Neale Whitaker: ‘My pants were an accident waiting to happen’

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, interior design expert Neale Whitaker.

Neale Whitaker appreciates 1950s style for its “for simple elegance and attention to detail”.

How would you describe your style? On a bad day, like a 60-year-old skateboarder but on a good day, casually minimal.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pair of Gucci loafers that my partner David bought me for the launch of my one and only book almost 20 years ago.

And the most recent addition? A black, oversized, double-breasted rayon jacket by 08sircus I bought on a trip to Kyoto, Japan.

Neale Whitaker says King Charles has always been impeccably dressed. Credit: Popperfoto via Getty Images

What would you wear … on a first date? In the past the answer might have been “as little as possible”, especially if that first date involved a dance floor. In the unlikely event of a first date these days – David and I have been together 21 years – I’d opt for my staples: a T-shirt, unstructured jacket, Uniqlo cargo pants and New Balance trainers.

… on a plane? Ditto the first date but with a comfortable sweatshirt or hoodie for the chilly bit mid-flight.

… on the red carpet? At my age, or any age, you can’t beat classic black tie. My go-to is a double-breasted custom-made suit by Sydney designer Brent Wilson. I have a pair of black suede and leather loafers I bought from London shoemaker Mr Hare so long ago they would now qualify as vintage, they’re still my black-tie favourites.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the 1950s and early ’60s for the white shirts, well-cut suits and perfectly knotted ties and the high-waisted chinos with polo shirts and navy blazers. There was a simple elegance and attention to detail.

Do you have a favourite designer? My career began in 1980s London; Katharine Hamnett was the designer who influenced me the most, she pioneered the streetwear and workwear that still dominates fashion today. I also loved Paul Smith, Nicole Farhi and Joseph Ettedgui. These days I’m comfortable with accessible brands like Assembly Label and Academy Brand, I see in them the simplicity I’ve always admired.

What’s your fragrance of choice? ”Papyrus Moléculaire” by Maison Crivelli. I also like Byredo’s “Gypsy Water” and “Desert Dawn”.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Black Uniqlo T-shirts, baseballs caps and trainers are the basics I build with every day.

Any go-to jewellery? Two silver rings including my Georg Jensen wedding ring, a silver ID bracelet and a tiny platinum ear stud.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? My brother and I both had Batman suits; I wanted to be Robin but instead we were Batman and Batman.

What was your first fashion moment? As a young PR intern, I attended John Galliano’s Les Incroyables graduation show in London in 1984. It was a truly “incroyable” time to be working in fashion!

And your worst fashion mistake? My very tight black pleather pants were probably always an accident waiting to happen. Sadly, I was about 35 when I wore them.

What’s at the top of your wishlist? I’m at a stage when I don’t really covet anything, but a classic black cashmere coat wouldn’t go amiss. Mr Armani must have one.

Is there something you would never wear? Crocs, anything with big logos, cropped tops.

Is there a current trend you like? I love that we’re wearing wide-legged trousers again.

What do you wear to bed? Tattoos.

What shoes do you wear the most often? New Balance, Adidas and Nike trainers, Birkenstocks, Blundstone boots and Tevas.

Do you have a favourite fashion icon? So many. Cate Blanchett rarely gets it wrong, ditto Tilda Swinton. I also like Harry Styles, Jude Law and Jonathan Bailey. King Charles has always been impeccably dressed and I admire the work of British fashion stylist Luke Day.

What do you wear on a typical working day? There’s no such thing. I dress for the demands of the job whether it’s on or off camera.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A T-shirt, linen shorts and Birkenstocks.

Neale Whitaker’s homewares collection for Gro Urban Oasis is available from gro-urbanoasis.com.au

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