The key item Dee Salmin is hoping to find before hitting the Brownlow red carpet
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, radio presenter Dee Salmin.
How would you describe your style? It’s a confused combo of beach, slutty grandma, BCF and eshay. It changes depending on my mood, but I’m always wearing something that’s vintage or thrifted; I haven’t bought any clothes that aren’t second-hand in 15 years.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have a 1920s wedding dress and an old Russian hat from the Soviet era. I also love finding things in op shops in small country towns, like hand-sewn 1940s nighties I never wear but hang on my wall because they’re so beautiful.
And the most recent addition? My housemate Brendan made matching T-shirts for himself, my boyfriend [AFL player Darcy Moore] and me with our names on them.
What are the three essentials in your wardrobe? A long, flowy, black satin skirt, band T-shirts and a denim bag with diamantés on it.
What would you wear … on a first date? I wear the same ’90s purple dress with black roses on it on every first date. It takes the mental load off … on a plane? Trackies, jumper, hoodie … on the red carpet? I have a loophole for wearing new things to events like the Brownlow Medal and NGV Gala where I’ll work with a local designer or artist. For the Brownlow its Naarm designer Poppy Templeton. I bought my shoes from Depop.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the 1970s hippie, Woodstock era for the flowing dresses and skirts, florals and Penny Lane coats.
Who are your favourite designers? I love jeweller Millie Savage’s pieces. Also, my friend’s label Clawdi for beautiful jackets made from second-hand woollen blankets, and my sister’s label, Baddi Bags.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I’ve worn Giorgio Armani “Acqua Di Giò” since my dad gave me a bottle when I was 12.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A cute T-shirt my grandma made with “Darya-saurus” – my full name is Darya – and a picture of a dinosaur on it.
What was your first fashion moment? It was last year when I was invited to all the shows at Australian Fashion Week. One of my favourite looks was long green Sass & Bide shorts with a see-through black lacy top. I thought if I’m going to get my nips out it may as well be seen as a fashion statement.
And your worst fashion mistake? About 10 years ago, I had a phase where I was obsessed with tie-dying everything. I went to a food and wine festival in Margaret River in head-to-toe tie-dye; I’m talking hat, top, pants, socks, shoes, everything. So embarrassing, in hindsight.
What’s on your wish list? I’m desperately trying to find a specific bag for the Brownlow Medal. All I will say is that it’s made from something you wouldn’t normally make a bag out of.
Is there something you’d never wear? Thongs – I don’t like anything between my toes. And I don’t wear jeans any more. They’re so uncomfortable.
Is there a current trend you like? Women wearing really baggy clothes. A lot of women’s fashion has been tight-fitting to emphasise shape and accentuate curves. I like how baggy clothes are not about the body, but comfort.
What shoes do you wear most often? Pink Croc high heels. Darcy gave them to me for Christmas and I’m obsessed. I wasn’t a Crocs person but then I was like, “Oh if you put a heel on it.”
Who is your favourite fashion icon? I love the way fashion influencers Ines Silva and Sofia Coelho put outfits together. Like me, their looks change regularly depending on their mood and the day.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I’m lucky that at Triple J you can show up in whatever you want, so it changes every day.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? My Taylor Swift oodie.
Dee Salmin presents and produces Triple J’s The Hook Up.