Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, fashion entrepreneur Brooke Testoni.
How would you describe your style? It’s forever changing. I like it to be effortless and classic, sometimes preppy. I went through an androgynous stage of wearing suits, denim and blazers, but now I’ve thrown a spanner in the works and I’m wearing dresses again. I had a slip dress on the other day and I’m like, who am I?
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A 1970s brown suede Chanel bag with acetate handles. And I still have a lot of Lisa Ho pieces from my first job in fashion, which I could never part with.
And the most recent addition? A pair of black Dries Van Noten asymmetric heeled sandals and another pair of my favourite Slvrlake “London” jeans ($499), in white.
What would you wear … on a first date? The Beare Park “Abbey” trouser with a simple belt, an A.Emery “Alfen” halterneck top and Rylan Studio brown suede “Ella” mules. … on a plane? A Deiji Studios cami top with their cotton pants, a Uniqlo crew neck cashmere jumper around my shoulders and black Repetto Paris ballet flats. … on the red carpet? Christopher Esber’s “Droplet Bead” crochet trimmed dress with a Rylan “Mila” mini tote and Lola Cruz “Kumala” heels.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The ’90s. It was minimalistic and had a sexy element. Calvin Klein’s designs from that era are a standout.
Who are your favourite designers? Slvrlake for denim, Flore Flore for basics, Christopher Esber for dresses, and I love what Harris Tapper and Phoebe Philo are doing.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Recently, it’s BDK Parfums “Rouge Smoking Extrait” – I get complimented every time I wear it. I’ve worn Christian Dior “Addict” since I was 17. My mum buys it for my birthday every year without fail.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Slvrlake denim, an Acne Studios leather biker jacket and the “Harley” box tee from Perfect White Tee – they really are true to their name.
Any go-to jewellery? I wear a Cartier “Tank” watch from the ’90s, a Meadowlark ring and, when I go out, vintage Celine earrings.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A little Parisian-style outfit when I was four – a red skirt with black trim and a matching hat that I wore with a white blouse and white tights.
What was your first fashion moment? To my junior school graduation formal I wore a pale blue, knee-length boob tube dress to which I added diamanté straps.
And your worst fashion mistake? There are so many. I grew up in the era of platform sneakers, fabric belts, chandelier earrings, fake eyelashes and overplucked eyebrows.
What’s on your wish list? A Nour Hammour cropped leather jacket and Erede jewellery.
Is there something you’d never wear? I’m happy for my kids to wear Crocs but I’m not going to.
Is there a current trend you like? I’ve always worn halternecks, so I love that they’ve become a thing again.
What do you sleep in? Deiji Studios’ “03” linen set.
What shoes do you wear most often? Repetto ballet flats and Ancient Greek Sandals “Eleftheria” sandals.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s pared-back and effortless style. I also love Totême founder Elin Kling’s style; it’s also classic and minimal, and she’s not afraid to add a bit of colour.
Do you wear much colour? I’m more neutral and monochromatic but I love to pair a statement red heel or clutch. And I don’t mind an outfit of entirely one colour.
What do you wear on a typical working day? Denim or a trouser with a tee, a Harris Tapper “Tilmens” blazer and ballet flats.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Posse’s “Ellen” shift dress with sandals and my Saint Laurent “Betty” sunglasses.
Brooke Testoni is the creative director of Rylan Studio.
Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.
