This was published 1 year ago
‘I collect Italian sports jumpers from the ’90s’: Inside Sian Redgrave’s wardrobe
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, cook Sian Redgrave.
Sian Redgrave: “I’m always cooking in Stan Ray cargo pants or a boiler suit with Birkenstock clogs.”Credit: Peter Van Alphen
How would you describe your style? Androgynous. It’s definitely not girly or feminine. I love tailoring and minimalistic colour blocking.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I worked for Perth boutique Dilettante when I was 19 and I’d save up my pay cheque to buy Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester and Vivienne Westwood pieces. I still wear the Ann D blazers.
And the most recent addition?
I splurged on a Prada nylon bag, a men’s crossbody in navy.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Bespoke tailored trousers in a lightweight wool, a collared shirt – I like The Frankie Shop for basics and Ann Demeulemeester for something
more interesting – and an investment coat such as a Max Mara “Teddy Bear” coat or navy wool trench.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? A suit by E Nolan, P. Johnson or Acne. Something silky, not too structured, a little sexy.
… on a plane? I’m a big fan of the Uniqlo cotton waffle sets, worn with a trench so I don’t look too sloppy.
… on the red carpet? Something elegant from The Row with statement earrings and an Aquazzura stiletto.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The ’90s. I love how everything was streamlined and the whole “borrowing your boyfriend’s clothes” look.
Who are your favourite designers? Acne is my go-to. Also, Phoebe Philo for Céline. And Vivienne Westwood.
What’s your favourite fragrance? I’m obsessed with fragrance. I love anything masculine and strong. I’m currently wearing “Black Afgano” by Nasomatto; it’s based on pheromones and quite intense. I also love Orto Parisi “Terroni” – terroni is a derogatory word for a southern Italian peasant. It smells like tobacco and kind of like a farmer – it’s reminiscent of the land.
Any go-to jewellery? I bought myself a second-hand men’s Rolex “Datejust” watch from my birth year for my 30th birthday. I also wear old chains, crosses and signet rings that I buy from thrift shops in Italy.
Redgrave loves the way actor Tilda Swinton wears colour.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child?
A Batman costume I wouldn’t take off when I was six.
What was your first fashion moment? I did childhood modelling and for an end-of-year pageant I dressed up as Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman in an op-shop red taffeta gown with my hair in a French roll. I was 11, dressed as a high-class prostitute.
And your worst fashion mistake? When I tried to fit in with the girls I hung around with at high school, who wanted look to super-sexy – it was that bodycon, bandage dress, Supré era. I never felt myself.
Redgrave favours fragrances that are masculine and strong, such as Nasomatto’s “Black Afgano”.
What’s at the top of your wish list? I dream of owning some late ’80s or early ’90s Cartier “Panthère” gold hoop earrings.
Is there anything you would never wear? Floral frills.
Is there a current trend you like? 1990s normcore is so in, which I love, but now everyone’s wearing a suit with Salomon sneakers. It’s the way I’ve always dressed.
What shoes do you wear the most? Sebago loafers, Golden Goose sneakers and Ann Demeulemeester riding boots.
What do you wear to bed? Linen PJs and Santa Maria Novella’s “Acqua di Rose” rose water spray.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I have many. Tilda Swinton wears colour so well. I love what Giorgio Armani wore in the ’90s – a tennis polo with suiting like he just stepped off the yacht for lunch. Sade for her sexy but understated style. And I love everything JFK jnr and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy wore around New York.
What do you wear on a typical workday? I’m always cooking in Stan Ray cargo pants or a boiler suit with Birkenstock clogs, chunky socks and a Worktones apron.
What’s your favourite casual Sunday look? Tailored pants, T-shirt and an old Sergio Tacchini sweatshirt – I collect Italian sports jumpers from the ’90s.
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