My Style: Fleur Egan
Portrait: Courtesy of Fleur Egan
The three essential things a woman should know about style are…
Style can’t be bought. Style is being confident in who you are. Style is wearing the dress and not letting the dress wear you.
Please describe your style in three words.
Eclectic, unpredictable, chic.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Putting on a trend for the sake of it instead of asking, 'Is this me?'.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Silk and brocade for opulence.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Rules are there to be broken; it’s about how you execute it.
What city has the best-dressed women?
Paris for timeless, understated glamour and London for being original and inventive.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
People would say bold, but for me it depends on the day. Sometimes it’s bold to be conservative and do it well! My style is forever evolving, but I now look for quality and longevity when investing in pieces.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I dress the way I feel that day. I follow shapes that work for me, as well as finding ways to personalise looks so that they look good on me. I also love accessories. When it comes to trends, I adapt them and stick to cuts that suit me best. Work out your body shape, and once you’ve cracked that formula the rest becomes organic.
Celebrities and style...
Is a constant battle between who they are and how they want to be perceived. The best-dressed celebrities are the ones who bring identity to their outfits, and then it looks authentic.
A woman should always look like...
She hasn’t over-thought things - but more importantly she looks happy.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My mother was a huge influence: she was a model with amazing style and elegance. I was exposed to international fashion, great fabrications and culture, and I have her to thank for. Keeping an open mind and just watching the world around you, taking inspiration from art and culture, these are all experiences that lend their hand to developing your style. With that being said, it was London that really began to inspire me.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
If I have something important going on, I will pre-plan my outfit. You should cater your look to wherever you are attending. On other days, I just trust my judgment of how I feel. Living in Australia's warmer climate means that you can definitely have more fun with colour and print in a way that I couldn’t do back home in the United Kingdom.
What is your biggest regret?
I try not to regret anything as every misfortune or disappointment may also be the reason that something great has happened. One door closes, another opens.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I used to be completely impulsive, but now I am all about buying pieces with longevity. I spend more on classic pieces of knitwear, basics, and shoes and go to the high street for fast, disposable fashion.
We will never see you wearing...
Never say never...
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Mary Katrantzou for her fun prints on classic shapes. Zimmerman for their great prints and fabrics for the modern-day hippy. Stéphane Rolland for the drama.
Who is the most stylish person you have ever seen?
Bianca Jagger, hands down.
What is the first thing you notice on a woman?
Her face, her energy, and then I go straight to the shoes.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A vintage charm bracelet that belonged to my mother, my art déco diamond ring, and my favourite motorcycle jacket by Acne.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Bianca Jagger's wedding outfit: grace, style, and originality.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Alexander McQueen.
One article of clothing that a woman needs to pay close attention to is…
A great jacket. Spend more on this, as it will shape your wardrobe.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
It can be for some people. For me, comfort is investing in better fabrics.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Thora Valdimarsdottir, editor of Costume magazine and one of my closest friends.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
You can’t change the past, so stick it in the fuck-it bin and move on!
