Jesinta Franklin has embraced ‘mum style’, but you won’t see her in these

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, model Jesinta Franklin.

Jesinta Franklin would love a vintage Versace gown for her next red carpet event.Credit: Laura Goodall

How would you describe your style? It’s pared back and classic. I have a uniform of good-quality basics and tailoring.

Has it changed since becoming a mum? Hugely. It’s more simplified. I was really lost postpartum. I put on nearly 30 kilos in both my pregnancies – IVF was probably a big part of that, all the hormones – and I was quite lost in my style. But as I got back into life, I started to feel myself again. Now, I back myself more; I know what I like.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A vintage 1960s Chanel tweed skirt. It had a beautiful matching blazer, but I left it on set and sadly never recovered it.

And the most recent addition? A pair of Matteau fisherman pants.

What would you wear … on a first date? Jeans with a white tee, belt and flats … on a plane? If I’m flying business, tailored pants, oversized boyfriend tee, blazer and Adidas “Samba” sneakers. In economy, it’s Skims trackpants, a singlet, cashmere jumper and runners … on the red carpet? I like something custom or vintage, for instance, a fun, colourful Versace dress from the ’90s.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The late 1980s, early ’90s is where it’s at – it’s a bit playful and a bit tomboy with the oversized blazers and caps.

Who are your favourite designers? I like P. Johnson Femme for classic pieces. For a casual vibe, I like Matteau and Byron Bay-based label Oak Meadow.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Giorgio Armani “Si” and D.S & Durga “I Don’t Know What”, which isn’t meant to be worn as a perfume – it’s a fragrance enhancer – but I do and it’s amazing.

Franklin’s go-to jewellery includes Tiffany & Co “Link” earrings.Credit:

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? My favourite P. Johnson Femme jeans, a Camilla and Marc blazer and a good, oversized white tee – I like Acne Studios, Incu and Uniqlo.

Any go-to jewellery? Tiffany “Link” earrings, an Apple watch with a Hermes band, and my engagement ring.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? My clothes were from the op-shop or made by Mum, so I had quite an eclectic style. I remember a pair of purple velvet flares that Mum sewed fringing on.

Franklin says the style when she won Miss Universe Australia in 2010 was terrible, but was “part of who I am”.Credit: Getty Images

What was your first fashion moment? When I was about 13, my mum’s friend Cynthia, who had effortless style and wore Birkenstocks before they were cool, bought me a pair of op-shop men’s dress pants that I wore using a necktie as a belt.

What was your worst fashion mistake? The whole Miss Universe era [Franklin won Miss Universe Australia in 2010] was terrible from a style perspective, but I look back on it fondly; it’s part of who I am.

What’s on your wish list? A vintage, floor-length coat.

Is there something you would never wear? I’ll wear them for shoots, but I don’t feel comfortable in short skirts or short shorts.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m less trend-focused and more interested in quality pieces that I’ll still be wearing in my 60s.

What shoes do you wear most often? Birkenstock “Arizona” slides, Adidas “Samba” sneakers and Tkees leather thongs.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Rosie Huntington-Whiteley always gets it right. And Princess Di was the ultimate icon. I love how she used her clothes to rebel, tell a story and make a statement.

What do you wear on a typical working day? It might be Phoebe Philo for Celine high-waisted pants with a knit, and burgundy Amina Muaddi pointed toe flats.

What do you wear to work out? Your Reformer ribbed seamless leggings and crop top – they’re so flattering and supportive.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in an Oak Meadow dress, leather thongs and wide-brim hat, going off to the markets with my basket.

Jesinta Franklin is the ambassador for Your Reformer.

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