Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, interior stylist Loui Burke.
Loui Burke swears by the “Gisella” jeans by Henne.Credit: Elisa Watson
How would you describe your style? Casual classic. It’s a bit preppy but also lived-in and relaxed.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A Levi’s shearling denim jacket I bought secondhand more than 10 years ago. You can’t beat vintage denim.
And the most recent addition? A charcoal Henne “Belle” cashmere polo knit. It’s a new favourite, I’m going to get it in cream as well.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Henne [co-owned by Nadia Bartel] straight-leg “Gisella” jeans, a fine rib tight tee by Uniqlo or Cos, and a knit: either fine cashmere or fisherman-style, like something Diane Keaton would have worn to walk along the beach.
What would you wear … on a first date? A trouser with a skinny belt, tight T-shirt and loafers. …on a plane? Jeans with a tee, an Assembly Label fisherman’s knit and my Onitsuka Tiger sneakers. … on the red carpet? A P.Johnson double-breasted suit and loafers.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the classic style of the late ’80s to ’90s. There was a balance of structured tailoring and really good street style with that relaxed, off-duty model vibe.
Who’s your favourite designer? Ralph Lauren is preppy, effortless and classic. Locally, I’m really liking Assembly Label – everything’s super wearable.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I change my fragrance seasonally, the same way I decorate my home with flowers that are in season. In winter, I wear Maison Crivelli “Oud Stallion”, spring is D.S. & Durga “Debaser”, for summer I like “Mojave Ghost” by Byredo, and in autumn I’ll be wearing Aesop’s new perfume “Above Us”.
