Why you’ll never find this designer wearing jeans

What’s your fragrance of choice? Morning Chess by Vilhelm Parfumerie – it smells like a modern riff on Christian Dior’s ’80s perfume, Dune.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A beautiful dress, a great pair of sandals and my jewels.

Do you have favourite jewellery pieces? A navratna ring I bought in Jaipur. Also my wedding ring and some gold and emerald heirloom pieces.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? My dress-up outfits, which were my mum’s and her friend’s amazing ’70s clothes. I remember a brown ensemble – tights and a dress – that I loved.

And your worst fashion mistake? My fringe in the ’80s was very spiky.

Loading

What was your first fashion moment? I first became fascinated with fashion in my late teens when I started delving into vintage clothing. The creative aspect of altering things attracted me but also the spark of finding beautiful, one-off things that tell a story. Starting my fashion label, Bonne, was a natural progression from altering vintage pieces to fit me and making my own dresses with tailors over the years. I concentrate on beautiful prints and flattering cuts in linen and silk.

What’s on your fashion wish list? Paco Rabanne chain-link sandals and maybe a tan Dior “Bobby” bag.

Is there anything you’d never wear? Jeans, or trousers in general. I find dresses flattering and easy – there’s no other thought that needs to go into it.

Is there a current fashion trend you like? I’m more into timeless things than trends but I always love seeing different plays on proportion, like a beautiful big sleeve. I’m also loving all the vintage-inspired prints.

What shoes do you most often wear? Beatrice Valenzuela pink padded slides and Marni bouclé slides. Chloé and Gianvito Rossi chunky boots in winter.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Diane von Furstenberg, for her legacy and the longevity of her business, but also because she doesn’t sway from what she loves. I really admire that.

What do you wear on a typical working day? A comfortable dress, whatever the weather. In winter I’ll add tights and a heavy knit – I love Mr Mittens’ chunky cardis and Melbourne label Lil’ Knits.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? It’s not very glamorous! I’ll throw on a comfortable old dress to garden in.

Bonnie, of Bonnie and Neil homewares, recently launched her fashion label, Bonne; bonne.com.au.

To read more from Sunday Life magazine, click here.

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.