‘I get dressed up for everything’: Interior stylist Lynda Gardener always wears heels

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, interior stylist Lynda Gardener.

“You wouldn’t catch me dead in a pair of track pants and runners.”Credit: Natalie Nowotarski

How would you describe your style? It’s individual, feminine, imaginative and elegant. I like to be well dressed and express myself by wearing things that most people probably wouldn’t.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have a huge collection of vintage pieces, jewellery, accessories and shoes. The oldest is a cream, hand-stitched dress from the 1920s. It can’t be worn any more, so I have it hanging on a vintage wooden hanger to admire.

And the most recent addition? The entire Eva’s Sunday range from our recent collaboration. It’s a collection of timeless pieces in pure linen and fine cotton, all made in Melbourne.

Gardener loves brass earrings from US label We Dream In Colour.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? A flowing dress with a vintage belt, statement earrings, a head wrap and heels, always heels.
… on a plane? I get dressed up for everything; it’s not often I’m in jeans. I’ll wear a loose dress and heels.
… on the red carpet? A silver 1930s Hollywood-inspired dress that was made for me by Micky In The Van. It’s quite a sensation. I’d wear it with a matching head wrap, chunky earrings and gold shoes.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1930s and ’40s. It was tailored and glamorous; the women were always impeccably dressed.

Do you have a favourite designer? No, vintage markets are my favourite thing. I’ve been collecting beautiful things since I was 16. Every Sunday, even if I’m travelling around the world, I’ll be there finding a little handbag or some jewellery.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Le Labo “Santal 33”.

Gardener says Susie Cave is “glamorous seductive and cool”. Credit: Getty Images

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A beautiful, glamorous full-length dress. My vintage jewellery; I wear a lot of rings and bangles at once. And something in my hair. When I was younger it was fresh flowers, then I went through years of putting my hair up with antique brooches and clips. Now it’s vintage wraps and scarves.

Any favourite jewellery that isn’t vintage? I love Ewa Tribal Jewellery for silver and American label We Dream In Colour for striking brass pieces.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? It was the 1970s and my grandmother hand-crocheted mustard dresses for my sister and me. I wish I had one in every colour now; it was so beautiful.

What was your first fashion moment? It was my first high school formal. My mother made me satin, high-waisted, flowy, wide-leg pants. Nobody else was wearing pants and everyone wanted to know where I got them. It was the beginning of wanting to be different and stand out.

And your worst fashion mistake? It was also in the ’70s, when “treads” – woven leather shoes with soles made from car tyres – were all the rage. I remember Mum saying they were the ugliest things she’d ever seen.

What’s at the top of your wish list? I’m always on the hunt for antique cocktail rings, big fancy rings with beautiful stones. I collect them.

Is there anything you would never wear? You wouldn’t catch me dead in a pair of track pants and runners. It’s never happened, not even in lockdown.

Is there a current trend you like? I love anything feminine with big, luscious sleeves.

What shoes do you wear most often? Heels. Whether it’s wedges, strappy sandals, stilettos … Even if I’m vacuuming, I’m in heels.

What do you sleep in? A vintage slip and silk underwear.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I’ve always adored Iris Apfel; she’s so bold and distinct. And Susie Cave is glamorous, seductive and cool.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll throw a belt around a big dress. If I’m going out, it’s always a beautiful coat and scarf.

The Lynda Gardener x Eva’s Sunday range is available from evassunday.com.au.

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