‘I don’t want to name names’: Olympia Valance’s biggest red carpet regret

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor Olympia Valance.

Olympia Valance and her husband, retired AFL player Thomas Bellchambers started a quirky holiday tradition of buying hats.Credit: Liane Hurvitz

How would you describe your style? Relaxed but elevated.

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A classic leather jacket of my mother’s from the ’90s.

And the most recent addition? My husband Thomas [Bellchambers] and I have a funny thing where every time we go on holiday we get a new hat – a “holiday hat”. On a recent trip to Greece, I bought a straw hat that has a hole in the top because my hair is always in a bun on top of my head.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A high-waisted jean, a good black blazer and a nice pair of slides.

What would you wear … on a first date? On my first date with Thomas, I wore trackies, a hoodie, and ugg boots. He lived up the road from me and invited me over for a glass of wine. … on a plane? Now that I’m travelling with a child, it’s leggings and a jumper and lots of changes of clothes for long-haul flights. For domestic flights, I’ll wear jeans and a blazer. … on the red carpet? Some of my favourite looks are by J’Aton. They also did my wedding dress.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the Victorian period for the high necklines, bell sleeves and corsets. I’m obsessed with the TV series Penny Dreadful, which I mainly watch for the incredible costumes.

What labels do you love? I have a large collection of Rebecca Vallance pieces, from casual to formal. She always nails the spring racing colours and styles. I like Henne for jeans and everyday clothes, and Zimmermann’s silk two-piece shirt-and-pant sets.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I have a lot! Some favourites are Le Labo “Thé Noir 19”, Maison Margiela Replica “Beach Walk” and Chanel “Coco Mademoiselle”.

Any go-to jewellery? I layer up as many gold pieces as I can. A Francesca locket with a picture of Thomas and me on our wedding day and a Cartier “Love” necklace are special.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I loved glitter jelly sandals. I remember going on holiday to Bali with my mum and I had suitcase full of jellies. I wanted different colours for different days. It was a big thing.

What was your first fashion moment? Attending my first Logies in 2015. It was the first time I’d had a custom-made dress – a white gown with a high neck and cinched waist by J’Aton. You feel like you’ve made it [in the entertainment business] – the designers are fitting you and you know you’re going to look amazing.

And your worst fashion mistake? There have been a lot. I don’t want to name names and put down a designer, but I like pushing the envelope and being daring when it comes to the red carpet – perhaps too daring! At least I did something different.

What’s on your wish list? A giant black Saint Laurent “Icare” bag.

Is there something you’d never wear? I don’t wear shorts, miniskirts or mini dresses. I never have.

Is there a current trend you like? I can tell you what I hate: low-rise, hipster jeans. I’m seeing them everywhere. I’m a high-waisted pant girl.

What shoes do you wear most often? Alias Mae slides and Dior “Lucky” sneakers.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I’m obsessed with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – she never fails. Whether it’s holiday attire, everyday outfits with her kids or the red carpet, she always looks effortless and chic.

These Dior sneakers are Valance’s favourites.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Jeans, a white singlet and a blazer.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A matching set that looks and feels like pyjamas.

Olympia Valance will attend the Caulfield Cup as an official guest of Melbourne Racing Club.

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