Kerrie Hess: Why you shouldn’t follow fashion trends
Fashion illustrator Kerrie Hess describes her style as simple, eclectic and a little bit romantic - and reveals the best fashion advice she was ever given.
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When it comes to style, fashion illustrator Kerrie Hess has collaborated with the biggest brands in the business including Cartier, Tiffany and Co, Louis Vuitton, Lancome and Net-a-Porter.
“The best fashion advice I’ve received is to just be yourself when it comes to fashion rather than follow trends,” she says.
“I think I always wanted to dress up when I was younger and I really love indulging in fashion sometimes. Other times I am in my happy place being barefoot in jeans and a T-shirt painting in the studio. I always dress according to my mood and my day ahead!”
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How would you describe your personal style?
Simple, eclectic, and a little bit romantic.
Has your style changed much over time?
Not too much but I think since living in Paris I have learned that it is better to buy less but buy better when you can because my wardrobe was so small there! You really have no choice but to edit down what you own. I love the feeling of re-wearing something special many times rather than once or twice. It’s also of course better for the environment to not buy something new for every occasion.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look?
Being in Brisbane, it’s usually something floaty in cotton or silk because I love feeling comfortable on weekends, or on cooler days jeans and a blazer is just such an easy combination.
Favourite film for fashion?
Grace Kelly in Rear Window for a vintage look I also loved the modern looks in ‘The Night Manager’ (technically a TV series!)
Biggest fashion indulgence?
Beautiful fabric. If something looks great but feels terrible, I will generally pass on it. Of course the visual is important but the feeling of wearing a lovely fabric that makes you feel good is something I always look for.
Five things you can’t live without?
Essential bath oils from Aromatherapy Associates because a bath and a good book and a few drops of scented oil after a work day to me is like therapy! Then also a great pair of jeans, a black blazer, a simple white shirt and a classic one piece swimsuit (my favorite is a square neck in black by Brisbane label, Une Piece.)
What is your most sentimental item?
Easily my wedding dress. Designer and friend George Wu and I designed it together and it was a process that I loved both because of how the dress turned out but also because it helped me learn about the process of making couture. It was so fascinating and I got to have a tour of the studio too while all of the seamstresses and beading specialists were working away on these amazing dresses which was heaven. And I keep my jewellery in a turquoise and gold sugar bowl given to me by my grandmother is my most special object.
Any cringeworthy outfits or trends in the past?
Acid green bike shorts in the 80’s. They were my favourite! I was only 8, so I think it’s OK but I can’t get on board with the bike short trend now that it’s back again!
What are your favourite labels?
I love Australian labels that really do summer collections well! Scanlan Theodore is a big favourite as well as Coco Ribbon, Aje and Zimmermann.
Do you have a favourite fragrance?
I am in love with Orange Blossom by Jo Malone as well as Amazing Grace by Philosophy. A scent I always buy when traveling is ‘Lemon Sugar’ by Fresh.
George Wu dress
“This dress was made by George Wu for a job I had a couple of years ago in Paris, painting live on the ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ balcony at Plaza Athenee Hotel. This was a dream job with the hotel and I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful dress to do it in. I’m so glad I also managed to not get paint on it!”
Une Piece Classic Square Neck Swimsuit, $199
“My favourite swim suit that also works well under a black midi skirt!”
Jan Logan Green Amethyst Ring
“This cocktail ring that makes me think of summer. I bought it after filming my original online Masterclass in Painting; which took over a year and a half working both weekends and evenings to complete. I had seen this ring the year before and never forgot it!”
Aquazurra gold heels
“These were my wedding shoes and they were so perfect for the day. I wanted a pair that weren’t in white but still felt romantic and suited my dress.”
Joy by Dior:
“My favourite word in a perfume! I also luckily also love the scent! It makes me think of an evening in Paris!”