Chanel slingbacks are at the top of Chloe’s fashion wish list.Supplied
How would you describe your style?
Comfortable,classic,haphazard and as effortless as possible.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
A pair of Kate Spade pumps – brown suede with a pink bow – that I bought with my first pay cheque when I was 16. They no longer fit but hopefully my daughter will wear them one day. I have four boys,aged from 12 to nine months,and a five-year-old daughter;I find myself holding on to clothes that I should have retired long ago on the off chance that she might want to wear them one day. My mum didn’t save any of her clothes from the ’70s and that really bummed me out.
And the most recent addition?
A vintage black button-down Issey Miyake blouse I bought online from Desert Vintage in Arizona.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe?
Organic cotton dresses from our apparel line,Wares by Olli Ella. I’m still breastfeeding and most of the dresses are breastfeeding-friendly – I live in them and often sleep in them,too! My vintage Levi’s. And French Bosabo clogs.
Any go-to jewellery?
Temple of the Sun gold tassel earrings and a Franck Muller watch that belonged to Mum.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? Jeans,a button-down shirt and slingbacks.
… on a plane? I have a whole strategy. It’s about layers,including a comfy jersey wrap dress and a chunky knit. With socks and clogs. And a change of clothes because I always spill drinks.
… on the red carpet? Something outlandish involving feathers and a boa;it’s an opportunity to make a complete spectacle of yourself.
What’s your favourite fashion era?
Now. It’s an amalgamation of all the previous eras – anything goes.
Jane Birkin’s “simple,classic and ethereal” sense of style remains an inspiration to Chloe.Getty Images
What’s at the top of your fashion wish list?
Chanel slingbacks.
Do you have a favourite fashion designer?
I love vintage Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. Also,US label Ace&Jig:it does beautiful weaves
and unusual patterns,everything is ethically made and it’s inclusive,celebrating different body shapes.
What’s your fragrance of choice?
Pearl by Sage,a musky floral perfume oil that I’ve worn since my early 20s. My husband picked it out with me in Los Angeles when we were first dating and I’ve worn it ever since. You can only buy it from this one store there.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child?
A little dress with rainbows on it,from when I was three or four. I think about it often.
And your worst fashion mistake?
So many,but one that sticks out is triangle tops with black leather pants in 1999. It was bad.
What was your first fashion moment?
I remember so clearly getting my braces taken off when I was 13. I went shopping and bought all these tight-fitting T-shirts with sayings across the chest;I felt awesome. Also,buying my first vintage piece – a tasselled leather jacket from Paddington flea markets in Sydney when I was 14 – was a massive fashion moment.
Is there anything you’d never wear?
I could never go back to bootleg jeans.
Is there a current fashion trend you like?
I’m loving the masculine,loose-fitting suits for women paired with sneakers.
What shoes do you wear most often?
Brown leather Officine Creative boots I’ve worn for years,and a pair of vintage Peter Sheppard T-strap shoes.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon?
Jane Birkin. I love her style:it’s simple,classic,easy and quite ethereal.
What do you wear on a typical working day?
A Wares button-down dress,chunky earrings and clogs.
What’s your favourite look for a casual Sunday?
Jeans and a T-shirt. I’ll be gardening and hanging out with the kids.
Olli Ella is available at.
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