High-top Converse, wide-leg jeans: Inside a ballerina’s wardrobe

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, ballet dancer, Lilla Harvey.

Lilla Harvey loves the way consumers and brands are striving for more sustainable fashion choices.Credit: Mia Mala McDonald

How would you describe your style? Sometimes moody-grungy, sometimes boyish, sometimes vintage grandma and mostly thrifted.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A cosy cream cardigan that my mother knitted for herself in her 20s; she had it hidden away in a closet until I saved it.

And the most recent addition? Wide-leg jeans and a graphic T-shirt from Carhartt; very skater boy of me.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? Miniskirt, tank top, platform boots and a leather jacket.
… on a plane? The chunkiest, heaviest items to save space in my suitcase.
… on the red carpet? A classic black slip dress with a low back, heels and a red lip.

What’s your favourite fashion era? Right now. The spectrum is so broad and individuality is encouraged more than ever. There’s so much creativity, unapologetic expression and gender fluidity in clothes, make-up and accessories.

Harvey gets a boost from her high-top Converse “Run Star Motion” sneakers.

Do you have a favourite designer? I don’t shop for specific brands or designers. I do admire Clon’s: they make neo-orientalist style pieces in beautiful textures and prints. I get most of my clothes from op shops or from friends and family. Also, at the Australian Ballet we have a pile of stuff that people no longer want; I love scavenging through that and picking up casual pieces or leotards that other dancers have worn; they feel lucky.

Where’s your favourite place to thrift shop? I love the op shop scene in Adelaide – the Savers warehouses and big church sales. I’ve found some great things, including a leather trench coat for $20.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Calvin Klein “Eternity”.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A big, colourful knitted cardigan to curl up and read in, a beanie to hide my hair that’s still full of product after a show, and big black Dr Martens boots to feel tall and powerful.

“It’s only now, at 21, that I feel like I can express myself through clothes that reflect me.”

Any go-to jewellery? A Mimco necklace with an “L” from my sister. I never take it off; it was a huge comfort to me when we lived on opposite sides of the country.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A multicoloured dress that I aptly named “The colours and the flowers” when I was three. I loved the way it moved when I danced; it gave me so much confidence and made me feel so happy.

And your worst fashion mistake? There were many questionable outfits when I changed high schools and no longer had to wear a uniform. I wore a lot of fast fashion. It’s only now, at 21, that I feel like I can express myself through clothes that reflect me.

Is there anything you would never wear? The thought of fur makes me uncomfortable. Also, sandals and any shoes that my not-very-pretty ballerina feet are exposed in.

Is there a current trend you like? I love the way consumers and brands are striving for more ethical and sustainable fashion choices.

What’s at the top of your wish list? A pair of brown or burgundy embroidered cowboy-style boots.

What shoes do you wear most often? High-top Converse “Run Star Motion” sneakers; they’re so comfortable and they boost my height!

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love the entire vibe and aesthetic of the French film Amélie, including everything Audrey Tautou wears in it. Also, Sloane Peterson’s soft, cool, ’80s cowgirl look – the western jacket, the big shorts – in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

What do you wear on a typical working day? A fun leotard, ballet tights and men’s gym shorts. I’ll swap them out for a wrap skirt or tutu and pointe shoes as my day progresses.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’m usually exhausted under my doona in a hoodie, recovering from the week.

Lilla Harvey is a nominee in the Telstra Ballet Dancer Awards; telstra.com/ballet.

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