How would you describe your style?
Relaxed but classy. I envisage going to the market in Sicily,for that Italian summer vibe.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
A beautiful tan and dark-brown leather bag my mum had made in Rome in the ’60s. I still use it.
And the most recent addition?
A Lee Mathews gathered dress with bell sleeves. It’s olive green with pale blue flowers.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? On my first date with my husband,I wore a floral midi dress,leather sandals and big earrings.
… on a plane? Something comfortable like a jersey dress with a cashmere jumper and Birkenstocks.
… to the Oscars? My dream dress is a floaty Valentino gown in tulle.
What’s your favourite fashion era?
The 1950s – I love cinched waists and full skirts.
Who are your favourite designers?
I wear a lot of Lee Mathews – good quality and nice fabrics. I also love Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen.
And your favourite fragrance?
Maison Louis Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt perfume oil.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe?
A big woollen scarf from Acne Studios that I take everywhere. A dark green Jac + Jack cashmere jumper that I’ve worn to death. And a Cecilie Bahnsen black dress that I can wear day or night,dressed up or down.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child?When I was about seven,I had this dress for special occasions with red roses on the top and a frilly,puffy skirt that I loved. I wore it with black Mary Jane shoes and white frilly socks.
And your worst fashion mistake?During my high school years I lived in Kappa tracksuits.
What would you buy if money were no object?
A Loewe leather bucket bag.
Is there a particular item you would never wear?
Pants. I only wear skirts and dresses.
What shoes do you wear the most?
Moonstar canvas sneakers from Japan.
Is there a current trend you like?
I love that tiered maxi skirts and chunky gold jewellery have come back.
Who is your style muse?
Sophia Loren – she’s effortless,fun and stylish.
Can you remember your first fashion moment?
I went to Italy for the first time at 19 and everyone was so well dressed. I thought,I want to be a part of that. But I was a student and obviously couldn’t afford to shop at Prada,so I did a lot of vintage shopping,trying to find things like Gucci scarves.
What do you typically wear to work?
I work from home and do a lot of cooking,so something that’s easy to move around in,like a cotton poplin dress with olive-green rubber Birkenstocks and a Fog Linen apron.
Do you have a favourite casual Sunday look?
A floaty floral dress with Marni leather sandals and Lucy Folk crochet earrings – I love statement earrings.
Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s new book,A Year of Simple Family Food (Plum),is out now.
This article appears inSunday Life magazine within theSun-Herald and theSunday Age on sale August 30.
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