Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, British cookbook author Rachel Khoo.
How would you describe your style? It’s eclectic, a hotchpotch. I’m a magpie when it comes to style. I’ve always loved colour and pattern but now in a more pared-back way.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My Austrian aunt was a costume maker and I still have the traditional Austrian outfit – pink and blue with little white flowers and an apron at the front – she made for me when I was a child.
And the most recent addition? An orange Jacquemus “Berlingot” bag with a silver orange-leaf clasp.
What would you wear … on a first date? A colourful Farm Rio shirt with jeans and heels. … on a plane? Linen pants, a white T-shirt, a long cardigan, Axel Arigato animal-print sneakers and a baseball cap. … on the red carpet? I felt amazing in the short pink Sheike dress with dramatic sleeves I wore on the red carpet for Foxtel last year.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the 1970s in terms of pattern and prints but 1950s silhouettes suit me best. When I lived in Paris in the 2000s, I was very into ’50s style.
Who’s your favourite fashion designer? I have a lot of pieces by Austrian designer Lena Hoschek. Her dresses are flattering and beautifully cut. And I love wearing Leo Lin and Alémais when I’m in Australia for The Great Australian Bake Off.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I worked in a department store selling perfume in Paris, so I’m kind of traumatised when it comes to fragrance. Also, I can’t wear it when I’m cooking – it inhibits being able to test the recipes properly.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A good bra – if you don’t have proper support when you’re petite like me, it messes up the whole visual shape of an outfit. Second is an item that brings joy, a feel-good piece such as the Farm Rio shirt I bought recently for my book launch. And red lipstick – it’s become my signature. People complain on social media when I swap it for pink.
Any go-to jewellery? A pair of gold croissant earrings.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A pale pink bridesmaid dress with a big skirt and puffy sleeves that I wore with patent pink ballerina shoes, white frilly socks and a flower crown when I was eight.
What was your first fashion moment? When I was 26, I worked at the Comme des Garçons boutique in Paris. They let me pick an outfit for my uniform, and I chose a houndstooth print taffeta skirt and a brown leather jacket. It was the first time in my life I’d owned a designer piece. It was high-street and charity shops before that.
And your worst fashion mistake? I’m making them constantly. For media appearances, I’m pretty on it. But at home I’m a fashion faux pas.
What’s on your wish list? A Farm Rio banana-print skirt.
Is there something you’d never wear? Super-high platform heels.
Is there a current trend you like? I can’t keep up with trends.
What shoes do you wear most often? I live in Sweden and my Blundstone boots are a go-to.
Who is your favourite fashion icon? I admire people who can look effortlessly stylish – Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, for example. But her style is not my style.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I have a lot of T-shirts and sweaters with things like lemons or watermelons on them, so it’s usually one of those with jeans and Blundstones. I also have a whole collection of vintage aprons. I should probably wear them more often.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Uniqlo lounge wear and cashmere socks. I love to put on a record, light a fire and read a book.
The Smallest Restaurant in Paris (Ultimo Press) by Rachel Khoo is out July 28.
Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.
