The simple (and free) three-second hack that instantly lifts any outfit
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, stylist Nicole Bonython-Hines.
Nicole Bonython-Hines admires the style of British designer Phoebe Philo.Credit: Myles Kalus
How would you describe your style? Simple and subtly modern.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I have some fabulous Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons and Alaïa pieces from the ’80s. I also have the blue sequinned dress my mum wore to her 21st birthday.
And the most recent additions? Tweed pants and a crew-neck knit with jewels around the neck from Oroton, and a navy car coat from Lee Mathews.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? T-shirts and cashmere crew necks from Uniqlo in every colour – I like unusual colour combinations – and a pair of navy Oroton “Flat Front” wide-leg pants.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I like bits of all eras – ’60s boxy shift dresses and ‘70s denim, for instance. As a kid, I was obsessed with the outfits in 1940s and ’50s musicals with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and High Society with Grace Kelly. I feel like my sense of fashion was informed by those films.
Who are your favourite designers? I’m very excited to see what Jonathan Anderson is going to do at Dior, and what Matthieu Blazy will do at Chanel, which has been tired and awful for so long. I also think Pierpaolo Piccioli will be incredible at Balenciaga.
What would you wear … on a first date? A silk shirt with jeans and a little heel. … on a plane? I layer up in wide-leg chinos, a T-shirt, knit and coat with a flat pointed pump. … on the red carpet? A full-length black satin “Freya” dress by Lee Mathews.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I layer three Electimuss perfumes – “Rhodanthe”, “Trajan” and “Imperium”.
Any go-to jewellery? I’m not really a jewellery person. I have a Rolex watch I never take off.
Bonython-Hines covets a skirt by Bottega Veneta.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I had lots of hand-smocked dresses in Liberty prints and one with fluorescent pink and turquoise daisies that was very ’60s. My parents’ house burnt down in the Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983, and nothing survived. However, because my dresses had been passed down to other children in the family, I eventually got that floral dress back and all my girls wore it.
What was your first fashion moment? As a kid, I thought it was ridiculous that everyone dressed the same. When I was 13, I would wear a Jag denim dress and denim knee-high boots, or a navy paisley dress with a pussy bow and navy velvet blazer from Maria Finlay in Double Bay [Sydney]. All my friends were wearing Levi’s cords and T-shirts.
And your worst fashion mistake? I was invited to a party once, and I was misled that it was fancy dress. It wasn’t. My friend and I arrived dressed as aliens, with silver face make-up and everything. So embarrassing.
What’s on your fashion wish list? A layered, pleated Bottega Veneta midi skirt, and the Khaite “Crosby” tote in Espresso.
Is there something you’d never wear? So much. I find the Desigual printed stuff particularly offensive.
Is there a current trend you like that lifts any outfit? I like a popped collar. And forearms, I love pushing sleeves up – on myself and other people. And I like burgundy; it feels like this season’s neutral.
What shoes do you wear the most often? Puma “Speedcat” sneakers and Celine T-bar-strap kitten heels.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Phoebe Philo always looks chic. She wears modern, basic, not in-your-face pieces with a trainer and looks relaxed and cool. It’s how I aspire to dress.
What do you wear on a typical working day? When I’m shooting, it’s Citizens of Humanity “Ayla” jeans with a T-shirt, knit and a jacket with pockets – I need lots of pockets.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Uniqlo men’s trackpants with a tee, cashmere knit, puffer jacket and sneakers.
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