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Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, winemaker Nicky Oatley.
Nicky Oatley loves designer labels, but eschews logos.Credit: Leann Timms
How would you describe your personal style? Simple, classic and practical. I prefer pieces that are timeless, functional and beautifully made rather than flashy or trend-chasing.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pair of olive green Hunter gumboots I’ve had for over 20 years. They’re a bit cracked and weathered but they still do the job.
And the most recent addition? A black bouclé Bottega Veneta A-line skirt with little metal knot buttons.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? The Row T-shirts in neutral tones, tailored trousers, and black Chanel leather loafers.
What would you wear … on a first date? On my first date with Jono [Oatley’s husband Johnathan Pearce] I wore off-white linen trousers with a matching silk blouse and flat sandals. … on a plane? A slim stretch trouser with a cotton or merino T-shirt, a beautiful soft sweater and cream Chanel leather sneakers. … on the red carpet? I love to dress up, and understated elegance is always the goal. I love Huishan Zhang’s black-tie and cocktail dresses. They’re statement pieces, so I keep my hair and make-up simple.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I love 1990s minimalism – think Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, early Prada – for those stripped-back silhouettes, neutral palettes and the focus on quality fabric.
Who are your favourite designers? I like the understated luxury, clean lines and architectural simplicity of The Row, Jil Sander and Phoebe Philo.
Do you wear fragrance? I don’t because I have a very sensitive sense of smell. I get totally overwhelmed, even with the scent of flowers. It’s amazing for my work, though. I can pick up subtle
nuances [in wine] that other people can’t.
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Any go-to jewellery? I’ve been collecting Paspaley Keshi pearls for a long time and buy a pair of earrings to mark a milestone or moment that needs celebrating. I’ve got four piercings in each ear and when I’m putting the pearls in each day, it’s a nice little reminder of those moments.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? Yes, a matching skirt and blouse in baby-blue gingham with a little frill made by my mum for my fourth birthday party. Sadly, it’s long gone, so I can’t pass it on to my daughters.
What was your first fashion moment? When I was 23 and bought my first Collette Dinnigan dress, a silver sequin asymmetrical cocktail dress. It was quite over the top for me but so delicate and beautiful. I’ve still got it and just looking at it brings this special feeling.
Is there something you’d never wear? Anything with a loud logo.
Is there a current trend you like? No, I genuinely don’t know what’s trending.
What do you wear to bed? Black Tekla cotton pyjamas.
What shoes do you wear most often? A black Chanel loafer, black Chanel ballet slippers or cream Chanel sneakers.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Lauren Hutton is incredibly chic. And I always like what Sofia Coppola and Gwyneth Paltrow are wearing; they’re timeless and elegant.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I’ve worn the same thing for the last 20 years, a refined uniform I rotate without having to think about it each morning. I like to present in a certain way at work, and not in a fashionable way. I like to be understated. All the pieces – a crisp white cotton shirt, an ivory silk blouse, a slim-leg trouser, a pleated midi skirt and a blazer if I need to dress up – are well made, comfortable and quietly polished.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look?
High-waisted wide-leg jeans, a linen blouse and ballet slippers.
Whipbird is a new range of wines by Nicky Oatley and winemaker Larry Cherubino.
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