This was published 8 months ago
‘A white tee, flared jeans’: What a red carpet presenter wears on her days off
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, TV host Lucia Hawley.
“I’ve never been one to shy away from making a fashion statement.”
How would you describe your style? It’s ever-changing. A lot of people stick to one lane, whether it’s minimalist or maximalist, but I have the most fun with fashion when I don’t confine myself.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? As I’m the sixth of six kids, hand-me-downs are a big thing in my family. The oldest thing I love and wear the most is a leather jacket that belonged to my dad.
And the most recent addition? Nagnata track pants: they’re cream with a red stripe. I already had the matching sweatshirt.
Hawley says she’s “obsessed” with Loewe’s “Cateye” sunglasses.
Any favourite labels? Scanlan Theodore is timeless and has incredible tailoring. I’m six feet tall and struggle to find things that are long enough for me, but Scanlan does an amazing pant I can wear with heels. For elevated basics, I love Venroy and Anine Bing.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A little black dress – I have a velvet mini with long sleeves from Réalisation Par that I wear a lot – a blazer and a heeled boot.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? A little black dress and ballet flats.
… on a plane? A white Adidas tracksuit is my go-to, with red Adidas “Samba” sneakers.
… on the red carpet? I try to keep it elegant but young. Something with
a dramatic silhouette, like a long black dress with a halter neck, is always good. At the moment I’m loving Rebecca Vallance and Carla Zampatti.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the ’90s: the supermodels, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s minimalist style, all the tailoring, crop tops and low-rise jeans.
What’s your fragrance of choice? “Chloé “by Chloé. My mum [Antonia Kidman] used to wear it, so I associate it with her. I also wear Gucci’s “The Alchemist’s Garden, a Reason to Love”. It’s pricey, but worth every cent.
Hawley says “je t’aime” to Jane Birkin and her Gallic sense of style.
Any go-to jewellery? I always wear my mum’s ruby and diamond engagement ring from my dad. Also, a diamond pendant necklace that Mum was given when I was born and gave to me for my 21st birthday.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I had a little furry vest when I was five that I was obsessed with. There are photos of me wearing it at kindergarten with nail polish and pigtails and everyone else casually dressed. I’ve never been one to shy away from making a fashion statement.
What was your first fashion moment? An amazing pink Alex Perry latex dress I wore to the 2022 Logies.
And your worst fashion mistake? When I’ve worn things to fit in or please other people. I went through a stage when I only wore three-quarter-length board shorts because I had a crush on some guy who surfed.
What’s on your wish list? So many things. I’m obsessed with Loewe’s “Cateye” sunglasses. Also, classic Louboutin “Kate” nude high heels. I’m trying to invest in timeless pieces.
Is there something you would never wear? A leopard-print ensemble. And I can’t see myself in a kaftan.
Is there a current trend you like? I love that Mary Janes are coming back.
What shoes do you wear most often? Red Adidas “Samba” sneakers.
What do you sleep in? My boyfriend’s boxers and a Peter Alexander bunny pyjama top.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Jane Birkin is my number one; she was the ultimate French “It Girl”. And I love how Alexa Chung doesn’t follow any fashion rules. She’ll wear stripper heels and a gorgeous frock, seemingly throwing random items together to see what sticks. I try to lean into that; I love playing around with colours and different things.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A white tee, flared jeans and Adidas “Stan Smith” sneakers, or a Posse linen minidress with sandals, sunnies and a nice bag.
Lucia Hawley is the host of 7Bravo and the face of its Live from E! red-carpet coverage.
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