I was in a bar with Jean Paul Gaultier and Madonna. This is the outfit I wore

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, fashion designer Amy Smilovic.

On a lazy Sunday, you can find Amy Smilovic in track pants and a big cashmere sweater.Credit: Courtesy of Tibi

How would you describe your style? Effortless, modern, familiar.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A giant men’s blazer from one of my runway shows about 15 years ago.

And the most recent addition? A gold and silver Paco Rabanne “Sparkle Star” bag. It’s perfect when adding that one odd thing to a clean look.

What would you wear … on a first date? Black Tibi “Sid” jeans, because they’re sculpted and interesting, with a sleek black top, big earrings and sandals … on a plane? Track pants with a crew neck sweater, blazer and my heaviest shoes and coat … on the red carpet? My “4-ply Silk Fringed” dress – it’s interesting, cool and modern. The fabrication is important because people will be in full-on couture, and you need to feel present.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1920s were so fun.

Do you have a favourite designer? I appreciate Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, true Balenciaga, Demna for Balenciaga and Phoebe Philo, all for their clean aesthetic. They make clothing that’s meant to be worn.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Right now, I’m wearing Michelle Pfeiffer’s Henry Rose fragrance, “Jake’s House”.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Dark denim jeans, a navy-blue blazer and a grey cashmere sweater.

Any go-to jewellery? A Breitling watch I bought myself for my 50th. A ring with a picture of my dog, hand-painted by Francesca Villa in Milan. A bracelet hand-painted by nuns in Switzerland. Hoop earrings.

Smilovic recently ticked this Balenciaga “Rodeo” bag off her wish list.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? Yes, a baby-blue button-down shirt with a navy pencil skirt in the sixth grade.

What was your first fashion moment? In my 20s, I went to Paris with my soon-to-be husband. I’d never been overseas before, and in every moment I just felt so wrong. We went back in 1996, we were staying at the Ritz and it was Paris Fashion Week. I remember I was in the bar and Jean Paul Gaultier was there with Madonna, Linda Evangelista was there, it was the true scene. I had splurged on a black, double-breasted Calvin Klein blazer that I was wearing with jeans, and it was so good. It was exactly what I wanted to be wearing, sitting in the bar with those people.

And your worst fashion mistake? It’s always when I’ve tried to replicate the way someone else dressed and didn’t feel like myself. For instance, when I was in high school and saved up to buy pink corduroy pants and a green sweater and wore it once.

What’s on your wish list? I ticked a big thing off when I bought the Balenciaga “Rodeo” croc-effect bag. It’s been a long time since I bought an “it” bag.

Is there something you would never wear? White, low-rise, ripped skinny jeans.

What do you sleep in? Men’s pyjamas by Royal Highnies, white with blue piping. The name is so cheese, but they do the best Sea Island cotton pyjamas.

Is there a current trend you like? Trends, in their best state, represent the mood people are in – and for a while now I’ve been in the mood for an over-the-top sequin skirt. I’d calm it down with a blazer and penny loafers.

What shoes do you wear most often? Tibi “Seth” sneakers.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I’m obsessed with Polish actress Kasia Smutniak’s clean, chic style.

What do you wear on a typical working day? When I’m working on a collection, I wear simple clothes in navy and black, to keep my head clear.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in track pants, a big cashmere sweater and socks, bingeing the most mindless, tackiest TV show I can find.

Tibi creative director Amy Smilovic will host styling sessions at Grace, October 25-30.

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