Terry Biviano reveals the fragrance that puts her into her ‘comfort zone’

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Terry Biviano.

The Real Housewives of Sydney star’s signature shoe is a 12-centimetre high heel. Credit: Hanna Lassen

How would you describe your style? Classic with a modern twist.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? That’s a hard one. I am a hoarder or, as I prefer to say, a collector. I have things from the 1980s and ’90s. Fashion is circular, it always comes back; that’s why I never get rid of anything. And some things, like my Chanel bags, never go out of fashion. That’s the beauty of classic pieces.

And the most recent addition? A pair of diamond hoop earrings from Alinka. I like to invest in jewellery.

What would you wear …

… on a first date? A sexy black dress and heels.

… on a plane? All black: leggings, tee, bomber jacket or blazer. It’s the one time I wear flat shoes. Sneakers are not my friend; I find them uncomfortable, but I’ll wear Saint Laurent sneakers for the plane.

… on the red carpet? I wore a custom Mariam Seddiq dress and opera coat in fuchsia to the launch of The Real Housewives of Sydney. I love supporting Australian fashion.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The OTT ’80s. I love a shoulder pad, power suiting and a structured silhouette. Joan Collins in Dynasty was my fashion idol growing up.

Who are your favourite designers? I love local designers, especially Toni MatiČevski and Mariam Seddiq. I wear a lot of Rebecca Vallance: she makes the perfect dress for any occasion from lunch to evening wear. Internationally, I like David Koma, Alexander McQueen and Mugler.

Biviano loves ’80s styles, especially that of Dynasty’s Joan Collins.Credit: Getty Images

What’s your fragrance of choice? The first perfume I ever wore was Chanel No. 5. It was given to me as a teenager and I never stopped wearing it. I still wear it today; it’s my comfort zone, it’s nostalgic and reminds me of everything good in the world.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? I can’t live without heels, a fabulous black blazer and a designer handbag. You can make anything look good with good accessories

Any go-to jewellery? I like to mix it up but at the moment my everyday essentials are my diamond stud earrings, diamond tennis bracelet and diamond tennis necklace.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A red dress with white polka dots. It had a love-heart bodice and a full skirt. It’s the shoes I always loved the most: I wore white patent Mary Janes with that dress.

Terry Biviano is coveting a Hermès Kelly II mini bag in hot pink.

And your worst fashion mistake? I was a teenager in the 1990s, so there were some regrettable moments. The pencil-thin eyebrows that I have not been able to grow back, the dark lip liner with nude lipstick – that whole grunge look. It’s all coming back into fashion. It didn’t work on me then; it’s not going to work on me now.

What’s at the top of your wish list? A Hermès Kelly II mini bag in hot pink.

Is there something you would never wear? Crocs. My daughter asked for a pair and I’m like, “No, this family will not be wearing Crocs.”

Is there a current trend you like? I don’t follow trends. I dress to my personal style; I know what works.

What shoes do you wear most often? My signature is 12-centimetre high heels. I used to only wear my own label, now I love a Christian Louboutin pump.

What do you sleep in? Jasmine and Will cotton pyjamas.

Who is your favourite fashion icon? My mother. She taught me everything about fashion, how it’s not about what you wear but how you wear it. She was always ultra-glam.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I don’t do casual but if I had to, maybe a short little summer dress and slides. I like to do nothing on a Sunday, so it’s often pyjama day.

Terry Biviano stars in The Real Housewives of Sydney on Binge.

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