“I don’t buy often and I almost always buy heritage brands that honour craftsmanship.”Christian Hogstedt
How would you describe your style? Classic and functional most days,hopefully elegant on the right occasions.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A blue pilot’s trench coat from the mid-80s,when Yves Saint Laurent designed the uniforms for Qantas. I wear it every chance I get;being mistaken for a pilot is always at the top of my sartorial wish list.
And the most recent addition?A gardening jacket from Sassafras in Kyoto. It has wide pockets and useful hooks,lots of places to hide gardening scissors and apples for the goats.
Richard Gere style in American Gigolo are in inspiration for Christiansen.Supplied
Do you have a favourite item of clothing? A Patagonia jacket I wear every day. I wore it up Everest and trekking through the Congo jungle to see the work of my friend Jane Goodall. It has patches from the places I’ve visited,so it’s a bit of a postcard –and proof of my curiosity.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Hand-knitted socks by The Elder Statesman,a Charvet white shirt and a Sesame Street x Flamingo Estate jumper.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? I wear a Patagonia T-shirt and cargo pants every day at work,so when I’m not working I like a tailored,double-breasted suit.
… on a plane? Usually a suit.
… on the red carpet? Again,a suit. My dad introduced me to a tailor in Hong Kong who’s been making shirts and suits for me for 25 years.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the elegance and lines of Richard Gere’s slouchy business suits in the 1980 filmAmerican Gigolo. Also,utility work uniforms of the 1950s,from French garbage men to British kitchen hands. I loveIrving Penn:Small Trades,a book of portraits of skilled tradespeople dressed in their work clothes. He captures the humble coal heaver and the crisply dressed waiter with equal directness.
Do you have a favourite designer?I don’t buy often and I almost always buy heritage brands that honour craftsmanship,such as Hermès and Campbell’s of Beauly – they make the best jumpers in Scotland.
What’s your fragrance of choice?I use Flamingo Estate “Green Leaf” organic soap,which leaves a subtle scent on the skin.
Any go-to jewellery? A Rolex watch that was a gift from someone I love. It has “It’s always the right time” engraved on the back.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A crochet jumper from Mexico that had little fruits and vegetables all over it.
What was your first fashion moment? My first job in my 20s was at Benetton in Italy. I remember photographer Oliviero Toscani telling me that I only needed three things to succeed:a firm handshake,a good smile and polished shoes.
Christiansen covets Loewe’s artisan baskets,like this one exhibited at Salone del Mobile.Supplied
What’s at the top of your wish list? A good bee-keeping suit. Perhaps J.W. Anderson would design one for me – he too has been a shepherd for nature and craftsmanship;I covet the baskets from the Loewe Craft Prize for our farms. I’ve also been looking for a vintage Hermès “Peau Porc” briefcase in cognac.
Is there something you’d never wear? You’ll never see a logo on me,and I will never buy fast fashion – the world has enough crap in it.
Is there a current trend you like?It’s more an anti-trend;I’ve built a business around quality and making things with meaning.
What shoes do you wear most often? R.M. Williams boots for work and J.M. Weston shoes when I’m in a suit. Both are investments.
Who’s your style muse? Gianni Agnelli for suits and a young David Attenborough when I’m in the orchard.
What do you wear on a typical working day? My work uniform is a green Patagonia T-shirt,khaki Country Road pants and brown boots. Every day.
What’s your favourite off-duty look? I’m never off-duty.
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