Why this designer’s unconventional air travel outfit makes sense

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Romance Was Born co-founder Anna Plunkett.

Anna Plunkett began her love for upcycling garments as a child.Credit: Tanja Brucker

How would you describe your style? It’s eclectic. I start with one thing I want to wear and work from that. I have a rule to wear one Romance [Was Born] thing a day. I love wearing colour and print, putting combinations together and mixing everything up.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My nanna’s engagement ring from the ’40s. I wear it with rings of my mum’s and auntie’s. I’m sentimental; I love putting them on every day.

And the most recent addition? A 1980s cropped black brocade jacket that Luke [Sales, Romance Was Born co-founder] gave me for Christmas.

What would you wear … on a first date? A dress with an ’80s YSL pump and vintage jewellery. …on a plane? I like to wear baggy, comfy, stretchy things. Luke laughs at me because sometimes I’ll wear a black tulle fairy-looking dress. It’s probably a bit dramatic, but it’s oversized and cosy. … on the red carpet? I wear something from the new season and make a bit of a statement – it’s what our brand does best. I’m a shy person, but I love dressing up – it makes me feel more confident. I’ll wear hand-painted Giuseppe Zanotti pumps, or a satin pair from our collaboration with Ken Done and LMS.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I love 1980s Christian Lacroix. It was a fun moment when people didn’t hold back – the high-voltage colour, the big shoulders with small hemlines.

Any other designers you love? Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson. I have a massive collection of knits from Jenny and some of my favourite pieces are from Linda, including a red strapless taffeta dress. For my last birthday, Jenny gave me a Vivienne Westwood piece from the ’80s.

Plunkett’s fashion idols include Jenny Kee (left) and Linda Jackson.Credit: Brook Mitchell

What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear Chanel Les Exclusifs “Sycomore”. And I like the Maison Margiela “Replica” perfumes – my boyfriend recently gave me “When the Rain Stops”. He said it reminded him of me.

Plunkett’s vintage Chanel necklace is a wardrobe favourite.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A Marine Serre miniskirt made from upcycled towels, a vintage Chanel CC necklace with a cross, and a Linda Jackson hand-knitted jumper from the ’70s.

Any go-to jewellery? I love a statement earring.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A pair of silky Esprit watercolour shorts when I was in primary school. In my teens, I was really into upcycling from op shops – vintage nighties cut into skirts and making stuff out of ties. It’s kind of what we do now.

What was your first fashion moment? In high school I made a “cloud” dress out of weird fabric for an art competition, but I sewed my finger and was like, OK, I’m being a bit ambitious.

And your worst fashion mistake? I like mistakes. Obviously, I was into it at the time, so carpe diem.

What’s on your fashion wish list? I’m always coveting opals, vintage Chanel pieces and vintage YSL jewellery.

Is there something you’d never wear? I feel kind of neutral towards activewear.

Is there a current trend you like? I like high-low fashion, such as denim with something expensive. Chloë Sevigny does it well.

What shoes do you wear most often? I walk everywhere, so my Nike “Space Hippies” or “TN” sneakers.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love Anna Piaggi’s super-eclectic style and her appreciation of creativity.

What do you wear on a typical working day? A big shirt with a miniskirt and sneakers.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’m pretty casual in vintage bootleg jeans and a tee, but I’ll jazz it up with jewellery and lipstick – M.A.C “Lady Danger” is my favourite.

Romance Was Born celebrates 20 years with a Vivid Sydney installation from May 23 to June 14.

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