This was published 2 years ago
Rozalia Russian on creating a timeless wardrobe
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, fashion influencer Rozalia Russian.
Rozalia Russian: “My wardrobe is filled with pieces in neutral colours that I can mix and match. It’s about time management!”
How would you describe your style? Classic and timeless. As I get older I find myself going back to classic items, like a little black dress with a blazer thrown over it, rather than following trends. My wardrobe is filled with pieces in neutral colours that I can mix and match. It’s about time management! But for special occasions I’ll go for a pop of colour, like a fluoro mini dress.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A black mini dress – I designed one with Atoir a couple of years ago that I wear to death. A black Wardrobe.NYC blazer. And Christian Louboutin “So Kate” stilettos; they’re a killer to wear but they make any outfit.
Who are your favourite designers? I love Camilla and Marc, Viktoria & Woods and Scanlan Theodore. We’re spoilt for choice in Australia.
What’s your favourite fashion era? Tom Ford for Gucci in the 1990s – it was simple, sexy and effortless. I love the blue silk shirts and that iconic red velvet suit Gwyneth Paltrow wore in 1996 and again in 2021.
Tom Ford in 1997. His designs for Gucci during the ’90s are among Rozalia’s favourites.Credit: Getty Images
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My J’Aton wedding dress. The oldest thing I wear would be my first luxury bag purchase – the Chanel “Wallet on Chain” bag. They’re both about 10 years old.
And the most recent addition? An ivory suit by Polish designer Magda Butrym – it has relaxed pants, an oversized blazer and bikini-style top. I’m a sucker for anything tailored.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? A black mini dress, boxy boyfriend blazer and strappy sandals.
… on a plane? I dress for comfort; I have worn denim and it doesn’t work. I love the Wardrobe.NYC leggings with the splits – they’re comfortable but you look put-together – worn with a T-shirt and a pair of Chanel “Dad” sandals.
… on the red carpet? Either Tom Ford or Mugler.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I did ballet so I was always in costumes, sequins, tutus, tight buns and make-up.
And your worst fashion mistake? There have been plenty! Once I went to the Australian Open tennis in a vest and long black pants so long that they were dragging in the mud and got so dirty and wet. I looked so unkempt! Now I get all my pants tailored to the correct length.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Diptyque Eau Capitale. It’s supposed to smell like Paris but I like it because it’s not too sweet, it’s masculine and fresh with just a hint of rose.
Any go-to jewellery? A tennis necklace and diamond hoops from Anton Jewellery, my wedding ring, and I’m obsessed with my Apple watch.
What’s at the top of your fashion wish list? A purple-sequinned Fendi “Baguette” bag.
Is there a current trend you like? I don’t follow trends but something I admire in fashion now is that people are wearing whatever they want; style is about a woman feeling comfortable in what she’s wearing.
What shoes do you wear most often? New Balance “550” sneakers.
New Balance classic “550” sneakers are Rozalia’s preferred weekend wear.
Is there something you would never wear? I’m not a fan of skinny jeans. Who thought denim leggings were a good idea? I cringe.
What do you wear to bed? Skims pyjamas – so soft and comfortable.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Tom Ford, he always looks so put-together. He says, “If I’m having a bad day, I put on the very best thing I have.” I love that because no matter how bad you feel, your best outfit is going to make you feel better.
What do you wear on a typical working day? A Wardrobe.NYC blazer and miniskirt with a Bassike tank and trainers. Or, if I’m at home, Zara denim pants, tank and blazer.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Relaxed denim pants, Bassike white T-shirt, black blazer, New Balance sneakers and great pair of YSL sunglasses.
To read more from Sunday Life magazine, click here.
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