This stylish football figure raids her husband’s closet for this item
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, media personality Zoe Marshall.
Zoe Marshall, podcaster and wife of NRL coach Benji Marshall, loves “Mad Men” style, but says she could never adopt it.Credit: Scott Ehler
How would you describe your personal style? Comfortable luxury.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have a few things of my mum’s – she passed away 19 years ago. There’s a pair of black suede pumps from the ’80s, but the things I treasure most are the comfortable knits that remind me of our time together.
And the most recent addition? The Camilla and Marc black “Gourman” ultra-high-waisted trouser and cropped vest. I also got the “Nova” jacket from Henne’s new collection.
What would you wear … on a first date? Jeans, a statement tee with a padded shoulder or, if it was a sexier occasion, a sheer bodysuit and a beautiful Giuseppe Zanotti heel. … on a plane? A navy Stax sweatsuit and New Balance sneakers. I take socks and slippers, too. … on the red carpet? I’m obligated to say [couture designer] Steven Khalil – he’s the godfather of my children. Lucky he’s the best! I like something slinky and beaded.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I appreciate how women dressed in the 1950s, the Mad Men-esque looks – cinched waists, killer heels, pantyhose. It was feminine and beautiful, but I couldn’t do it. The effort and discomfort would be torturous.
Who are your favourite designers? Camilla and Marc for tailoring, Frankie Shop for leather and denim, and Henne for the classics.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I’m very sensitive to synthetic fragrance; I find my friends’ expensive perfumes repulsive. I wear Ayu “Souq” scented oil.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A jean – I like Henne, Frankie Shop and Zara – a Camilla and Marc blazer in any colour, and a cropped white tee.
Any go-to jewellery? My wedding and engagement bands, a gold Cartier “Love” bangle, and Mum’s bangle, which I had remade with a ruby with “I’m so proud of you” engraved inside. I also wear my Oura smart ring religiously.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? In 1992, it was all the rage to wear a black singlet dress with a white singlet under it – my cousins and I all wore it like weird triplets. When it was cold, Mum would try to make me wear a skivvy under it, which was so not the look. It got me very upset.
What was your first fashion moment? To my first Dally Ms [the NRL’s awards night] in 2011, I wore a black and silver sequin dress with a deep V neckline by [Melbourne designers] J’Aton. Did I love the dress? I’m not sure, but I do remember being overwhelmed by the whole experience.
And your worst fashion mistake? That would be nightclubbing at 21 wearing a sleeveless men’s Tsubi [now Ksubi] tee as a dress.
What’s on your wish list? A cashmere lounge set.
Is there something you would never wear? Crocodile skin. Also, every time I put on a miniskirt Steven [Khalil] says I’ve regressed.
Zoe Marshall (with husband Benji Marshall) at her first Dally M, in 2011 (left), and at the 2019 awards. Credit: Marco Del Grande/Supplied
Is there a current trend you like? I’m excited by the way young women dress now. There’s a curiosity and allowance that we never had growing up. I’ve never felt more comfortable in my body because of their freedom of expression.
What do you sleep in? [My husband] Benji’s old T-shirts.
What shoes do you wear the most often? Hermès “Chypre” slides or Adidas “Ozweego” sneakers.
Marshall loves her Hermes slides.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I don’t have one, but my mum left her mark on me. She was a model, very elegant. She taught me to keep things simple: skincare, clean nails, SPF, don’t touch your eyebrows. Mum also taught me about frugality and the value of spending a bit more on something to see me through.
What do you wear on a typical working day? A high-waisted black linen pant with a cropped black tee and Hermès slides.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A white linen shirt with denim shorts, sandals, gold jewels and a beautiful blow-dry.
Ariise (Simon & Schuster) by Zoe Marshall is out now.
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