Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, fashion designer Emma Petterwood.
How would you describe your style? Classic with a twist. I love clean, timeless shapes with the addition of something fun or unexpected.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pair of tan leather gloves that belonged to my grandmother – they’re beautiful and so delicate. I also still have a blue Adidas zip sweater from when I was a teenager that became part of the inspiration behind my label’s Romy Athletic Society collection.
And the most recent addition? A black, collarless, boat-neck blazer from Source Unknown.
What would you wear … on a first date? The Romy “Clara” mesh dress with strappy black Miu Miu kitten heels. … on a plane? I designed a tailored pant specifically for travel and everyday wear, made using a fine wool blend with a bit of stretch and an elastic waist. I wear them with a tee, denim jacket or blazer, and Adidas “Samba” sneakers. … on the red carpet? Something tailored but feminine by Maticevski in red, black or cream.
What is your favourite fashion era? I love the ’90s for their simplicity, and the playful shapes from the ’60s. Both eras really understood a strong silhouette.
Who is your favourite designer? Jacquemus for the classic shapes and exaggerated detailing, like the big shoulders and fun banana print. I also love Acne Studios, Khaite and Dries Van Noten – nobody does print like Dries.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Le Labo “Santal 33”.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Jeans – I have a thing for vintage Levi’s, and Re/done denim. Also, a silk dress and a black blazer so I can feel instantly put together.
Any go-to jewellery? I wear a Sarah & Sebastian necklace that has the birthstones of my husband, Josh, and my sons, Leo and Charlie. And a puffy-heart necklace by Olivia Bond.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? When I was 10, it was a black-and-white psychedelic-print swing top and matching bike shorts. I would put on concerts in my backyard for the neighbours.
What was your first fashion moment? It was casual day in year 8, all my girlfriends were into surf brands, and I turned up in cherry Dr. Martens and a 1960s A-line daisy-print dress. It set the tone for how I felt about fashion and made me realise how it could shape how you feel.
And your worst fashion mistake? Fluoro-pink hair extensions when I was a teenager.
What’s on your wish list? The Khaite “Simona” bag in zebra print, and The Row’s “Ophelia” sweater in black.
Is there something you’d never wear? Capri pants. I recently purchased some, tried them on and promptly returned them.
Is there a current trend you like? Watching trends come back that I’ve lived through and seeing them through a new lens is fun. For example, barrel-leg pants; I remember that balloon shape in
brightly coloured “hippie” pants when I was growing up.
What do you sleep in? Now that I have a mini dachshund, I sleep in Peter Alexander’s “sausage dog” pyjamas.
What shoes do you wear most often? I buy quality shoes and love them hard. I’m currently rotating between black Miu Miu kitten heels, cream Loewe “Toy” pumps and tan Loewe “Flow Runner” sneakers.
Who is your favourite fashion icon? New York City-based influencer Courtney Grow is very cool. I really like the way she styles everyday clothes to look effortless and chic.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I have two kids and a business; I’m time poor, so the equation is usually jeans, a top and a sports-inspired satin jacket.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in Lululemon activewear riding bikes or playing football with my boys.
Romy is showing at Australian Fashion Week on May 14.
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