This fashion designer’s favourite shoes are probably in your wardrobe

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, designer Alix Higgins.

Alix Higgins’ fondest fashion memories were the years 2008-14, including the last years of John Galliano at Dior.Credit: Louie Douvis

How would you describe your personal style? Confused but confident.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? Some hand-me-down “Bugz Ice Pops” T-shirts from my dad. A lot of my wardrobe is vintage and second-hand. I’m constantly hunting for pre-loved garments to upcycle for my brand and end up shopping for myself. I also shop on The RealReal for vintage designer pieces, such as Prada skirts from the late 2000s.

And the most recent addition? A green JW Anderson feather boa.

What would you wear … on a first date? A miniskirt with a big collared shirt and comfortable shoes, such as sneakers, in case we go dancing. … on a plane? A T-shirt from my own label with tracksuit pants, a hoodie, big headphones, an eye mask and slip-on sandals. … on the red carpet? I’d make a big gown out of T-shirts and wear it with a little kitten heel.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The years 2008-2014, when I was a teenager and discovering fashion. Prada, and its iconic prints from that time, was some of the best fashion ever. It was also the last few years of John Galliano at Dior – his showmanship, the characters, the history; it was so rich and romantic. And then Raf Simons came in, and I loved how modern and simple it was. In my brand and my personal style, I go between these two things – crazy vintage, then minimal and precise.

Who are your favourite designers? Miuccia Prada is important to me. Also, Nicolas Ghesquière, JW Anderson and I love what Australian designer Jordan Dalah is doing.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Loewe “001 Man” and Byredo “Eyes Closed”.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? My black R.M. Williams boots – they’re dressy but a bit cowboy – long Uniqlo socks, and I’m obsessed with Balenciaga earrings, particularly the oversized silver styles with crystals and coloured stones.

Any other go-to jewellery? I wear a few rings by Melbourne designer Seb Brown and a baroque-style necklace by Sydney-based designer Phoebe Cutler.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? I grew up near the beach and was really into Billabong; there was an aqua and teal T-shirt with a big yellow graffiti-style logo that I loved. That obsession feeds into my work now.

What was your first fashion moment? I vividly remember watching Dior’s Egyptian-themed spring/summer 2004 couture show on the news when I was 10 years old and being mesmerised.

And your worst fashion mistake? Wearing a pair of women’s Acne skinny jeans in my late teens that were stretchy and glued to my legs. I thought they were so cool.

What’s on your wish list? The Balenciaga “Rodeo” bag – it’s tan suede with shearling cream trim, like an ugg boot. I’m drawn to quite impractical things.

Lust-worthy yet impractical … Balenciaga’s “Rodeo” shearling bag.Credit:

Is there something you would never wear? No, I’m open to trying new things and embracing things that I’m a bit afraid of. Except maybe skinny jeans.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m tapped out from the constantly changing trends. In my work I try not to engage with them – I don’t want my brand to be defined as “cottage-core” or whatever. I’m trying to make something that feels personal.

What shoes do you wear most often? I love a simple black Havaiana thong. It kind of disappears.

Who are your favourite fashion icons? [Musicians] Charlotte Gainsbourg and Florence Welch.

What do you wear on a typical working day? One of my upcycled skirts made from T-shirts and lace – it’s romantic, but easy to wear – with a vintage T-shirt and some big earrings. I need to wear something shiny and glittery every day.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Very short Prada swim shorts with a big old T-shirt.

Alix Higgins will present his Resort 2026 collection on May 14 at Australian Fashion Week, Sydney.

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