This leading designer is inspired by a Brit with ties to the royal family

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, interior designer Brahman Perera.

Interior designer Brahman Perera encourages his clients to experiment with clashing colours.

How would you describe your style? Layered, textured, sentimental.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have some beautiful saris and embroidered shawls of my grandmother’s. They’re sentimental pieces I wear often, rather than saving for anything too special.

And the most recent addition? A cobalt-blue silk skirt from Lee Mathews.

What would you wear … on a first date? A silk skirt with a knitted tank, a great coat with a brooch and a solid leather boot. … on a plane? A comfortable wool blend set by Henne or Dissh, and shearling-lined Birkenstock sandals that I’m not above wearing with socks. … on the red carpet? A custom piece by Melbourne designer Amy Lawrance.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I reference the work of Cecil Beaton from the 1920s to the 1950s a lot. He was lauded as a photographer and costume designer, but he’s really a fashion designer. I love his use of fabric and drapery, whether it’s on a gown or curtains.

Do you have a favourite fashion designer? Issey Miyake is an inspiration – the fashion becomes wearable art.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Hiero “Otium” perfume oil.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A good coat – I like Marni, Max Mara and Christian Kimber – a shawl or scarf of my grandmother’s, and a skirt. I love that men are embracing skirts, whether it’s a pleated Thom Browne or androgynous Lee Mathews piece. It adds a different dynamic to men’s fashion which I used to consider fairly banal and predictable.

Thom Browne skirts are a favourite of Perera’s.

Any go-to jewellery? My gold-and-diamond Canturi “Cubism” wedding ring.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? Like a lot of kids, we grew up with a dress-up box. There were old clothes from my parents as well as weird and wonderful things, so every time we opened it there was a moment of delight.

What was your first fashion moment? My wedding in 2016 was a special time. I wore a traditional Sri Lankan outfit – a raw-silk pleated sarong, silk kurta top with a gold stole, and my grandmother’s jewellery. It was amazing to wear a simple, inexpensive, traditional outfit that was appropriate for the significance of what we were doing.

And your worst fashion mistake? When I was younger, I was desperate to get into a pair of Nudie jeans, but they just would not fit my body shape. That’s when I thought it was time to try something different.

What’s on your wish list? A custom velvet suit by E Nolan. I love Emily’s skill and the incredible sense of youthfulness and fun that comes through.

Is there something you would never wear? I’m open to all options. It’s about curation, editing and understanding proportion and volume, whether it’s an outfit or an interior. For example, in my collection with Ruggable you wouldn’t think some of the colours – shocking orange, marigold, gold and cobalt blue – would work together, but they do. They’re designed in a way I’m comfortable with.

Is there a current trend you like? I try to avoid trends. Having said that, and without sounding too twee, authenticity is in.

What shoes do you wear most often? Italian leather knee-high boots by Dear Frances.

Who is your favourite fashion icon? My grandmother, for the way she confidently mixed and matched prints and patterns, colour and contrast.

What do you wear on a typical working day? I like to look professional but still true to myself. I’ll often wear a Nehru-collar shirt layered with a vest, either pants or a skirt, and boots.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? You’ll find me at our farm in the country, where there’s an opportunity to lean into plaid, corduroy, shearling, a beanie. I embrace it wholeheartedly.

The Ruggable x Brahman Perera collection is available now.

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