Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, opera singer Danielle de Niese.
Opera singer Danielle de Niese describes her style as βdiva glamβ.Credit: Daniel Boud
How would you describe your style? Diva glam.
Whatβs the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A white blouse given to me by Donna Karan. I wore it on the cover of my debut album, Handel Arias, in 2007.
And the most recent addition? A white leather Gucci belt with the classic gold GG buckle.
What would you wearβ¦ β¦ on a first date? On my first date with my husband I wore jeans, a white lace shirt that had a train at the back and high heels with a pearl ankle strap. β¦ on a plane? Black trousers, a shirt, jumper, big scarf and my Brooks tennis shoes. β¦ on the red carpet? Iβve worked with some amazing designers: Marchesa, Temperley, Vivienne Westwood; a favourite is a fuchsia corseted gown that Vivienne made for me. And I wear Christian Louboutin βNudeβ heels for darker skin.
Whatβs your favourite fashion era? I love the art deco period. When I did The Merry Widow here in Australia in 2017, I was in seventh heaven in all the 1920s gowns. The art deco era has style, sleek lines and feminine silhouettes without being that corseted, βpoofyβ bottom period.
Whoβs your favourite designer? I love Vivienne Westwood so much, her blend of edgy, rock βnβ roll and feminine. It sums up my style: I like things to be strong, fun and make a statement but also be feminine β and feminine doesnβt always mean soft.
Whatβs your fragrance of choice? I wear Lolita Lempicka.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A red Gucci βMarmontβ cross-body bag, something with a fur collar to keep my neck warm after performances, and a long leather coat.
