Meet the TV fashion stylists supporting local designers and sustainability
Meet Australian TV’s best dressed women: the presenters — and their stylists — who show off contemporary designs and plenty of personality while gracing our screens.
Entertainment
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For some it’s about sustainability or supporting local designers and First Nation talent. For others, it’s comfort, confidence and being fashion-forward, even when some programs don’t allow for it.
Meet the presenters and their stylists at the forefront of Australian TV’s fashion evolution, pushing past the conservative newsreader’s suit to show off contemporary stylings and plenty of their own personality on screen – and off.
PRESENTER SONIA KRUGER
If you scroll through Sonia Kruger’s Instagram, it’s outfit after outfit, each one more eye-catching than the last. The Big Brother host loves fashion — and can’t wait to unveil her next wardrobe for the upcoming series of The Voice.
“I do love the fact that all these different shows have their own identity — so when it comes to thinking about what we are going to wear for Big Brother, it has a very different identity from a show like The Voice, for example,” she says.
“Big Brother is quite futuristic in a way … it’s that kind of sci-fi social experiment, so we wanted to try and give the fashion a really modern edge.
“And something like The Voice, where it’s a big stage and the music and you can be a bit more pop in your attitude to the outfits – and then something like Dancing With The Stars is different again because it’s very much a sparkle fest.”
Kruger says the upcoming season of The Voice will showcase some really amazing, edgy pop music-oriented fashion, and this year’s finale of The Voice will be one of her favourites.
Not everything translates on screen — leather can be reflective and camel can wash you out, for example — but she enjoys the “drama and flair” fashion gives to The Voice, and says she loves working with local designers Toni Maticevski, Alex Perry, and, on the international stage, David Koma and Balmain.
“I love that it’s evolving,” Kruger says. “I don’t do well with restrictions, in the sense that if I was told you can only wear pants, or you have to wear this colour — being boxed in doesn’t really appeal.
“So the fact I am given so much freedom by the network is just another reason it’s great to work at Seven.
“I haven’t had anyone, ever give me any sort of direction in terms of fashion — they just let (stylist) Natalia De Martin-Crevani and I do our job, and I love they trust that we will give them something great.
“Like (this year’s) finale of Big Brother — I walked out in that fluorescent Alex Perry suit and it was the brightest thing I’ve ever worn in my life — it was highlighter pink — and it just looked fantastic on that set because the set was quite dark but there were these beautiful neon colours running through it.
“I’ve actually lost the ability to dress myself.”
STYLIST NATALIA DE MARTIN-CREVANI
Kruger’s stylist for The Voice, Big Brother and Dancing With The Stars, Natalia De Martin-Crevani revels in the chance to help people look — and feel — their best through fashion.
“There is never a dull moment, and each day brings new challenges but also incredible rewards,” she says.
“There is no better feeling than when you see an entire fashion look come together.
“We love Australian brands like Alex Perry, Cappellazzo and Maticevski, who bring a lot of drama and have fun with fashion. Dion Lee and Christopher Esber are also Australian brands who have incredible cuts and unique details in their designs.
“Jacqumus, La Pointe, Balmain, David Koma, Mugler and Attico are also on my hot list for international labels.”
De Martin-Crevani says while it can be difficult to walk the line between being conservative enough for TV and being fashion forward, more viewers were embracing riskier choices during Covid.
“During Covid we have found most viewers really welcome the fashion-forward pieces and love the more unexpected and less safe options,” she says.
“I’m always up for a fashion risk — styling is all about having fun and showing someone’s personality through their clothing.”
Among her favourite outfits for Kruger are the multi-coloured reflective Toni Maticevski gown worn for the finale of 2020’s Big Brother, and the neon green thigh-high Cappellazzo gown the host wore for last year’s Dancing With The Stars finale.
PRESENTER NATALIE BARR
Co-host of Seven’s Sunrise, Natalie Barr says she gets to be a different version of herself on television.
“My ‘real life’ involves a lot of black, navy and brown, but my ‘Sunrise life’ is all about colour, so I get to be a different version of me,” she says.
“It’s definitely a fun part of my job, and I particularly love wearing Australian brands.
“We get clothes from Scanlan Theodore, Camilla and Marc, Zimmermann, some great things from Acler this season, there’s always something to find in Country Road, Veronika Maine, Witchery and Cue.
“I’ve got some great on-the-road clothes from Jac and Jack, shirting brand Irving and Powell, and just recently jumpers from Lady Kate knitwear.
“I’m so much more open-minded working with a stylist who says ‘just try it on!’.”
Barr says over the years, some choices haven’t gone down too well.
“Whenever I wear florals people say I look like my grandmother’s couch,” she says.
“If I wear a sheer top people say I look like I’ve just come from a night out.
“We do try to stick to plain colours, but avoid shiny, bulky, thin stripes and checks.
“I love a jacket but it used to be the only thing we were allowed to wear. Now the whole world of fashion has opened up to us.
“I was a teenager in regional Australia in the ’80s — it’s all been uphill from the fashion and hair perms we had back then,” she laughs.
PRESENTER ERIN MOLAN
From form-fitting dresses to leather pants and oversized coats, Erin Molan’s on-air style has changed a lot over the years.
“When I first started at Channel 9 I was so bad — I had no idea about fashion,” laughs the Nine TV and radio personality.
“I think one of my first days there I wore a zebra print mumu to an interview and it was horrific — so my style has certainly evolved and I’m very lucky to be surrounded by people who know a lot about fashion.
“I’m certainly not a fashionista on any level at all, but I’m lucky to wear some incredible designers.”
House Of K’Dor and Karen Gee have been with her since the beginning, and Karen Gee even made Molan’s wedding dress before it was put on hold to make way for the arrival of her daughter Eliza, who is now three.
“I’m assuming she still has the dress. The design was quite classic so it would probably still be in fashion, as they say — but the wedding is so far from my mind now that it would probably have to fit a 60-year-old by the time I get around to it,” Molan says.
Other designers she loves include Scanlon Theodore and Effie Kats — and for cheap, cheerful and good quality, she chooses Honey And Beau, Romance The Label and Pink Ruby.
“For The Footy Show and 20 To 1 and those kind of entertainment shows I’ve been able to wear a lot more sexy, cute, going-out type outfits, as well as the more corporate for news,” she says.
The 38-year-old mother-of-one has learned quickly what works on screen and what doesn’t — and is happy to be let fashion responsibility fall in the hands of the stylists who know best.
“So it’s block colours, not really patterns, and you can still look quite glamorous and lovely and a little bit sexy – but it’s a more conservative version,” she says.
“Same with sport — if I’m hosting out on location it’s a big coat, but often I’ll be wearing leather pants and I love those, but I’m definitely guided by the stylists.”
And despite the glowing reviews for her style, Molan says her harshest critics could often be her sports colleagues.
“Brad Fittler once texted me — I was wearing a pussy bow — and said I looked like Little Bo Peep trying to find her sheep,” she jokes.
STYLIST ALEX WILSON
After 15 years, Channel 9 stylist Alex Wilson has it down to a fine art.
The Coogee 34-year-old’s department looks after all of the Nine talent and projects, from day-to-day programming such as the Today Show and 9 News, to publicity and promo shoots, events such as The Logies, and also major productions such as Celebrity Apprentice, Ninja Warrior and Lego Masters.
“I want to ensure my looks are current and have a point of interest but also don’t distract from what the presenter is saying,” she says.
“Our go-to Australian designers are Carla Zampatti, Scanlan Theodore, Ginger and Smart, Bianca Spender, Dion Lee, Viktoria and Woods, and Camilla and Marc.
“We look to these labels as we are usually seeking structure, tailoring and colour.”
Wilson says the network gets calls every day from viewers asking what the talent was wearing and has a very active following on its @channel9style Instagram page.
“Talent always get a choice in what they wear,” she says.
“I get to know their style preferences and body shape, and I put together options that I’m happy with and I know will work for them.
“I’ve never heard the words ‘I hate it’ and hope I never do.”
Some of her favourite outfits over the years included a custom J’Aton gown made for actor Jessica Marais to wear to the Logies, another J’Aton gown worn by reporter Renee Bargh on The Voice, and a Cappellazzo Couture gown worn by presenter Deborah Knight to the Logies.
And tips for viewers keen to recreate favourite looks at home?
“Get to know your body shape and choose styles that flatter your best features and don’t fall into following trends just because it’s new, it’s important they work for you,” Wilson says.
PRESENTER KARINA CARVALHO
ABC News presenter Carvalho has seen fashion change drastically over her 13-year career — and says it’s about time.
“I have always loved fashion — it’s a nice way to show the audience some of your personality when delivering hard news,” she explains.
“I’ve seen this really evolve over my 13 years presenting TV news — it’s OK now for women to play up to their feminine side, rather than wear a boring dark-grey suit.
“I love that I can be creative and play with fashion to a certain extent, without detracting from seriousness of the content I am presenting.”
She’s always done her own shopping and styling, and prefers it that way — but there is one person she always goes to for advice and honesty.
“I know what’s in my work wardrobe already and so can mix old pieces with new items I purchase, and my mum has a great eye so I always run my outfits by her,” she says.
“If you’re uncomfortable in what you are wearing and constantly fiddling with a top or skirt, you lose your confidence and focus on the job.”
Carvalho stays away from prints and stripes, and says viewers love a green and black printed dress from a French label she bought last year. She says it’s especially nice when husbands get in touch because they want to buy the piece for their wives.
“My number-one tip is to wear what suits you and your body shape. If you’re small like me, voluminous shapes may not work.
“Don’t necessarily follow the fashion of the day. Buy classic pieces that form the base of your wardrobe — like a great pair of jeans and a blazer — and go from there.”
She’s been doing it a long time now, so has a pretty good idea if something will work on screen or not.
“But sometimes you need a second opinion when trying on clothes in a store changing room and figuring out if it will work under TV lights — that’s when I call my mum.”
PRESENTER JANICE PETERSEN
A news presenter with SBS, Janice Petersen says fashion is an element of art and design that is easy to appreciate — and the best part is that you get to wear it to give it form, function and life.
“Very special pieces give you an immediate spring in your step, a shot of confidence and a feeling of invincibility,” she says.
“It’s almost as if it’s impossible to have a bad day while you’re wearing certain things — I love that feeling.”
Petersen’s passion for vintage clothing developed in high school, when she and her friends would spend hours combing through op shops and markets looking for preloved treasures.
“Maybe it’s the thrill of the chase and the adrenaline rush you get when you find something just right — I still love it,” she says.
“It’s interesting that vintage has become so covetable these days.”
Petersen says fashion is a fascinating industry, presenting issues such as environmental impacts, wage issues, diversity and inclusion barriers — all of which she considers when deciding what to wear — both in her work and personal life.
Go-to local designers include Michael Lo Sordo, Dion Lee and Acler, as well as Camilla and Marc, and Rebecca Vallance.
“Arnsdorf is another favourite — a boutique label with a strong eye on sustainability and transparency,” she says.
“I wore a pink, off-the-shoulder crepe knit Scanlan dress and Dinosaur Design earrings when I interviewed the legendary Anna Wintour at the Australian Open Inspirational Series a couple of years ago. She was very lovely and gracious and didn’t ever purse her lips at me so I’ll chalk that up as a fashion ‘win’.”
A necessary challenge to is to find outfits that straddle the space between bold and interesting while not being distracting for TV. Her favourites include a red Roland Mouret dress, a Roksanda skirt with a nod to the 1950s that gives her a “joie de vivre”, and a Dolce and Gabbana wattle dress that she got on sale.
“When I do events I have women from all sorts of professional and cultural backgrounds approach me to chat about the news and almost always want to know details about my wardrobe,” she says.
“Female politicians are usually first in line and often apologetic when they inquire.
“Like it or lump it, we are all judged on our appearance. If I can offer some details about an outfit that makes someone feel ready to take on the world, I’m happy to assist.”
STYLIST KYLIE GONDER
Kylie Gonder, 36, has been SBS network stylist for nine years and says a stylist’s job is to build strong relationships with people so that they trust you and your vision.
“I enjoy buying for men equally as women — I love dressing Anton Enus, who reads the SBS news. A good quality suit can be a work of art, and I love the story that can be created between a suit and tie.”
She says menswear label Paul Smith has always been a breath of fresh air for men’s suiting and smart casual looks, and Arnsdorf does simple and elegant very well.
“(Newsreader) Janice Petersen’s wardrobe has some cool Dion Lee dresses which always look modern,” she says.
“Every show has a brief and an EP (executive producer), so while trying to make a show look distinct it also has to work with the vision of the program creators and they can be more conservative for sure.
“It’s my job to break down those barriers though.”
Her “most fun” outfits over recent years include a photo shoot with singer Montaigne for Eurovision 2020, and Courtney Act for Mardi Gras last year.
“To people at home I would say: wear clothing that makes you feel good, be bold and try not to care what others think,” Gonder says.
PRESENTER NARELDA JACOBS
For the longest time Network Ten’s Narelda Jacobs thought being fashionable meant being uncomfortable — but she’s since learned that times have changed.
“I’ve grown to love fashion. In recent years I’ve realised you can have both,” she says.
For her, ethics matters most when it comes to fashion worth wearing.
“Designers with a conscience trump all others,” she says.
“First Nations labels, clothes made sustainably and brands that give back are my go-to.
“Maara Collective, Ngali, Kirrikin and Red Ridge for First Nations design. For earrings it’s Blakbird Designs, Moorditj Madilga Yarka, The Koori Circle, Moe Moe & Pia Designs.
“I’ve also recently fallen in love with COS, especially since they helped raise money and awareness of First Nations LGBTQIA+ charity Black Rainbow.”
She says SBS newsreader Lee Lin Chin, famous for her eclectic style, had been a trailblazer in being fashion-forward on traditionally conservative TV shows.
“The lines are slowly blurring,” she says.
“I’m always surprised and a bit excited when someone contacts me direct on socials to ask what I’m wearing. Does that mean I’m an … influencer?” she laughs,
“I try to get back them straight away with the answer and they always seem surprised to get a reply.”
Jacobs says this year’s NAIDOC Week was a fantastic example of how she was able to express herself in fashion, wearing First Nations design while being “a boss” on the news.
“I loved being able to elevate designers and take black excellence to our audience,” she says.
“Monday of NAIDOC this year was a favourite outfit … a Ngali dress and Pia Design earrings. That was a special day because on Studio 10 I presented the weather using traditional places names.”
PRESENTER SALLY BOWREY
Weekend Sunrise presenter Sally Bowrey says she loves trying on clothes and experimenting with fashion — but you won’t find her doing it on TikTok.
“I don’t have the skill to choreograph getting dressed to music — I have a hard enough time with zippers,” she laughs.
“You can take a risk as long as it doesn’t distract the viewer, or annoy the boss.
“A hint of fashion around the edges works well, a feathered cuff or a pompom shoe.
“You also can’t go past the simplicity of a modern, fresh hairstyle that moves, rather than one which is lacquered within an inch of its life.”
Bowrey’s favourite designers are Rixo, Scanlan Theodore, Viktoria & Woods, Ganni — and for a great suit she can’t go past the cuts by Rebecca Vallance and Carla Zampatti.
“Inspiration-wise, I’m loving looking back at ’90s Gwyneth Paltrow at the moment,” she says.
“Fashion on TV has opened up to the more casual way in which we live. We now wear looser cuts, less formal suits and softer fabrics like knits.”
Bowrey says since the pandemic, she’s made the conscious shift to wear primarily Australian designers.
“We need to embrace the incredible talent we have here and support the industry,” she says.
“I recently wore an incredible piece by Indigenous fashion designer Ngarru Miimi on Sunrise — the pants took days to make, screen-printed by hand in a pattern which represents sacred carvings across Wiradjuri country.
“It was like wearing a work of art.”
STYLIST NATALIE SHEHATA
Stylist Natalie Shehata started at Seven as an intern when she was 17, Now, more than a decade later, she’s head stylist, overseeing wardrobe, hair, and makeup for all artists and presenters across the country.
“I love how clothes can change how you feel,” she tells Insider. “Styling is such a collaborative experience, I get to dream up and create looks with such creative people, including our talented hair and makeup artists.
“I also collaborate with styling assistants from boutiques and have the privilege of creating custom pieces for events with top Australian designers and pattern makers.”
She says Australians are spoiled for choice when it comes to talented homegrown designers.
“We work almost exclusively with Australian designers, and a diverse mix of high street — for example Country Road, Cue, Veronika Maine, Witchery, Acler, Sheike — and high fashion, such as Scanlan Theodore, Camilla and Marc, Ginger and Smart, Rebecca Vallance, Bianca Spender, and Rachel Gilbert,” she says.
“The late Carla Zampatti, who I worked very closely with over the years, is renowned for her perfectly tailored suits in her ready-to-wear collections, and you’ll found at least one hanging in most of our female presenters’ wardrobes.”
When styling her stable of stars, Shehata steers away from muted, dull colours and opts for subtle prints that don’t “strobe”.
If in doubt, her four-part checklist of structure, clean lines, no fuss and bold colour tells her what will work on screen.
“It doesn’t need to be expensive to look good,” she says.
“At the end of the day, you will know what works because of how it makes you feel.”
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