Former Miss World reveals the five items all women need in their wardrobe
Former Miss World Australia Tess Alexander takes us inside her gorgeous wardrobe and reveals the simple statement items that all women should own.
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She’s modelled for Vogue, Valentino, and Fendi, but flame-haired beauty Tess Alexander isn’t afraid to admit she’s hidden clothes and accessories in her oven when friends have visited her home.
“I live in a one-bedroom apartment so storage is the bane of my existence. I’ve put things in my oven and dishwasher before when I’ve had people coming over,” the former Miss World Australia laughed.
This week we caught up with Alexander and uncovered some of the hidden secrets in her wardrobe - including the scent she calls her ‘power perfume’.
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Who are your style icons?
I like feminine but fashion forward. I like to be elegant. I always wear pearls, and I love a neutral shoe, but I also like to still push the fashion envelope slightly so I would probably say a modern Grace Kelly.
What’s the newest piece in your wardrobe?
A beautiful Scanlan Theodore trench coat; it’s neutral with a beautiful collar and although it’s quite long, which is a bit adventurous for Queensland, it’s not too heavy so I think I can get away with it as a transeasonal coat and I’m absolutely here for it.
What’s something you splurged on?
My Fendi bag. I love having a handbag and I think it is so versatile as you can wear it with anything and everything. I would say that I am a ‘cost per wear’ kind of gal; I’d rather have a piece I could wear all of the time than something that hides away in the closet. I still get real excitement about this piece. I spent a lot of money on it, it’s my baby and I’m proud of it.
What’s the oldest piece that you can’t part with?
Aside from my formal dress? I don’t think I could ever get rid of that, although I’m not sure what I was thinking. It’s multi-coloured and quite bold. Other than that, it’s probably a pair of Lee Riders jeans that I’ve had for 10 years and still wear.
Is there something you used to wear that now makes you cringe?
When I was in my early 20s, I did a lot of travelling and spent a lot of time overseas and I lived in high waisted shorts with a blouse. I feel like this outfit was represented maybe 50 different ways in my suitcase and I’m not sure why I was so obsessed. Although it doesn’t make me cringe; I probably still dress like that a little bit, but it was my faithful. Oh you know what does make me cringe was my black under eye eyeliner. It was quite dark. Wow, what a time.
What are your favourite brands?
I love Aje. I just love them. I think they have a really beautiful combination of raw and quite timeless pieces and I love that they always have an Australian tie in, whether it’s botanicals as their print or something hand printed. I love that they have lots of metal hardware on their pieces like buttons and ropes. I also love Alice McCall.
What are your top three wardrobe staples?
Definitely, 100 per cent a nude-coloured shoe and a nice handbag that can go with everything, and I would also say a fabulous hat. I feel like everyone should have a hat. I mean, sun protection for the win, but also it’s a great way to jazz up an outfit with something different. People don’t necessarily think to incorporate it into an everyday look and I think a good structured hat is essential.
Speaking of hats — and your love of the races — do you have a favourite milliner?
I love Martina McGrath and Felicity Boevink.
What’s something that has sentimental value?
When I first started working with Bvlgari, every time I went in to their store in Queen’s Plaza, whether it would be to shoot something or pick up a piece for an event, I’d spray this perfume. Eventually I started calling it my ‘power perfume’ because scent is aligned with memories and feelings and it always made me feel like things were on track. It was quite expensive and, at the time, very far out of my reach but when I booked a job for Queen’s Plaza, I used that money to buy that perfume. It’s a scent that represents something important to me which is really nice.
