Kate Bell is a 58-year-old fashion model. Ahead, she discusses her style journey, including what she wears for a plane trip, and why she now dresses only to please herself.
I’d describe my style as ever-changing. It depends on my mood.
The oldest thing in my wardrobe is a long, black, velvet Edwardian evening coat that’s come down through the family. The only time I’ve worn it was to the June Dally-Watkins modelling and deportment course runway finale when I was 17.
The most recent addition is a Murano glass chilli I bought in Milan, which I put on a long chain. I like it because chillies are punk, they’re disruptors.
On a plane, I wear my Korean travel trackies with a super-fine cashmere hoodie and sneakers. For the red carpet, I like the kooky drama of Rick Owens or the pared-back elegance of Jil Sander. I can’t recall what I wore on the first date with my one and only, but we went to a concert recently and I wore a lace catsuit and big Ganni boots.
My favourite fashion era is now because anything goes and you can be different characters. As a woman, I think that’s important. Express yourself, impress yourself.
My favourite fashion designer is Rick Owens – I’m a bit addicted. I also love Beare Park’s ethos and think Phoebe Philo is a leader. I’d never wear anything from Shein.
When it comes to fragrance I wear “Promise” by Frédéric Malle. It has a darkness, an exoticness, but uplifting notes, too.
Three essentials in my wardrobe are a black dress, a black jean – I’ve been wearing Korean label Haikure – and an Eres bikini.
My go-to jewellery is a gold Sarah & Sebastian soldered permanent bracelet and irregular diamond studs – three in a little constellation in one ear and one in the other ear.
A favourite childhood outfit was a long-sleeve, floor-length dress with a velvet sash, made by my mum. My sister had an identical dress in a different colour; we wore them to the opera.
I lost my style in my late 20s. I had this sort of tug of war with the industry – all the rights and the wrongs and the style snobbery. It stymied my natural creative flow. I was looking at myself through other people’s eyes.
My style icon is my mother, Natalie Bell. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in the same outfit twice. How she puts things together is an art form.
On my wish list is the perfect point-toe pump. I’ve been looking for a year. The shoes I wear most often are Comme des Garçons x Salomon platform sneakers, Adidas “Sambas” and Off-White slides.
On a typical working day, I’ll wear a black jean with a tee, a Rick Owens jacket and a kitten heel. Or a dress by Akira [Isogawa] – one of Australia’s greats. On Sundays, I go back to my family home to see Mum and Dad, revert to being a kid and throw anything on – a jumper Mum knitted me, trackies or gumboots.
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