Why creative director Abi Crompton doesn’t do weekend wear

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, founder and creative director of Third Drawer Down, Abi Crompton.

“My mum would dress me in beautiful Liberty-print dresses but when I got to school I’d change into black jeans, an army belt and my favourite T-shirt.”Credit: Chris Hillary

How would you describe your style? If I was an object of art, I would be defined in the pop-art movement: popular, accessible, witty, a bit sexy, gimmicky, glamorous and always challenging the norm.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A NOM*d dress I’ve had for about nine years. It’s an old favourite; I love it for the rock bands screen-printed on it and because it always gives me good luck.

And the most recent addition? I’ve been getting into Farewell Division, an awesome brand out of California’s Echo Park. Billie Eilish was wearing one of their T-shirts at a concert and I spent a lot of time on the net tracking it down. It’s a death metal-style tee with a collage of black-and-white horror images.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? My lucky NOM*d dress – I found my love wearing it – and chunky sneakers.
… on a plane? A bright-coloured velour leisure suit by Italian brand Barrow or a Supreme jumpsuit with slides and novelty socks.
… on the red carpet? I think the after-party would be more fun. I’d wear my Off-White silk dress.

Abi has plenty of time for her Bulgari “Serpenti” ceramic watch.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I like fashion for now and what’s coming; there are so many ways you can approach it and that excites me.

Who are your favourite designers? Off-White. It will be interesting to see what happens to the brand in the future [founder Virgil Abloh died in 2021]. I like JW Anderson’s approach to design; it’s conservative in essence but then it’s a bit naughty and drops these fun cues, like penis key rings. And I love the illustrations and graphics of Wacky Wacko.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Comme des Garçons “Incense Avignon” and “Floriental”

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? My Opening Ceremony x Columbia ripstop hoodie: it’s bright purple and leopard print and folds down into a cushion. Off-White “Odsy” sneakers: they’re chunky, fun and super comfortable – I have white with fluoro trim and I just bought a black pair to change up my vibe. And my Moncler puffer jacket.

Any go-to jewellery? A Bulgari “Serpenti” ceramic watch. I also wear “Serpenti” earrings and giant diamonds in the second and third holes.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? It wasn’t a favourite but my mother sewed shoulder pads into every outfit I owned from the ’80s and beyond.

And your worst fashion mistake? Dying my hair white and having a bright-blue circle painted on the top of my head in the ’90s.

What was your first fashion moment? My independence in fashion began in year 2. My mum would dress me in beautiful Liberty-print dresses but when I got to school I’d change into black jeans, an army belt and my favourite T-shirt.

What’s on your wish list? I cleared it recently when I picked up a silk Vetements lounge suit with lottery tickets printed all over it.

Is there anything you would never wear? Wooden shoes.

Is there a current fashion trend you like? I don’t see fashion in trends. For me, fashion and art are like emotional impulses; it’s about an entire experience.

What do you sleep in? My perfume.

Abi loves the way Virgil Abloh played around with popular culture.Credit: Getty Images

Do you have a favourite fashion icon? As a teen in the ’80s, it was Stuart Membery: I loved wearing his clothes, all the oversized tartan shirts. I’m also a big fan of Virgil Abloh; I worked with him on a series of limited-edition floor rugs for a museum exhibition. I love how he’d take things from popular culture and play around with them.

What do you wear on a typical working day? A tracksuit and a fun T-shirt – I love a good slogan tee.

And your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? The same. There’s no weekend for my clothes, just life.

Third Drawer Down has partnered with Heide Museum of Modern Art in Melbourne to relaunch the Heide Shop.

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