The dream purchase soprano Danielle de Niese finds ‘hard to justify’

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, opera singer Danielle de Niese.

Opera singer Danielle de Niese describes her style as “diva glam”.Credit: Daniel Boud

How would you describe your style? Diva glam.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A white blouse given to me by Donna Karan. I wore it on the cover of my debut album, Handel Arias, in 2007.

And the most recent addition? A white leather Gucci belt with the classic gold GG buckle.

What would you wear… … on a first date? On my first date with my husband I wore jeans, a white lace shirt that had a train at the back and high heels with a pearl ankle strap. … on a plane? Black trousers, a shirt, jumper, big scarf and my Brooks tennis shoes. … on the red carpet? I’ve worked with some amazing designers: Marchesa, Temperley, Vivienne Westwood; a favourite is a fuchsia corseted gown that Vivienne made for me. And I wear Christian Louboutin “Nude” heels for darker skin.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the art deco period. When I did The Merry Widow here in Australia in 2017, I was in seventh heaven in all the 1920s gowns. The art deco era has style, sleek lines and feminine silhouettes without being that corseted, “poofy” bottom period.

Who’s your favourite designer? I love Vivienne Westwood so much, her blend of edgy, rock ‘n’ roll and feminine. It sums up my style: I like things to be strong, fun and make a statement but also be feminine – and feminine doesn’t always mean soft.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear Lolita Lempicka.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A red Gucci “Marmont” cross-body bag, something with a fur collar to keep my neck warm after performances, and a long leather coat.

Any go-to jewellery? Van Cleef & Arpels mother-of-pearl “Alhambra” necklace and earrings.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? When I was nine, I won the talent discovery contest on Young Talent Time. I sang Tomorrow [from the musical Annie] on live TV in a yellow dress with white bows that my mum had made by a dressmaker. I loved that dress.

De Niese would love to own a Chanel bag, but finds it “hard to justify”.

What was your first fashion moment? I was 23, and I wore a peach Donna Karan gown with a corset and bubble skirt for a concert in New York City.

And your worst fashion mistake? I was doing a concert in a cathedral in Spain and my mother, who was in the audience, was looking very serious. It turned out the cowl neck of my dress was revealing a little too much! At intermission, she ingeniously took the rope from a shopping bag, yanked up the straps and tied them back.

What’s on your wish list? I would like to own an iconic Chanel bag or bouclé jacket, but it’s hard to justify.

Is there something you would never wear? I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing flats at the stage door. And I wouldn’t wear silk pyjamas as a fashion trend.

Is there a current trend you like? I could get into the gingham dress trend.

What shoes do you wear most often? Chunky black Karl Lagerfeld platforms embellished with gold and pearls. I also love a Louboutin and Jimmy Choo heel.

What do you sleep in? A black satin slip.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? My mum. She’s always said, “Don’t follow trends, just wear what suits you.”

What do you wear on a typical working day? Other singers will wear a tracksuit for rehearsals, but it’s not my style. I might wear a black halter-neck pleated dress with a Gucci belt and Gucci military boots.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll throw on a dress, cardigan and Birkenstocks to hang with the kids.

Danielle de Niese is performing in Carmen at the Sydney Opera House until August 4.

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