Artist Eliza Gosse on choosing vintage fashion over designer

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, artist Eliza Gosse.

“I wouldn’t be caught dead in one of those cut-out dresses that seem to be cut out in all the worst places.” Credit: Every Last Second

How would you describe your style? Loud pants and high necklines.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1980s. I love the big shoulders, the jeans with big blazers and the chunky gold jewellery.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Turtlenecks, vintage trousers and big ’80s jackets – a puffy cream leather jacket and an oversized blazer, for example.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A big, chunky gold chain from the ’80s that belonged to my mum. I wear it every day.

Eliza loves waistcoats and suits for women.

And the most recent addition? A vintage denim vest I found in Berlin.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? I’d go bold to check they can deal with my most eccentric days. My husband passed that test; on our first date I wore a baby-blue fluffy baker’s hat with a baby-blue fluffy T-shirt, ’90s-style baggy jeans and white platform sneakers.
… on a plane? I’m not someone who ever wears tracksuits or activewear beyond the gym. I wear whatever doesn’t fit in my suitcase: jeans, a chunky belt, my largest jacket and Dr Martens.
… on the red carpet? I don’t wear dresses so it would be an excellent pant suit or the Norma Kamali white jumpsuit I wore to my wedding.

Do you have a favourite designer? I buy vintage pieces based on what my eye is drawn to, rather than a designer. If I do buy new, it’s classic pieces from Camilla and Marc, Frankie Shop, St Agni and Scanlan Theodore that I can wear again and again.

Any go-to jewellery? I’m always wearing big gold rings, including my engagement ring: a 1970s modernist men’s diamond ring my husband found in New York.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I was a real tomboy; I hated dresses and, weirdly, buttons. I cherished all my brother’s hand-me-downs. Red three-quarter cargo pants, a brown Roxy T-shirt and Converse “One Star” sneakers was a classic look.

What was your worst fashion mistake? When I was about 15, I was given a knock-off Paul Frank T-shirt. I must have worn it a lot because after that everyone gave me these Paul Frank tees: surfing Paul Frank, Santa Paul Frank, ice-cream Paul Frank … Every version of Paul Frank was mine.

What was your first fashion moment? When I was at the National Art School, I lived in Sydney’s Newtown with two girls who had beautiful wardrobes. One was from Texas and she had amazing vintage pieces she’d collected and inherited from her mum. We’d share clothes and get dressed up for art events. It was a huge influence and it made me see that you can build a wardrobe as a collection rather than just clothes that you wear for a bit.

What’s at the top of your fashion wish list? A beautiful Frankie Shop three-piece suit.

Is there something you would never wear? I wouldn’t be caught dead in one of those cut-out dresses that seem to be cut out in all the worst places.

Is there a current trend you like? Waistcoats and women in suits.

What shoes do you wear the most? Classic Dr Martens loafers.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Princess Diana for her casual everyday outfits. And Emma Corrin, who played Diana in The Crown, has awesome style; I love her out-there looks.

Princess Diana’s “casual, everyday outfits” continue to inspire Eliza.Credit: Getty Images

What do you wear on a typical working day? I’m a tidy painter, so I don’t need to worry about getting paint on my clothes – and if I do, I’m a master at getting it out. So, it’s my normal clothes: Camilla and Marc jeans with a chunky belt and turtleneck.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Vintage red-and-white chequered pants with a turtleneck, an oversized Blanca shirt and a fluffy hat.

Eliza’s exhibition, Pool Towels Are Softer at Tennis Clubs, is on now at Mars Gallery, Melbourne.

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