Oaks Day is traditionally always ladies’ day so the dress code is always quite feminine. I wanted to honour that but also embrace something that wasn’t overly soft, and had a bit more structure so this pink Versace suit fit the brief. I loved the kaleidoscope of pinks and how they provided bold contrast against each other. Also the texture of the tweed allowed the suit to pop. And who doesn’t love a power suit moment? The mini hemline is right on trend, while suiting is definitely one of my go-to event looks.
I opted for a contrasting colour shoe option, so I went with a pair of gold Jimmy Choo heels with a tassel detail. The pointed toe worked well to complement the more structured feel of the suit, while the tassels add a dramatic touch. The crystal top handle bag added another textural element while providing some contrast against the suit. As far as headwear went, I wanted to embrace a hat in this instance so I opted for an oversized black straw hat by Ezara J. As the final finishing touch, a beautiful Jaeger Le Coultre timepiece.
Credits: Blazer and skirt, Versace; Bag (similar here), Bulgari; Heels, Jimmy Choo; Hat (similar here), Ezara J; Watch, Jaeger Le Coultre
This week, I’ve been flying the flag for a range of Aussie brands. There’s something about how we do fashion in this country that always brings about fresh designs and an aesthetic that speaks to how many of us like to dress — easy and effortless. I’ve also been able to do a few looks that have run the spectrum from preppy and chic to evening ready which I always really like as I’m able to play dress up in so many different ways. Here’s what I wore this week.
You often see houndstooth in monochrome so I loved that this dress by Aussie brand Leo Lin went in the opposite direction. The vibrant green really gives this preppy style a little extra personality. Whenever I embrace patterns I tend to keep everything pared back so a pair of black and white Dior slingbacks and simple headband seemed the right finishing touches.
Credits: Dress, Leo Lin; Flats, Dior; Headband, Ford Millinery
I’ve always been a fan of beige/camel tones and find it works really well when layered together. It was a cool day in Sydney so these trousers layered with a sweater and coat was the perfect look for the day ahead. There’s also something quite pulled together about layering different hues and is one of my fave ways to elevate existing pieces in my wardrobe.
Ready for a night out in this elegant long sleeve Gul. Hurgel dress. I love playing with different textures and find you can’t go wrong with black velvet — it’s always a great go-to for evening wear. To complement the diamante accents on the dress I went for a silver slouchy Jimmy Choo evening bag, and a pair of simple strappy slides by Giuseppe Zanotti.
Credits: Dress, Gul Hurgel; Heels (similar here), Giuseppe Zanotti; Bag (similar here), Jimmy Choo
Who else loves shirt dresses? I can’t resist them as they’re such an easy and effortless way to pull together a look. This piece is by Aussie brand, Onte and the understated silhouette, punctuated by gold buttons really ticks all the boxes. It’s an easy piece to throw on for a casual day or if I’ve got meetings or I’m doing the school run, plus it’s comfy too. Also a big fan of the neutral colour — you can’t ever go wrong with a hue that can be worn in myriad ways.
Celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary in Italy, I wanted to embrace a look that made a subtle nod to bridal without wearing my wedding dress all over again! So I went for a 60s inspired mini dress with lace feature, which felt modern yet traditional all at the same time. I wore the Valentina dress by J.Andreatta, which featured a beautiful button detail that ran the full length of the dress and a belted waist. It definitely ticked the bridal box but it also felt like something I could wear on another occasion. I felt the dress needed a finishing touch, and as I knew I was keeping my hair quite simple and sleek, I decided a pair of gloves would be the perfect final flourish. It added another layer of polish and sophistication, and I really felt it took the dress in a very classic direction. Plus how many opportunities do you really get to wear gloves these days?
I was truly embracing a very simple, understated approach to this whole outfit so I knew I didn’t want anything too fussy or embellished as far as my shoe choice went. I wore these minimalist white heels to Royal Ascot and knew they would also be perfect to pair with this dress. I thought they added a sleek touch, and was able to complement the dress and really allow it to shine.
Credits: Dress and gloves, J.Andreatta; Shoes, Jimmy Choo
I loved this look from a few weeks ago and realised I never posted on here, so here we are! I flew down to Melbourne for a David Jones show and knew I needed something elegant and dressy, and this Camilla and Marc dress came to mind. One thing I always take into account when planning an evening look is texture, as some fabrics are definitely made for dressy events. This navy stretch velour drapes beautifully, and the crushed effect changes the look of the dress according to the light I’m in. Perfection for an occasion that requires something a little extra. There’s also something about long sleeves for events that I really love. It always looks so polished and ultra chic. But of course, there has to be a hint of sexiness with any occasion dress, and in this instance it was the deep V neck, side cut-outs and tie straps. It’s the detail that can often make or break a dress.
I was channelling an old Hollywood screen siren with the vibe of this outfit, so naturally it was about soft curls and a deep side part when it came to my hairstyle. Accessories are of course key! So, I went for a pair of rhinestone drop earrings which added a bit of wow factor. I considered a few bags but went for this silver Jimmy Choo pouch. I liked the fact it was such an interesting silhouette for evening wear—there’s something slightly unexpected about such a relaxed style at night. Plus the rhinestones and silver worked well against the deep navy of the dress.
There are times where I’m in jeans and a tee, and there are other times where I feel like dialling up the glam tenfold. This is one of them. These black suede pumps by Jimmy Choo inspire nothing but feelings of wanting to embrace luxe fabrics, decadent embellishments and an excuse to get all dolled up. I think every girl needs to have a pair of heels in her closet that are not only a work of art to look at, but also decidedly un-daywear. These heels, with its crystal ankle strap and sky high heel are made for evening dressing and will turn any outfit into something special. They’re a statement piece through and through and are made to be shown off — so I kept that in mind with my choice of dress.
This chocolate brown satin dress by Bec and Bridge is simple and is all clean lines because I wanted the shoes to take centre stage. In this instance a loud print or lots of embellishment just wouldn’t work. I’m a huge fan of evening gowns that aren’t too over the top, a simple spaghetti strap and a thigh high split are often enough to make your mark at any event as long as you pair it with the right accoutrements. Plus I love the unexpected hue for evening wear, it’s not often that I wear a shade of brown for an event, but in this instance it felt elegant and decidedly luxurious.
Accessorising this look, I wanted some accessories with a hint of drama, something that worked with the shoes. Jimmy Choo once again came through with this evening bag. The pouch style is an interesting silhouette for occasion wear, but works simply because of the satin and crystal net combination, plus the statement chain strap. These details steer it into after dark territory, but I love that the shape feels relaxed and nonchalant. With my hair up, I needed a pair of chandelier earrings to balance the pared back hairstyle and these earrings by are bold, ultra glamorous and so very luxe.
Credits: Dress, Bec and Bridge; Shoes and bag, Jimmy Choo
Photography: Ashleigh Larden
This post was produced in collaboration with Jimmy Choo
It was all about monochrome over the weekend as I took on reporting duties at The Championships and embraced this black and white look by Zimmermann. While I usually associate Zimmermann with beautiful feminine pieces such as dresses with intricate detailing or bold prints, or tops with a flourish of colour and embellishments, this time around it was all about a sleek black and white ensemble that had a distinctly masculine edge. While I can often be found in dresses whenever I’m trackside, I do love to mix it up with the occasional suit or pants look. In this instance I opted for these harem pants, which can look traditionally quite casual but this iteration took on a decidedly polished feel with its adjustable cuffs and buckles at the waist. I paired it with a white waistcoat, which with its deep neckline and cinched in waist, provided the perfect counterpoint to the more voluminous cut of the pants.
I wanted to pair this look with accessories that were sharp and had a bit of drama. These Jimmy Choo pumps with the chandelier accessory added a sexy touch and were definitely a talking point. Headwear is of course a must on any race day and I love the veiled feature of this beret by milliner Nerida Winter. It’s sophisticated and understated, and it worked seamlessly as I needed something that was quite strong, without being over the top or too decorative. Last of all was this gorgeous chain strap Chanel bag. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with anything featuring interlocking Cs and it was the perfect size to hold all my essentials while still looking chic.
Printed dresses are always a guaranteed winner in the style stakes especially when it comes in the form of this Isabel Marant number. The motif is a little bit abstract which makes it interesting—I like unexpected details as they can really lift an outfit. If you want a universally flattering fit I highly recommend getting on board with ruching. I love the overall ruched effect of the dress which is quite whimsical and romantic but the structured shoulders help offset this by giving it a touch of dramatic edge. Also take note: any wrap style neckline works well with virtually any figure and shape.
When it comes to prints it’s always worth considering how far you want to push your accessories — I think it’s great to either take a step back and keep it quite simple or go up a notch with pieces that have statement finishes. These Jimmy Choo heels and the bag fall into the latter camp, and whilst they’re standout pieces on their own, I think they still work well with a printed dress. Anything in black will work well with almost any piece you match with it, whilst the crystal embellishments provide a glam touch but aren’t competing for attention with the dress. Also, they’re the kind of accoutrements that are perfect for any party look so take note this festive season!
When it comes to evening attire I think one of the chicest colours to wear would have to be white. There’s something quite fresh whilst still being elegant about the hue, and it’s a definite go-to when I’m looking for a look that’s chic and impactful. This beautiful gown by Philosophy Di Lorenzo has a textured satin finish which gives the look a little extra depth, whilst the subtle lace trim on the thigh high split adds a demure touch. The silhouette of this dress is quite understated and simple but I think the colour really lifts it and gives it an overall luxe feel.
When it comes to accessories, you can do myriad things with a white dress, such is the versatility of the colour. In this instance I opted for something monochromatic, with few subtle embellishments to add a little extra glamour to my overall look. The black Jimmy Choo suede sandals with crystal detail and the elegant shoulder bag echoing a similar feel to the heels, help bring the look to life by providing strong accents with a statement feel. A sleek up-do and simple drop earrings help complete the look and have me ready to tackle any after dark soiree this party season.
Photography by Sophia Athas, Hatrik
Shop the Look:
Dress: Lace-Trimmed Hammered-Satin Gown, Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini | Net-A-Porter
Shoes: Lilah 120 Crystal-Embellished Suede Sandals, Jimmy Choo | Net-A-Porter
Bag: Callie Crystal-Embellished Suede Shoulder Bag, Jimmy Choo | Net-A-Porter
This post was produced in collaboration with Jimmy Choo
There are pieces that I have in my wardrobe that are definitely more evening appropriate but that doesn’t mean that that should be their only purpose. Often looks that are for night events tend to be a little more expensive due to their style and construction, so to ensure that I’m able to make every fashion dollar stretch further I’ve taken to reworking them to be suitable for daywear. And it’s not at all hard or expensive to do.
One way I’ve been doing the night to day transformation recently is with the below Zimmermann top which is too pretty to relegate just for the evening so recently I’ve been teaming it with jeans to make it more suitable for casual wear. This is something that you can easily do with other pieces in your wardrobe. Often teaming something that’s a bit dressier with something more relaxed such as jeans can tone it down and make it appropriate for off duty style. I teamed this particular look back with a pair of slingback flats which are polished yet not too over the top for day and a mini crossbody bag. The end result was a laidback look but with just the right amount of polish.
If I were to wear the top at night though it’s a different story. In the evenings I tend to favour a look that’s a bit more feminine and formal. So in this instance I swapped the denim over for a midi skirt in a similar colour palette as the top. And switched out the casual crossbody bag for a structured clutch with a chain strap handle which definitely adds to the nighttime vibe. I’d also go for dressy heels and leave the flats at home. Overall what I was going for with this particular look was something that’s a little more sophisticated and dressed up, lifted up by chic accessories that have a modern feel.
I did the below transformations with just one top but you can do this with pretty much anything you’ve designated as ‘nighttime only’. All it takes is a few key choices that dial down it’s dressy feel for day, then swap it for elevated pairings at night and you’ve instantly got double the wear out of your wardrobe.
Credits: Daytime look: Top, Zimmermann; Jeans, Ksubi; Belt, Jimmy Choo; Sunglasses, Poppy Lissiman; Shoes, Dior; Clutch, Ralph Lauren; Evening look:Top and Skirt, Zimmermann; Clutch, Dior
His name is synonymous with one of the most renowned designer shoe brands in the world so it should come as no surprise that for Jimmy Choo, creating footwear runs in the blood. As the son of a shoe maker he learned the craft from his father in Malaysia, before moving to England in the 1980s to undertake formal study at the London College of Fashion. He opened his first shop in Hackney in 1986 and eventually co-founded the Jimmy Choo shoe label with British Vogue’s Tamara Mellon who had worked with Choo on the magazine.
After a successful career at the label that included being appointed official shoemaker to Princess Diana and opening stores in New York, Milan and Paris he stepped down from the brand in 2001. Today he is an Ambassador for Footwear Education at the London College of Fashion, is the recipient of an OBE for services to the British fashion industry and is preparing to launch a capsule shoe collection under his Chinese name Zhou Yang Jie. I caught up with Choo during his inaugural visit to Sydney with American Express to chat about the secret to his success, what he does for fun and if he ever finds himself visiting a Jimmy Choo store…
Where did your love of shoes come from?
I was born in Malaysia and my father is a shoe designer. So, when I was young I saw my father making shoes. After I finished school, I would finish my homework, then help my dad learning the skill.
So many celebrities have worn your shoes over the years. Is there a person who stands out in your mind?
I have to say thanks to the late Princess Diana. Because I had been working with her for seven years, and now this year is the 20th-year anniversary of her passing and all over the world people still remember her and what she did for the legacy. She did a lot of charity events. Not many people do that.
What was it like to create shoes for the late Princess Diana?
She would call me to Kensington Palace to show me all the garments and everything that she was going to wear as she traveled all over the world. So we would look at all the garments and we would match the shoes for her. She was a very nice, very kind person.
What do you believe is the secret to your success?
When people say to me, “You are [a] successful person”, to me it’s not yet. I’m not successful yet. Because growing up my father always said, “One day you still alive, you don’t know what happened yourself”. People can seem [successful] and suddenly disappear, you know… we must, continue to learn all the time. So I’m not [successful] because I’m still learning.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I think, patience is very important. If you have no patience, you’ve lost everything. Because you need to talk to people. Communication is very important.
And what advice do you give to up-and-coming designers?
They still have to have patience. Every time [you] see something new, you mustn’t lose [your] temper and keep your mind open. Also always [ask yourself] what’s the next fashion? If you don’t sell, you must find out why it isn’t selling.
Why are you so passionate about the art of making shoes?
I love designing shoes, I love shoes. Sometimes when I go to factories, or one of my students comes [to me] with some idea [for] shoes, I would start to tear. True, true. You know, some of them are very beautiful and they take a lot of time, the detail and the design.
Although you are not involved in the company anymore. You must feel very proud that the Jimmy Choo brand you created is doing so well all these years later.
Yes I feel very proud. They’re all doing very well. I congratulate them, I wish them doing better and better.
Do you ever go into the stores?
No, I don’t do that. I don’t go in the shop. I never went into the shop. Because I think soul is soul, you wish them the best; you do what you want to do.
What do you do for fun when you’re not working?
For the people, who surround me and take care of me [day to day], I like [to] say thanks to them, I like to organise a holiday for them. I think it’s very important, you know, they are working with me day and night, traveling with me, they haven’t got time for their children and family. So I like to organise so they can go on holiday together. Or I like to invite them to my house. We cook and I love music so I listen to music… Elvis is my favourite.
If you had never gone down this career path of making shoes, what would you be doing?
I would like to be a healer and heal people. You know in London, they have a healing school. You can learn how to heal people with your hands. If you feel pain. They lay a hand on you and you heal them with your energy.
What has been your biggest career highlight?
I would say I’m very grateful to my country. A nine-year-old student, they can see my history in the textbook. Money cannot buy [that]. [Influential] people pass away, and then they talk about them. But I’m still alive. Thanks to my country and the education minister, the leader allowed my history in a textbook for all the young children to learn as part of their education.
BITE SIZE
WE WENT TO American Express events at Café del Mar, Cockle Bay Wharf.
