Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, food and event stylist Lia Townsend.
How would you describe your style? Classic and grounded with moments of maximalism.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A 1950s black lace evening dress I found in New York City about 15 years ago. It’s beautifully cut with a full skirt and scalloped, off-the-shoulder neckline.
And the most recent addition? A 1980s Audemars Piguet white gold dress watch.
What would you wear … on a first date? An E Nolan tailored suit and heels. … on a plane? Beare Park “Abbey” trousers, a T-shirt and Ganni blazer with Miu Miu sneakers. … on the red carpet? I love the quiet confidence of an Armani gown.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1950s, when fashion was about celebrating form and presence with beautiful tailoring and attention to detail. The clothes were crafted to enhance confidence and grace; that sense of polish still feels relevant today.
Who are your favourite designers? Armani, Hermès and Chanel; I’m drawn to pieces that carry craft and story. Locally, I love Maggie Marilyn and Lee Mathews.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Le Labo “Another 13”. My son chose it. It’s inspired by the scent of a magazine and reminds me of the perfume swatches I loved as a child. It brings a smile to my face every time I wear it.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Agolde “Ren” wide-leg jeans, Uniqlo T-shirts – men’s for oversized and kids’ for cropped – and a blazer are my hardest working pieces.
Any go-to jewellery? I love watches – the craftsmanship and stories behind them fascinate me. I usually wear my Jaeger-LeCoultre “Reverso” but my collection includes a birth-year Rolex “Datejust” and Audemars Piguet “Cobra”. I have a passion for vintage Italian jewellery which stems from my mum, who would have pieces designed and made to mark a milestone. I now wear her 40th birthday earrings with joy. As well as a cornicello charm and Olivia Bond “Puffy Heart” pendant on an anklet that I never take off, I layer necklaces and bracelets but rarely wear rings as my hands are always
busy.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A shift dress my mum sewed for me when I was eight. I chose the fabric: a distinctive plaid. I helped design it and styled it with over-the-knee stockings. I adored it.
What was your first fashion moment? I worked as a store manager at Kookaï when I was at university and won a staff incentive trip to Paris. I’ll never forget visiting Chanel at 31 Rue Cambon and seeing the mirrored staircase. It felt like stepping into a dream.
And your worst fashion mistake? A fringe! I’ve had everything from blunt styles to a Nicole Richie-inspired sweeping side fringe.
What’s on your wish list? A Bulgari “Doppio” heart ring.
Is there something you’d never wear? It comes down to fabric. Anything that isn’t soft and breathable is a hard pass.
Is there a current trend you like? Fashion feels eclectic and vintage references are everywhere – it allows for individuality and freedom.
What shoes do you wear most often? New Balance x Miu Miu sneakers and Chanel ballet flats.
What do you sleep in? A Maggie Marilyn x Piyama set in chocolate stripe.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? It sounds clichéd, but Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. I remember being completely captivated by Rear Window when I was six years old.
What do you wear on a typical working day? It might start with Uniqlo barrel-leg pants and a tee in the kitchen and studio, then a Beare Park suit for a client presentation, followed by a sheer cocktail look by Solaqua Studio for an evening event.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Baggy Levi’s jeans, a T-shirt, cashmere jumper and sneakers. I’ll toss on a cap and stack vintage Italian jewellery.
Lia Townsend is the creative director of Stories to Gather.
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