Thanks to our never-ending list of beaut designers, getting dressed up in Australia can be a fun and joyous pursuit. As was very much on display at the AAFW, there’s no limit to our homegrown talent, and the gallery above featuring Australian designers Ten Pieces, Anna Quan, Bassike and Christopher Esber, plus honorary New Zealand designer Wynn Hamlyn is further proof should you require it.
There’s a multitude of reasons why we choose certain clothes: functionality, trends, to attract or deflect attention, to assist us in feeling good about ourselves, as a form of creative expression. Our lifestyles call for comfort, the whims of the weather call for versatility, celebrations call for something a little more F-U-N.
Since personal style is so, well, personal, we asked a handful of the models from our recent shoot all about their approach to getting dressed. Read all about it below.
Name: Uma Manasseh
Location: Sydney/Warrang
Star Sign: Sagittarius
What is your thought process when getting dressed in the morning?
I put some music on, see what mood I’m in, what catches my eye and then I go from there. I like creating new outfits from my wardrobe and often will match the fit with some funky eye
makeup.
How would you define your personal style, and how do you think it’s evolved over the years?
Although I still draw influence from current trends, I used to be drawn to fads more. Over the years, I’ve cultivated my style through a thrifted wardrobe. I love finding unique pieces and
vintage clothing. I’d say my style falls somewhere between someone who's stumbled out of the 70s, a grungy grandma, a 90s witch and a woodland fairy given my mood on the day.
What's your earliest fashion memory?
Picture this. I'm age five, runway director, head stylist, dolled up, teetering in a single
Cinderella heel adorning my little brother in everything the dress up box has to offer before
the catwalk we’ve prepared for my grandma.
What is the most outlandish (read: regrettable) thing you have ever worn? Can you describe
it to us?
I must say my most regrettable outfits occurred around age twelve. It was a dark time, think patterned skinny jeans, a little too much pastel spiced up by the occasional galaxy leggings.
Is there a film or show that inspires how you dress?
The Craft, Almost Famous, How To Talk to Girls at Parties, Dazed and Confused, and Love Witch.
Do you think clothes have the power to change how you feel? If y/n, then why?
Yes definitely, even subconsciously at times. My clothing is part of self expression—I feel empowered in myself when I wear clothes I love. Getting dressed into something I enjoy can even lift my mood if I’m having a rough day.
What do you want your clothes to say about you (generally speaking)?
I think my clothes say I'm fun, creative and have a strong sense of self.
In what outfit do you feel the best?
My chunky black boots, red roller flares and a white button down topped with a black corset, pearls and some funky makeup.
When getting dressed, what item do you generally start with?
I start with pants or a skirt.
Which season is your favourite to get dressed in?
Spring.
If you could dress from any time period, what would it be?
The 70s for sure, it incorporates all the whimsical bubbly elements of the 60s which I love with more androgynous looks coming into play as well as punk.
Sum up your style with emojis:
🕺
Name: Mykeesha Nelson
Nickname: Keesh
Location: Sydney
Star Sign: Scorpio (double Aries rising/moon 😂)
How would you define your personal style, and how do you think it’s evolved over the years?
It’s all over the place. My style changes every few weeks or whenever I see something new. Since moving to London, my style has completely changed for the better.
What's your earliest fashion memory?
My earliest fashion memory would be my mum and sister talking about designers and their obsession with Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood at about the age of six. I feel like with the family I have I was destined to dress wild and never be a sheep.
What is the most outlandish (read: regrettable) thing you have ever worn? Can you describe it to us?
Wearing leggings. I will forever hate myself for wearing black Supre leggings with two different coloured singles, a crop top and gladiator sandals.... I want to vomit thinking about it.
Is there a film or show that inspires how you dress?
Scarface, Pulp Fiction and American Horror Story would definitely have to be a huge inspiration. Michelle Pfeiffer, Uma Thurman and Jess Langer just bangs throughout the whole movie/series.
Do you think clothes have the power to change how you feel? If y/n, then why?
100000% the way I dress shows my emotion. If I feel down and or lazy I will probably be wearing a tracksuit, but when I feel sexy I will 100% put on something more chic with a wig and some banging heeled boots.
What do you want your clothes to say about you (generally speaking)?
I want every outfit I wear to tell a different story. I love dressing up and people never know what I'm going to look like or who I am going to be that day.
In what outfit do you feel the best?
An adidas Originals tracksuit and loafers.
When getting dressed, what item do you generally start with?
Wig/hair.
Which season is your favourite to get dressed in?
Winter.
If you could dress from any time period, what would it be?
Anything from 1940s pin up dolls (shout out to Samatha aka mumzie for my pin up love), through to the 60s, 70s disco to 80s chic, rock and glamour. Also you can never go wrong with anything Western. I would live in a glamour cowboy movie if I could.
Sum up your style with emojis:
🕺🏾👢
Name: Dré Prasad
Location: Sydney, NSW
Star Sign: Cusp of Taurus and Gemini
What is your thought process when getting dressed in the morning?
I usually look outside to gauge the weather and dress based on that.
How would you define your personal style, and how do you think it’s evolved over the years?
I wouldn't really know how to define my style as I just mix and match all my clothes.
What's your earliest fashion memory?
I would say probably when I used to dress up in my mother's dresses around the ages of seven to nine-years-old.
What is the most outlandish (read: regrettable) thing you have ever worn? Can you describe it to us?
Jeans and a t-shirt in primary school.
Do you think clothes have the power to change how you feel? If y/n, then why?
Not really as I will feel how I feel no matter what.
When getting dressed, what item do you generally start with?
Usually underwear, pants, top, socks, jewellery then shoes.
Which season is your favourite to get dressed in?
I like to get dressed in all seasons as it means I get to wear different outfits in all of them.
If you could dress from any time period, what would it be?
I would like to dress from every time period as I like bits and pieces from all eras.
Sum up your style with emojis:
Name: Beti
What is your thought process when getting dressed in the morning?
Clean, simple, and fresh. There’s a natural vibe to my facial routine, and I’ll follow that through to my makeup routine and what I’m wearing as much as possible. Depending on where I’m stepping out, of course.
How would you define your personal style, and how do you think it’s evolved over the years?
I’d describe it as unique, contrasting, at times surprising. Lately I’m less concerned about fitting in or being fashionable. It’s toned down and neutral with a hint of my own personal styling. In the past it depended on my social surroundings like my friends, events etc. I would wear outgoing, revealing outfits to display my self confidence. Fast forward to now and it has changed in a way that I don’t wear outfits that depict my feminine self-confidence physically, moving more towards a clean vibe that gains me respect; an effortless win through me being comfortably confident.
What's your earliest fashion memory?
Definitely my mum on her sewing machine. She was always sewing dresses for family and friends. In fact she spent so much time on it my brothers and sisters and I would complain about the constant noise! But eventually my curiosity got the better of me and I began helping her, learning how to sew different fabrics together. I enjoyed watching these beautiful traditional dresses come together, because that’s all she ever made.
What is the most outlandish (read: regrettable) thing you have ever worn? Can you describe it to us?
I remember wearing this glittery white jumpsuit to a party once. The fabric was the shiny elastic type that clings to your body. I’m not sure why I thought it was a good decision at that time. A friend had taken a photo of me dancing and it just looked horrible! But I looked happy. I’d be more likely to wear it to a costume party now, but it’s fun to sit back and giggle about it.
Is there a film or show that inspires how you dress?
The movie Clueless changed me forever. I'm really into that late 90s vibe, the two-piece outfits, cute mini dresses and all the accessories! They say fashion doesn’t die, it just gets recreated, and that’s exactly what that movie inspired me to do.
Do you think clothes have the power to change how you feel? If y/n, then why?
Yes yes yes. Clothes have the power to either make us feel amazing about ourselves or drag us down emotionally.
What do you want your clothes to say about you (generally speaking)?
I want my clothes to always say that there’s a beautiful, young woman that possesses majesty in your presence and please show and give the respect deserved.
In what outfit do you feel the best?
I feel the best in dresses. Like simple dresses for nice events like family functions, weddings or gatherings where I can present myself in a way that people can soak in the beauty.
When getting dressed, what item do you generally start with?
I generally start with half my wardrobe strewn across my bed, and work my way up from there! I don’t plan out my outfits, I like to mix and match until I find the perfect combination of two pieces that look great and that I feel comfortable in.
Which season is your favourite to get dressed in?
That’s an easy one, Summer! I love the heat and I’m comfortable in summer outfits. In colder months I’m usually all rugged up choosing comfort (and warmth!) over making a fashion statement.
If you could dress from any time period, what would it be?
My time period would be late 80s through to the 90s because I really do believe that simplicity is elegance and that’s something most people don’t attempt at even though it’s so easy.
Sum up your style with emojis:
🦋💃🏾
Name: Anjali Torvi
Location: Sydney, Australia
Star Sign: Virgo
What is your thought process when getting dressed in the morning?
My thought process usually involves me hoping what I’m wearing goes together [laughs].
How would you define your personal style, and how do you think it’s evolved over the years?
My personal style is comfortable, effortless and fun. Over the years, as I’ve grown more confident in myself, the way I dress has evolved. I’m not scared to take risks and be comfortable in my own skin when wearing any type of clothing now.
What's your earliest fashion memory?
When I was six my parents bought me a blue top with shiny sparkles on it and I absolutely loved it. I wore it till it no longer fit!
What is the most outlandish (read: regrettable) thing you have ever worn? Can you describe it to us?
Not necessarily outlandish, but when I was in primary school for some reason I would wear the boys uniform instead of the girls one. I definitely regret doing that and cringe when I look back at old photos.
Is there a film or show that inspires how you dress?
I loved Monica’s style in Friends.
Do you think clothes have the power to change how you feel? If y/n, then why?
I do think clothes have the power to change how I feel. Even though it sounds cliche, when I look good, I feel good.
What do you want your clothes to say about you (generally speaking)?
I just want to come across as someone who is sure in themselves and believes in their capabilities.
In what outfit do you feel the best?
Now that it’s winter in Australia, a pair of straight leg jeans with a bright coloured knit, boots and a coat never fails me. It's a staple way to look put together.
When getting dressed, what item do you generally start with?
I don’t really have a particular order, just whatever I grab out of my closet first!
Which season is your favourite to get dressed in?
Autumn.
If you could dress from any time period, what would it be?
This answer changes all the time, but right now the 80s.
Sum up your style with emojis: ️
Features Editor: Madeleine Woon Photos: Julian Schulz Fashion: Janai Anselmi Beauty: Tracey Terashima Photo Assistant: Nick Shaw Fashion Assistant: Bianca Mafrici
Beti & Mykeesha are represented by Kult
Abney, Anjali, Dré & Uma are represented by Priscillas
Shot on location in Sydney, Australia
