Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, model Billie Jean Hamlet.
How would you describe your style? Authentic and effortless. It’s very off-duty-model during Paris Fashion Week. I love wearing rare archival pieces from the late ’90s minimalist era – Prada, Miu Miu and Tom Ford for Gucci – plus lots of vintage denim, aged leather, relaxed silhouettes and unexpected pops of colour.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? An Acne Studios leather trench coat I bought when I started modelling. I wore it on my first trip to New York City when I was 20 and I felt so powerful in it. It’s one of those timeless pieces I’ll have forever.
And the most recent addition? A pair of Saint Laurent “Romy 815” sunglasses that make me feel put together and a little mysterious.
What would you wear … on a first date? A little top and skirt from the Fendi Spring 2000 collection with a vintage leather jacket, kitten heel and tiny bag. … on a plane? My boyfriend’s Supreme hoodie with vintage Levi’s 501s, a relaxed tee, my YSL sunglasses, Gucci loafers and a big Fendi tote bag. … on the red carpet? A black silk, backless 1999 Tom Ford for Gucci dress with strappy black heels.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1990s to early 2000s. It was sexy, effortless and personal – the clothes had emotions.
Who are your favourite fashion designers? I like designers who love women and make them look intelligent, effortless and cool. Miuccia Prada does that perfectly. Helmut Lang and Jil Sander are also faves.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear Diptyque “L’Eau Papier”.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Vintage Levi’s 501s, a white cotton St Agni tee and a vintage Fendi “Ethnico” brown leather handbag I found at Swop.
Any go-to jewellery? Simple diamond studs, a diamond Cartier “d’Amour” necklace my boyfriend gave me, a diamond bracelet and chunky rings by Spanish brand Simuero.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? Like every ’90s baby I had a Cinderella costume. I’d wear the little tutu dress with plastic heels and a fake flip phone.
What was your first fashion moment? I grew up in a tiny remote Indigenous community until I was six, when we moved to Perth. I was a shy kid, so my parents enrolled me in modelling classes. I still remember hiding behind my mum before going to class, but it did eventually bring me out of my shell.
And your worst fashion mistake? Wearing jeans that didn’t reach my ankles. Finding jeans has always been a struggle because I have the longest legs ever. I’ve realised now that the secret is wearing men’s Levi’s 501s.
What’s on your fashion wish list? Tom Ford “Jennifer” sunglasses and the perfect leather jacket – I’ve got my eye on a ’90s brown lambskin jacket from vintage seller Shy Online.
Is there something you’d never wear? Fast fashion. I prefer to wear something with a story behind it that gets better with time.
Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving the military jackets. They remind me of Michael Jackson, which just makes everything instantly cool. I’m after a Stella McCartney “Pirate” jacket from the early 2000s.
What do you sleep in? My boyfriend’s tees or a cute Peter Alexander set.
What shoes do you wear most often? Acne Studios biker boots and vintage Gucci loafers.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Kate Moss. She was always effortless, slightly undone and cooler than everyone.
What do you wear on a typical working day? Levi’s jeans, a 1970s track and field tee, slim oval Gucci “GG” sunnies, my Fendi bag and some sort of cool archival jacket, at the moment I’m loving a grey cropped wool ’90s Armani jacket.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? It’s my day to chill at home – no make-up, messy hair, my pink fluffy robe and ugg slippers.
Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.
