Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, sports journalist Abbey Gelmi.
How would you describe your style? Contemporary and ever evolving.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pair of black Prada boots I bought when I was 18; I was saving to go to Europe and bought European leather instead. I wore them last year for my 35th birthday celebrations, so they’ve stood the test of time.
And the most recent addition? I did the mandatory trip to Scanlan Theodore to bolster my work wardrobe for Offsiders and bought a classic white crêpe knit top, among other things. Are you really on TV if you don’t own crêpe knit?
What would you wear … on a first date? Henne “Rory” cigarette jeans with a white tee and heels. … on a plane? A Viktoria & Woods silk set and Golden Goose sneakers. … on the red carpet? I’ve been lucky enough to wear Sonia Cappellazzo and Paolo Sebastian. And Toni Maticevski, who makes you feel invincible. I wear Lana Wilkinson heels, always.
What’s your favourite fashion era? It’s now. Fashion inspiration has never been more accessible and expressive. The digital world allows people to find what they love and really delve into it. I love putting things together on Pinterest, for example.
Do you have a favourite designer? It would be easier if you asked me which child I love most! I love Viktoria & Woods, St Agni, Henne, Solaqua Studio, Camilla and Marc, Deering for fun statement pieces, Effie Kats and Rebecca Vallance for something dressier. And if it was my last outfit on earth, Toni Maticevski.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Le Labo “Tonka 25”.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? I’m a Henne jeans addict – “Valentina” and “Gisella” are on high rotation. Cos white tees. And my P Johnson sunglasses make me feel polished and put together, even after no sleep.
Any go-to jewellery? My engagement ring and a gold Tiffany “T” ring.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from your childhood? Yes, a purple faux-fur jacket I wore everywhere when I was about five. It was made even more ridiculous by the heat in Perth, where I grew up, but I thought I was everything.
What was your first fashion moment? About 10 years ago, I was attending a race day in Sydney and one of the Fashions on the Field judges didn’t show up. So little old me ended up judging with Vogue Australia’s Edwina McCann and Bollywood royalty Aishwarya Rai. It was a special moment; it led to hosting the Brownlow Medal red carpet and all sorts of things.
And your worst fashion mistake? Not buying a Chanel handbag in 2010. I’d walk past the store every day and think “it’s too much”, but I should’ve swung that axe. Anyone who says fashion is not an investment needs to look at what Chanel’s prices have done in the past 15 years.
What’s on your wish list? Unique Diamonds loaned me the most beautiful tennis necklace to wear to the Australian Open, and it has catapulted to the top of the list.
Is there something you’d never wear? Low-rise skinny jeans.
Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving fringing on clothes. It’s playful.
What do you sleep in? Kane’s [Lambert, former AFL player and Abbey’s fiancé] old training shirts and boxers.
What shoes do you wear the most? Jelly thongs and black loafers.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love what Margot Robbie served up on the Wuthering Heights press tour. And Kate Waterhouse, who always looks put together and effortless.
What do you wear on a typical working day? A fitted Scanlan Theodore top with Rebecca Vallance pants and heels.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be hanging with the family in double denim – jeans, an oversized shirt – and my Golden Goose sneakers.
Abbey Gelmi hosts Offsiders on ABC TV and co-hosts the Two Good Sports podcast.
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CORRECTION
An earlier version said Abbey Gelmi’s fiancé was Kane Farrell.
