'Every day is a fashion moment': Inside the wardrobe of Bassike's Deborah Sams

How would you describe your style?

Elevated casual. Very classic but modern at the same time and quite androgynous.

Deborah Sams.Credit: James Brickwood

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe?

A Comme des Garçons dress I bought in the ’90s – it’s fabulous. It’s a little asymmetric tank dress with a black-and-white check print. I still wear it.

And the most recent addition?

A Bottega Veneta woven clutch.

What would you wear …

... on a first date? I’d probably play it pretty casual. Jeans, a T-shirt, great earrings and heels.
... on a plane? I’m usually in Bassike – a pair of jersey slouch pants and a cashmere knit. I always take a trench because it’s a good way to cover up whatever’s underneath and look chic as you get off the plane.
... to the Oscars? Valentino.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe?

Japanese-made washed-out denim jeans, a man-style black blazer and a loose-fitting white T-shirt.

Did you have a favourite outfit as a child?

When I was about five I was given this jersey dress with apples on it. It was a hand-me-down from a friend. I loved it. I used to get up every day at five o’clock to get it out of the dirty clothes basket and put it on.

Deborah, aged two, with her mother, father and sister, Bec (at right), on the Sunshine Coast in 1976.Credit: Courtesy of Deborah Sams

Can you remember your first fashion moment?

Every day is a bit of a fashion moment. I love dressing up. It’s not that I really want to stand out, I just love dressing well and wearing beautiful clothes.

And your worst fashion mistake?

It’s a good one. It was around the time school finished, schoolies week. I wore gold lycra hot pants
with a one-piece swimsuit, Doc Martens and long bauble earrings.

What shoes do you wear the most ?

I live in flats, Bassike slides or Nike Air Maxes.

What’s your favourite fashion decade?

I love the ’90s, that era of Helmut Lang and the early days of Dries Van Noten and Yohji Yamamoto.
It’s the most iconic era for me – and it’s still so relevant to the way we dress today.

And your favourite designers?

Céline when Phoebe Philo was designing was just amazing. I love what’s happening at Valentino with creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli.

Do you have a favourite fragrance?

Santal 33 by Le Labo.

What would you buy if money were no object?

Louis Vuitton luggage and a vintage black Porsche 911.

Is there anything you’d never wear?

I’m really fussy with fabrics. I’m not a fan of nylon.

Is there a current trend you like?

Anything that’s cut out, such as backless dresses. I’m loving showing a bit of skin.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon?

Bianca Jagger in the ’70s.

What do you wear on a casual Sunday?

It’s quite daggy, a really old white T-shirt with white jersey shorts over a bikini. I’m either barefoot
or wearing a pair of Nikes.

This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale March 22.