‘It was really controversial’: Emily Seebohm reveals dress that sparked drama
We go inside Emily Seebohm’s wardrobe to discover her most-loved brands and pieces, as well as the dress that sparked a huge controversy when she wore it out in public.
Lifestyle
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When it comes to fashion, swimming sensation Emily Seebohm isn’t afraid to court a little controversy. We recently took a tour of the walk-in wardrobe she shares with partner, radio host David “Luttsy” Lutteral and quizzed the Olympic swimmer about her memorable – and regrettable — fashion choices.
The cafe fritters were denser than a reality TV contestant
Scooping a piece of lung out of my soup made me squeamish
How do you describe your personal style?
It’s hard to be girly in the pool because we’re all wearing the same thing with caps and goggles so when I’m out of that I love to feel really feminine and girly. I grew up with three brothers and I was very much a tomboy when I was growing up and then suddenly, I was into makeup and liked to do my hair.
Most of the time I’ll dress for comfort, but when something really cool comes up, I love almost overdressing. I’ll dress up as much as I can because I never get to do it that often, especially this year!
What’s your go-to outfit?
Most of the time it’s jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers. I feel like my life is busy and I’m doing things in a hurry so I usually grab easy pieces that don’t need me to spend an hour doing my hair and make up. I’m all about those comfort pieces that go with anything where my hair could be wet from swimming and it doesn’t matter.
What’s your most treasured item?
My Olympic and Commonwealth Games uniforms, especially the blazers we wore to the Olympic Games Closing Ceremonies
They’re super cool and every Olympics they’re designed differently so it’s interesting to see how they’re going to look because sometimes we have no idea until we get to the Games. And they’re something really cool that I’ll keep forever.
What’s your most luxurious item?
My parents bought me a Chanel bag for my 21st and I was over the moon excited. Growing up I loved shows like Laguna Beach and The Hill, typical girl stuff, and they all had those bags. I think this shows are what got me into designer stuff.
You can wear jeans and a t-shirt and grab a Chanel bag and your outfit is taken to another level. Plus it’s one of those timeless pieces that I know I’ll hand down to a daughter, if I have one.
Tell us about this sheer floral dress you’ve chosen as one of your favourite pieces:
I wore this Alice McCall dress to the races and it was really controversial because I didn’t wear a slip under it; I went with a bra and undies. Some people found it really cool and some people thought it was too much for the races, but I thought it was the perfect way to make the races feel more young and fresh.
I spot lots of yellow, is that your favourite colour?
In 2016, I found out I have Endometriosis which had caused me a lot of pain, been the source of a lot of frustration in my life. Yellow is the colour of Endometriosis Awareness — I’m on their Ambassadors — so whenever I can find pieces in mice soft, shades of yellow, I get them. This Tigerlily set is lovely and summery. I also have a bikini top that matches the set which ties my swimming in to it and makes me feel more comfortable. I know for most people togs are quite revealing, but for me they’re a comfort.
What outfit have you worn in the past that now makes you cringe?
When I turned 18, I used to wear the shortest things and now I can’t stand anything too short. I don’t know how I did it back then or what I thought I looked like because my butt was almost on show! There are so many photos where I wonder what I was thinking.
What is the oldest piece in your wardrobe?
The oldest thing in my wardrobe is probably my Olympic uniform from 2008. I was only 16 and I didn’t expect to make the team so I was so excited. I treasure those pieces; when I look at them I get really good memories.
If you could buy more of something, what would it be?
I wish I had more evening gowns but I don’t have anywhere to wear them. It sounds silly but I like seeing them in my wardrobe; they make me feel like a Disney princess. There’s a few I haven’t yet worn but it’s just knowing they’re there; it’s about the possibility, and they’re quite romantic because I like ones that are puffy and girly.
What are your favourite Australian brands?
I love Alice McCall, Bec & Bridge and Sass & Bide. I also love Mossman; they’re doing some tweed suits that are super cool. It gives me serious Clueless vibes. And I just bought a pair of the leopard print Frankie4 sneakers.
