The tradie shoe that’s a staple for this Melbourne artist
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, artist Madeleine Stamer.
Artist Madeleine Stamer loves “quirky yet versatile pieces”.Credit: Nikita Cherry
How would you describe your style? I’m a girly tomboy, drawn to quirky yet versatile pieces: practical clothes that blend feminine and masculine elements with an emphasis on pattern and texture.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A much-loved vintage denim shirt with embroidered birds and floral motifs that I got in my early 20s.
And the most recent addition? Cute tees, sweaters, shirts and pants from my collaboration with Elm. It’s wild to walk around in your own designs, a literal dream come true.
What would you wear … on a first date? Jeans, a vintage top and cute accessories. …on a plane? Cotton layers that are easy to peel off, a snugly oversized scarf, socks and sneakers. …on the red carpet? A vintage Maija Isola piece in one of her iconic Marimekko patterns.
What’s your favourite fashion era? The early ’80s graffiti and hip-hop movement that I was drawn to as a rebellious teen. I love the old-school b-boy aesthetic. Malcolm McLaren’s Buffalo Gals film clip with the crazy cool breakdancers and models in folk-patterned skirts, trucker caps and iconic buffalo hats influenced me greatly. It was unexpected, raw and rugged.
Do you have a favourite designer? On an artistic level, I’ve always admired Vivienne Westwood for constantly challenging conventional ideas in the fashion industry. Locally, it’s Emily Dezentje of
Little Tienda.
What’s your fragrance of choice? My signature perfume oil blend from Lander-Se on [Victoria’s] Mornington Peninsula. It’s an earthy combination of clover bud, cedar wood, cinnamon and rose germanium.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? My Elm “Flower Medley” windcheater, Little Tienda “Le Tigre” jumpsuit and Blundstone boots.
Any go-to jewellery? My Jan Logan chunky topaz engagement ring, a pair of earrings by local jeweller Tiffany Pollard that are inspired by one of my floral artworks, and a silver vintage
apple pendant that belonged to my mum.
Stamer lives in her Adidas “Gazelle” sneakers.
What’s on your wish list? The last thing I coveted was a sacred heart locket with inlaid stones that I bought on a trip to Jaipur, India.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A “Life. Be in it” tee illustrated by iconic Australian artist Alex Stitt that I wore to death with a pair of corduroy jeans.
What was your first fashion moment? As a teen, I was asked by Tania Lacy to model swimwear in a local fashion show, but I chickened out. I can still feel my heart palpitating with anxiety over something that never eventuated!
And your worst fashion mistake? My mum dressing me as one of May Gibbs’ gumnut babies for Book Week at school. I wore a green beret, brown skivvy, sheer brown tights and string of gum leaves. I was mortified that you could see my underpants through the tights.
Is there something you’d never wear? I’d have to be coerced into wearing a pair of Lycra bike shorts.
Is there a current trend you like? My current obsession and proud parent moment is seeing my teenage girls and their friends embrace second-hand clothes. They trawl thrift stores and walk the talk when it comes to sustainable fashion.
What do you sleep in? An oversized Run DMC tee.
What shoes do you wear most often? Birkenstocks, Blundstones and Adidas “Gazelle” sneakers.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Honestly, it’s my mother. She was super stylish, resourceful and talented. She was always creating something on the sewing machine. We have a newspaper clipping somewhere of her Fashions on the Field win at the races in the 1970s.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I’m in and out of the studio accompanied by my loyal border terrier Pippi, so it’s a combo of paint-stained clothes meets dog-walker vibes: old jeans, windcheater, neckerchief, puffer jacket, boots and a beanie with big pink pompom made by my
brother that brings me so much joy.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? The same, I’m in casual off-duty mode 24/7.
Madeleine Stamer’s collection for Elm is available now; elmlifestyle.com.au.
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