Designer Effie Kats shares her fashion favourites

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? I’m living in the Bayse Brand “Collins” jeans I designed in collaboration with stylist Elliot Garnaut. The Effie Kats “Powerphase” blazer. It’s based on a men’s double-breasted blazer that my dad, a tailor, made but in more-petite proportions. And loafers – I’m wearing the Phillip Lim “Alexa” and a Saint Laurent pair in the most perfect shade of brown.

Any go-to jewellery? Gold Saint Laurent “Dome” earrings.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? I had a little leather vest from the Queen Victoria Market that I’d wear over my T-shirts. It was my way of expressing myself and standing out. I thought I was the coolest person in the world when I wore it.

What was your first fashion moment? In 2019, I went to the Australian Fashion Week Ten Pieces show at Icebergs wearing a metallic-blue mini dress with ruffled sleeves, a Chanel choker and white graffiti Christian Louboutin stilettos. An influencer said to me “Louboutins at 10am in Bondi? You’re brave”. It was a memorable look.

And your worst fashion mistake? The above. It was not appropriate for the occasion.

What’s on your fashion wish list? A Chanel “Nano Kelly” bag.

Is there something you’d never wear? Never say never. I never thought I’d wear stirrup leggings again, but here we are.

Is there a current trend you like? Funnel neck jackets are having serious moment. I just bought the black leather “Bonded” jacket by Remain Birger Christensen.

What do you sleep in? Qantas pyjamas.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love Carine Roitfeld’s “classic with an edge” outfits from back in the day, and Christine Centenera’s minimal, refined and effortless style is an inspiration.

What do you wear on a typical working day? I keep it simple in jeans, a T-shirt, blazer, belt and loafers.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be chilling in leggings, a spray jacket and my Song for the Mute x Adidas sneakers.

The Effie Kats Winter 2025 collection “The Muse” is available now.

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