‘Flattering and sexy’ jeans and $10 shoes: A celebrity baker shares her shopping tips

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, baker Valentine Fodor.

Valentine Fodor describes her style as “comfortable, laid-back and a little quirky”.Credit: Myles Kalus

How would you describe your style? Comfortable, laid-back and a little quirky.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My tonton [uncle in French] gave me a bunch of his T-shirts from the ’70s – one’s from the Munich Olympics, another has a car brand on it. They’re falling apart but I would never get rid of them.

And the most recent addition? A pair of flared jeans from The Merchants Warehouse in Annandale [Sydney]. I usually hate tight jeans, but these are flattering and make me feel sexy.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Oversized Uniqlo trackpants, a white Bonds “wife pleaser” singlet and big Saint Laurent sunglasses that make me feel invisible.

What would you wear … on a first date? A pair of suit pants with a sexy little top, a big coat and ballet flats. … on a plane? Track pants with a big hoodie, eye mask, neck pillow, headphones
and Nike sneakers. … on the red carpet? A long, black, hourglass-shaped gown by Miu Miu or Prada with kitten heels.

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What’s your favourite fashion era? I like now because it’s a mix of every era, with a strong vintage element. People are more adventurous, experimental and confident about their fashion choices. There are no rules, and everyone’s happy to express themselves.

Who’s your favourite designer? My wardrobe’s a mixed bag – most of it’s vintage and second-hand – but I’m loving everything Sandy Liang is doing – the little miniskirts with built-in shorts, and button-up shirts with a tie. Also, my friend Dylan Scott is an incredible designer; I love his stripy pieces and cropped track-style pants.

What’s your fragrance of choice? For day, I wear Maison Crivelli “Santal Volcanique”. My dad’s from Nice and he buys me a bottle every time he goes back. I like Chanel “Coco Mademoiselle” for
nighttime.

Any go-to jewellery? I wear my grandmother’s incredible gold and diamond art deco ring and a gold chain.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A pink Power Rangers suit when I was in kindergarten. My friends wore the other colours.

What was your first fashion moment? When I was 14, I had an emo moment with pink hair streaks, ripped black jeans and a T-shirt with evil dolls on it. I was a skateboarder and I found this look extremely fashionable, but I don’t know if anyone else did.

And your worst fashion mistake? When I was 15, and every girl my age shopped at Supré, I’d wear jeggings with a tiny midriff singlet and ugg boots every single day.

What’s on your wish list? A black Balenciaga “Le City First” bag. I’m also on the hunt for some animal-print kitten heels.

Fodor has a black Balenciaga “Le City First” bag on her wish list.

Is there something you’d never wear? I’m open to trying new things and I feel like my style changes all the time, but I probably wouldn’t wear jeggings or really skinny jeans again.

What do you wear to bed? Ralph Lauren flannel pyjamas, thick bed socks and a fluffy pink eye mask.

What shoes do you wear most often? My dusty pink Miu Miu ballet flats with a black buckle, or mesh sequin slippers that I buy in all different colours for $10 from Chinatown. I’ve gone through about 20 pairs; they’re not made to be worn every day.

These pink Miu Miu flats are on high rotation in Fodor’s wardrobe.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Françoise Hardy was stunning and so cool. My food fashion icon is Laila Gohar, an incredibly talented food artist from New York.

What do you wear on a typical working day? In the kitchen, I wear Adidas track pants, a T-shirt I don’t mind getting grubby, Crocs gardening clogs and my blue (A)ble apron.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Basketball shorts with an oversized button-up shirt, ballet flats and big sunglasses. If my partner and I have the day off we’ll go to Ragazzi [in Sydney’s CBD], have a wine and eat some pasta.

Valentine Fodor is the founder of Vege Mamma cakes.

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