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Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Paris-based hair stylist David Mallett.
How would you describe your style? Extremely colourful. I like to wear opposing block colours, V-neck jumpers, large David Bowie-inspired trousers, long scarves and big glasses.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pointy hat I bought from Comme des Garçons in Milan 40 years ago.
And the most recent addition? A green corduroy suit from Bode, my favourite label at the moment. The shop in New York is a danger destination; I want to buy everything there.
What would you wear … on a first date? A cashmere jumper from The Elder Statesman – black, with big orange sunflowers – that brings me good luck, with Bode trousers and a Pierre Hardy loafer.
… on a plane? A large, colourful Doctor Who-style scarf with my favourite perfume sprayed on it, plus large trousers, a V-neck cashmere jumper, a deep-red wool Jil Sander bomber jacket and slip-on brothel creeper shoes. … on the red carpet? A made-to-measure tux by my friend Haider Ackermann. Everything he does is exquisite.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I’m inspired by David Bowie in the 1970s and ’80s, and Richard Gere in American Gigolo.
Who are your favourite designers? Haider Ackermann at Tom Ford. I wear a lot of Acne, Bode, Jil Sander, Dries Van Noten, Marni and I like Ami Paris for colourful trousers.
What’s your fragrance of choice? “Bigarade Concentree” by Frédéric Malle.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? My collection of scarves – many are from Linda Wright’s shop, Crimson. V-neck jumpers in all colours, from bright pink to electric blue. A reversible fake-fur Margiela jacket. My made-to-measure Maison Bonnet glasses are also essential.
Any go-to jewellery? A gold and malachite ring Lucy Folk made for me. It’s become part of my DNA. I like that it’s connected to Australia.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? When I was about 16, it was a pair of green tartan bondage pants and a green fishnet jumper I had sent from London. I had aspirations of living in London, but I was in Perth.
What was your first fashion moment? At around the same age, I cut my hair short and bleached it to look like Billy Idol or Sid Vicious. I did my own balayage by backcombing my hair and bleaching the ends. I thought I looked incredible.
And your worst fashion mistake? There’s no such thing. Not even the leopard hair or piercing my nose and my ear and having a chain running from one to the other – I thought that look was pretty fantastic.
What’s on your wish list? Two things – a giant Cartier “Santos” watch and a caramel suede Valentino coat with knitted buttons.
Is there something you’d never wear? Stretch leather, Lycra, a tracksuit, jeans and I don’t like wearing black.
Is there a current trend you like? I liked the juxtaposition of colour in Haider Ackermann’s Tom Ford collection – the lemon and deep purple reminded me of Prince.
What shoes do you wear most often? I hate fine, pointy shoes. I like a shoe with a bit of colour, a bit of sense of humour and a big fat sole. I have loads by my friend Pierre Hardy and Adieu is another favourite. I like Tricker’s, and Church’s moccasins are the best in the world.
Who is your favourite fashion icon? Jeremy Irons in the 2021 film House of Gucci – the wardrobe is amazing, and the scarves! I love Jerry Lewis’ style and Italian businessman Lapo Elkann is a really well-dressed man.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I like to look relatively formal so I wear a suit by Bode, Dries [Van Noten], Burberry or Marni.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be at the Paris flea markets in wool trousers, a cashmere jumper, bomber jacket and trainers.
David Mallett haircare products are available from Mecca.
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