‘It doesn’t gape’: This brand makes the perfect white shirt according to Donna Hay

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, cookbook author Donna Hay.

Donna Hay is known for her white shirts, but she also has a roster of designer labels in her wardrobe.Credit: Chris Court

How would you describe your style? It’s like my cooking style, classic with a little twist.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? Three favourites are a pair of black satin Manolo Blahnik heels I bought in 2001, a beaded Collette Dinnigan gown from the early 2000s, and a Phoebe Philo-era Céline black crêpe dress from 2010.

And the most recent addition? A pair of Miu Miu “Plume” sneakers.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A tailored pleated skirt. A good white shirt; I like The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens because it has extra buttons at the bust and doesn’t gape when I’m filming. And a great coat; I have a Bassike gabardine coat I can throw over anything.

What would you wear … on a first date? A black pencil skirt with a feminine Chloé-style top and kitten heel. … on a plane? I have a bizarre routine; I take many changes for a long-haul flight. I’ll start in jeans and a white shirt, then change into loungewear, then the airline pyjamas, then an outfit to arrive in, always with a good trench or Max Mara coat. … on the red carpet? I’d dust off my favourite black Martin Grant wool crêpe gown or go for something sparkly by Dior, with a Gianvito Rossi heel.

Who’s your favourite designer? I’m a Prada and Miu Miu girl. I love the beautiful fabrics and craftsmanship. I have beautiful pieces that I’ve had for at least 10 years, such as an olive satin pleated skirt that always gets compliments. Locally, I love P. Johnson’s tailoring.

What’s your favourite fashion era? Now. I love newness, I’m addicted to seeing things unfold. Rules are being broken and that’s my kind of vibe; dressing down beautiful pieces so they’re in everyday circulation, the high-low combinations.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear Perfumer H “Ink” – must be my love of publishing – and “Rhubarb”, which is lighter and a bit citrusy.

Any go-to jewellery? I have a limited collection I love and always wear: diamond stud earrings, a Van Cleef & Arpels “Alhambra” bracelet, a vintage tennis necklace I had re-threaded as a double-strand bracelet, and a vintage men’s Rolex.

What do you sleep in? Classic cotton J. Crew pyjamas in navy with white piping.

What shoes do you wear most often? My Miu Miu trainers or Birkenstock “Bostons”.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? When I was six, it was a tennis dress my mother made with matching frilly knickers and pompom socks.

What was your first fashion moment? When I was 17, I saved up to buy a black backless stretch tube dress just like one Whitney Houston wore in one of her film clips.

And your worst fashion mistake? I made a lilac lace and taffeta dress for my year 10 formal and that’s all I’ll say about that.

What’s at the top of your wish list? An Hermès silk “Twilly” scarf to wrap around my ponytail.

Hay is desiring a Hermès Twilly scarf.

Is there something you would never wear? Jorts.

Is there a current trend you like? I like the layering of opposing fabrics; for instance, silk layered with a knit.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? It changes. I’m watching Morning Wars, so I’m crazy about Marion Cotillard and Jennifer Aniston.

Loading

What do you wear on a typical working day? Denim, the original workwear, with a white shirt or tee. I don’t wear an apron – I feel like Mrs Doubtfire when I put one on. I said I’d never wear one, but then I heard that Miu Miu, my favourite fashion house, is doing them!

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’m in a Matteau one-piece with a P. Johnson sarong and Janessa Leoné hat.

Sunshine, Lemons and Sea Salt (4th Estate) by Donna Hay is out now.

Most Viewed in Lifestyle

Loading