Why Kylie Kwong couldn’t be paid to wear a dress

How would you describe your style?

Simple, androgynous, practical. I like oversized clothes and I love black.

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe?

An embroidered jacket I bought on my first trip to Tibet in 2005. I love the traditional clothing of Asian countries, especially Japan and Tibet.

Kylie Kwong: "When I think about style, it comes from within the person as much as their talent."Credit: Daniel Boud

And the most recent item you bought?

In Tokyo in 2018 I bought six beautiful Japanese designer shirts.

What would you wear …

… on a first date? On my first date with Nell, my wife, I wore denim jeans, a Tibetan embroidered jacket and boots.

… on a plane? Loose cotton pants, a loose shirt and joggers.

… to the Oscars? One of Yohji Yamamoto’s black, asymmetrical pantsuit looks with a piece of striking jewellery.

What’s your favourite fashion period?

The ’70s to the ’80s, when Japanese designers Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo [Comme des Garçons] came to prominence. It was the introduction of classic Asian cuts into Western fashion.

What is your favourite Australian fashion label?

Romance Was Born. Anna [Plunkett] and Luke [Sales] are incredible artists, original and playful. One of my favourite pieces is a black silk pyjama-style shirt with a beautiful bird-print design by photographer Gary Heery.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe?

My black Issey Miyake Pleats Please scarf – you can roll it up in your suitcase, fly across the world and it’s still crisp and springy. Black Yohji Yamamoto shirts – I’ve got several. And my Maggie Beer striped apron.

What was your first fashion moment?

When I was five, Mum tried to clothe me in a light-blue dress that she had made for me. I hated it. She would say, “Kylie, I’ll give you five cents if you wear a dress.” That’s how much I disliked wearing dresses – and absolutely nothing has changed!

Kylie wearing a dress made by her mum.Credit:  Courtesy of Kylie Kwong

And your worst fashion mistake?

For my year 12 formal, Mum made me an emerald-green suede skirt. I thought I liked it, but when I was there I felt so incredibly awkward – it just wasn’t me. I’ve never felt comfortable in skirts, dresses or high heels. It’s not who I am.

Do you have a favourite fragrance?

Aesop’s Hwyl Eau de Parfum. It’s reminiscent of a hinoki forest – smoky, woody and earthy.

Is there a current trend you like?

What I wear is what I’ve loved to wear for a long time – simple, high-quality, innovative, ageless, interesting pieces.

What is your favourite casual Sunday look?

Baggy fisherman-style pants with a loose cotton shirt and joggers.

What would you buy if money were no object?

Issey Miyake Pleats Please scarves in every colour. And I would continuously support not-for-profit organisations such as Oz Harvest, Too Good, Wayside Chapel and Weave Youth.

Do you have a style muse?

Adelaide-based designer Khai Liew is inspiring – he’s an interior designer, furniture maker, craftsman and artist. But it’s more to do with his personal style – he’s completely ego-less. When I think about style, it comes from within the person as much as their talent.

This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale May 3.