Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor Ana Thu Nguyen.
How would you describe your style? Timeless with a modern, feminine edge.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A gold pendant necklace that belonged to my grandmother, then my mother, who in turn gave it to me for my year 12 graduation.
And the most recent addition? A pair of black, relaxed pants from Aje.
What would you wear … on a first date? A Sandro maxi dress and Prada wedge sandals. … on a plane? I go for comfort in an oversized Bassike tee, Uniqlo “AIRism” track pants and white Vans sneakers. … on the red carpet? I love the sculptured silhouettes of the Alex Perry gowns I’ve worn in the past. For the Mortal Kombat II premiere, I collaborated with American-Vietnamese designer Thai Nguyen. The dress pays homage to the movie and the character I play but also to Vietnamese culture. He’s a designer who loves storytelling with our traditional dress, the áo dài. He’s very good at mixing Vietnamese tradition with Western modernity. It really speaks to me.
What is your favourite fashion era? The 1950s for the tailoring and simple silhouettes. It was refined and glamorous in an understated way.
Who are your favourite designers? Chanel, because it’s timeless and classic, but also because Coco Chanel’s story is so inspiring; it shows how far persistence and hard work can get you. Also, it’s my dream to wear Lever Couture on the red carpet one day – I love the sculptural shapes and movement of the gowns.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Dior’s “Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet”.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? A vintage black wallet-sized bag by Chanel that perfectly fits my keys and phone, a black blazer with puffy sleeves from Hong Kong label Future Classics, and a white silk Camilla and Marc maxi skirt.
Any go-to jewellery? I love sapphires and switch between two rings: one has a Sri Lankan blue sapphire, and the other has a green sapphire.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? When I was about four, it was a black velvet dress with opal-coloured accents – it was a bit extra.
What was your first fashion moment? I started acting when I was 27 after quitting a corporate job. I had no back-up, but I had to do it because I realised it was something I love. My first red-carpet moment was for The Spy Who Never Dies. I had a small role, but it felt significant because it was what I wanted and what I’d been working towards. For the [Sydney] premiere, I wore a beautiful ivory Arcina Ori dress. It was a celebration of the movie, the team, and what we’d created together.
And your worst fashion mistake? The emo side fringe I had in my later high school years.
What’s on your wish list? I’d love one of the Chanel 25 bags in the Margot Robbie campaign, preferably in denim.
Is there something you would never wear? Overalls.
Is there a current trend you like? Wide-leg pants. I love the look of skinny jeans, but I can’t go past the comfort of a more relaxed pant.
What do you sleep in? Peter Alexander “sausage dog” pyjamas.
What shoes do you wear most often? A pair of white patent leather Prada sandals, and my Vans sneakers.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Audrey Hepburn. People have called me an Asian Audrey Hepburn, which is a big compliment. I love her elegance; she was sophisticated and demure.
What do you wear on a typical working day? A T-shirt and Lululemon tights that I can stretch in before getting changed into the beautiful, yet often uncomfortable, costumes on set.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in loose-fit Aje jeans, a white Bassike tee and my Vans.
Mortal Kombat II is in cinemas May 7.
Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.
