comfort – loungewear or a tracksuit and sneakers. … on the red carpet? My Logies dress last year by Alin Le’ Kal was very special, hand-beaded with crystals. It was even more special because I won a Logie for my documentary.
What’s your favourite fashion era? It’s now. I’m in my 40s and I’ve started to discover who I am and what I like when it comes to fashion – how much I love wearing colour and red lipstick, for
example. That comes from discovering your sense of style and worth. Maybe I didn’t feel worthy of all that for a while, but now I do.
Who are your favourite designers? Michael Kors, Toni Maticevski and Zimmermann.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I’ve got Louis Vuitton “Les Sables Roses” and Lancôme “Idôle” on rotation.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A good pair of pants – Motto’s “Euro Pintuck” sports pants are comfortable but polished enough for work and travel – an elevated top by Toni Maticevski, and a Scanlan Theodore blazer.
Any go-to jewellery? I wear diamond earrings and Kailis pearls.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as child? My tennis clothes. I was six when I started playing tennis and it was such a big part of my life, my passion and something I loved so much. I had some amazing competitive outfits – dresses, skirt-and-top sets – so it would have to be those. I loved my match clothes.
What was your first fashion moment? When I was about 20 and still in that tennis era, I really wanted a white suit. So I went out and purchased a beautiful Valentino suit in Monte Carlo and wore it to an event in Berlin.
And your worst fashion mistake? We all have those, but getting outside that comfort zone is how you learn about your style. If it felt right in the moment, it’s all right.
Is there a current trend you like? All the [oversized] blazers.
What’s on your wish list? I’ve had my eye on a Melbourne jewellery brand Temelli, particularly the earrings.
Is there something you’d never wear? I like to be sophisticated and elegant, so I wouldn’t be comfortable in anything too revealing.
What shoes do you wear most often? Adidas “Samba” sneakers. And being in heels is normal for me these days and I have a lot – a pair of silver Valentinos are favourites.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Margot Robbie is amazing – I love the way she experiments with her style. I loved all her press tour outfits for Wuthering Heights and how they tied into the theme of the movie.
What do you wear on a typical working day? On TV you’re going to see me in a suit and heels.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Viktoria & Woods jeans, a nice top, Sambas and sunglasses and I’m good to go.
Jelena Dokic is the face of Motto Fashions’ Wimbledon collection.
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