This was published 2 years ago
How to master vintage prints and miniskirts this spring
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Owner of Publisher textiles, Stephanie Isaac-Newton.
Stephanie Isaac-Newton is the owner of Publisher textiles in Sydney, a factory specialising in hand printed, Australian made clothing.Credit: Jennifer Soo
How would you describe your style? In my 20s it was very 1940s and ’50s pin-up queen. These days it’s a mix of 1960s and ’90s style: lots of miniskirts, shift dresses, baggy jeans and cardigans. I love cardigans.
What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A Wheels & Dollbaby dress that’s at least 30 years old. It’s black, fitted with tiny blue flowers, it’s like something Kelly Bundy would have worn in Married with Children. It’s one of my favourite pieces. I’ve worn it hundreds of times, to weddings, nightclubs, gigs.
And the most recent addition? Two of our Publisher dresses. One has the Rockholes design from Ikuntji Artists – one of the Indigenous communities we print with. The other is a classic leopard print.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? My current going-out look is a miniskirt, nice blouse, red lipstick and heeled ankle boots.
… on the plane? I show up looking put-together in nice pants and top, and after take-off I’m in PJs, jumper and slippers.
… on the red carpet? A 1960s, Jean Shrimpton-style mini-dress made in one of our boldest and brightest Merrepen silks.
Stephanie’s top jewellery piece is her Alexander McQueen skull pendant necklace.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1960s. There was a lot of glamour coming in from the ’50s, as well as the miniskirts, big hair, Peter Pan collars and western Nudie suits.
Do you have a favourite designer? Melbourne label Uncle Phuncle has the most fabulous silhouettes; I love their miniskirts and swing jackets made from beautiful vintage fabrics. And I am a die-hard fan of Wheels & Dollbaby; I have been since I was a teenager. I own a lot of their pieces.
Do you wear fragrance? I don’t wear perfume; I have PTSD from working on the fragrance counter at Myer. I like hair and body products with Middle Eastern scents like rose, orange blossom and spices.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Fitted cardigans, black baggy jeans and shift dresses.
Any go-to jewellery? An Alexander McQueen skull pendant necklace.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I remember constantly wearing a bright orange Hot Tuna T-shirt and shorts when I was about eight.
And your worst fashion mistake? The underwear-as-outerwear look that was big in the early 2000s. Negligees worn as dresses, bras over tops – none of it was good.
What was your first fashion moment? Looking at old photos of my grandmother in the 1940s when I was about 12 – she was always immaculate in a two-piece suit, pillbox hat and perfectly curled hair – and thinking maybe I could look a bit fancy. It was around that age that I stopped being
a hardcore tomboy.
What’s at the top of your wishlist? I’m lusting after the Acapulco dress from Adelaide label Closet Mod. It’s 1960s air-hostess perfection.
Is there something you would never wear? Polo shirts and stiletto heels.
Is there a current fashion trend you like? I’m seeing a lot of big, loud prints and, given what I do for a living, I am a big fan of loud prints.
What shoes do you wear the most often? Heeled ankle boots.
Stephanie is inspired by English model Twiggy’s 1960s flair.Credit: Getty Images
Who are your favourite fashion icons? I love Dita Von Teese and Marilyn Monroe for pin-up inspiration, and Twiggy and Mary Quant for ’60s style.
What do you wear on a typical working day? If I’m in the factory, it’s army pants, T-shirt, sneakers – things I can get glue and ink on – and if I’m in the shop [in Sydney’s Camperdown], it’s a Publisher dress or maybe one of our tops with a Made590 skirt and ankle boots.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Wide-legged high-waisted pants and a top from YEVU, a Ghanaian label that make cool, loud, cotton pieces.
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