An interior stylist swears by these women’s jeans by Nadia Bartel’s brand

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, interior stylist Loui Burke.

Loui Burke swears by the “Gisella” jeans by Henne.Credit: Elisa Watson

How would you describe your style? Casual classic. It’s a bit preppy but also lived-in and relaxed.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A Levi’s shearling denim jacket I bought secondhand more than 10 years ago. You can’t beat vintage denim.

And the most recent addition? A charcoal Henne “Belle” cashmere polo knit. It’s a new favourite, I’m going to get it in cream as well.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Henne [co-owned by Nadia Bartel] straight-leg “Gisella” jeans, a fine rib tight tee by Uniqlo or Cos, and a knit: either fine cashmere or fisherman-style, like something Diane Keaton would have worn to walk along the beach.

What would you wear … on a first date? A trouser with a skinny belt, tight T-shirt and loafers. …on a plane? Jeans with a tee, an Assembly Label fisherman’s knit and my Onitsuka Tiger sneakers. … on the red carpet? A P.Johnson double-breasted suit and loafers.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the classic style of the late ’80s to ’90s. There was a balance of structured tailoring and really good street style with that relaxed, off-duty model vibe.

Who’s your favourite designer? Ralph Lauren is preppy, effortless and classic. Locally, I’m really liking Assembly Label – everything’s super wearable.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I change my fragrance seasonally, the same way I decorate my home with flowers that are in season. In winter, I wear Maison Crivelli “Oud Stallion”, spring is D.S. & Durga “Debaser”, for summer I like “Mojave Ghost” by Byredo, and in autumn I’ll be wearing Aesop’s new perfume “Above Us”.

Any go-to jewellery? I wear a Tag Heuer watch and a mix of gold and silver fine-chain necklaces and bracelets, mostly from Mejuri and Sarah & Sebastian.

Burke is coveting a new bag, possibly this one by Prada.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? When I was four, it was a Sesame Street “E is for Ernie” T-shirt. When I was 13, I was so excited about wearing a jeans and navy striped jumper outfit on a year 7 school excursion that I got dressed the night before and slept in it.

What was your first fashion moment? Probably the first time I attended Melbourne Fashion Festival in 2018; it was a grey, striped suit with kimono blazer moment.

And your worst fashion mistake? Trying to wear a white collared shirt under a black tee. It was layering gone wrong. Some people can pull that off, but not 15-year-old me.

What’s on your wish list? I’m looking for the perfect bag: the brown Bottega Veneta “Loop Weekender” duffle bag, or the Prada “Buckle” suede bag.

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Is there something you’d never wear? High-top sneakers are the first thing that comes to mind.

Is there a current trend you like? Double-breasted blazers. I like that they’ve got more length and detail with the buttons. P. Johnson does them well, as does Ralph Lauren.

What do you sleep in? Oversized grey trackpants and a white tee or tank. I haven’t yet found the perfect pair of pyjamas.

What shoes do you wear most often? If it’s not a G.H. Bass black loafer, then it’s a Timberland boat shoe.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Brad Pitt in the ’90s, especially the airport fits. I also use Brad as a reference for hairstyles when I want to switch it up because he’s had so many.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Assembly Label “Miles” pleated chinos with a tee or collared cashmere polo knit.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in white Henne “Gisella” jeans with a white tee and fisherman’s jumper to go to the markets and grab some flowers for the week. It’s rom-com energy.

For more on Loui Burke, visit louiburkedesign.com.

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