‘A négligée that I cut into a top’: This actor’s go-to date outfit
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor and director Alice Englert.
Englert regrets wearing a top hat when I was 13: “I’m just hoping the photos don’t surface; I can’t remember if I put them on Myspace or not.”Credit: Tim Ashton
How would you describe your style? Nearly fashionable, or fashion adjacent. I try to look handsome every day and have a bit of protagonist energy. I also try to look mysterious, but I don’t know if it’s necessarily working.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A lucky pair of underwear with daisies on them from my first Sundance Film Festival in 2013.
And the most recent addition? A pair of brown Yume Yume “Cloud Walker” shoes. They’re very futuristic and exceedingly comfortable.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? I have to have knee-high compression socks because of a knee problem but I also think they’re cute. Turtlenecks, for sure. And, even if I’m too shy to leave the house in it, a miniskirt is important.
Any go-to jewellery? I almost exclusively wear jewellery by Danielle Karlikoff. She’s from Sydney but now based in Paris. Her work’s very beautiful, like treasure. She made pieces in silver, gold and red opal for my wedding, delicate pieces that look like alien teeth.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Witchy Woo by Vyrao.
What would you wear … on a first date? A négligée that I cut into a top, pleated pants and boots
… on a plane? A North Face fleece, a pair of loose Alix Higgins pants and a big old scarf
… on the red carpet? I love wearing Acne if I can get my hands on it. I like to conjure some drama and feel a bit of romance.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I used to like 18th-century corsets. Then I spent time in them filming a show and realised that I am fine with the present day. We’ve got access to everything now. I like the modern nostalgia.
Alice Englert loves Witchy Woo, a woody floral musk perfume from Vyrao.
Who are your favourite designers? Acne, Miu Miu, Sandy Liang and I love Australian designer Alix Higgins. Alix’s collections have that modern nostalgia; it reminds me of what it felt like to be a teenager, when you’d get the bus, meet people and make out with someone at Clovelly graveyard. It’s also comfortable to wear, tactile and poetic.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? A Puss in Boots outfit I called the “Prince Fancy Pants” look when I was four.
What was your first fashion moment? There have been a lot, but I do feel like the negotiation of what height to wear your socks at high school was the most crucial of fashion decisions.
And your worst fashion mistake? The one that haunts me the most is wearing a top hat when I was 13. I’m just hoping the photos don’t surface; I can’t remember if I put them on Myspace or not.
What’s on your wish list? Danielle Karlikoff ear cuffs.
Is there anything you’d never wear? I’m hoping to stay away from top hats.
Is there a current trend you like? I love all the trail shoes – Salomons are everywhere, it’s fantastic. Also, I like to go from fashion to feral. There’s a presence of that right now and I’m into it.
What shoes do you wear the most often? A pair of vintage Miu Miu boots.
Do you have a favourite fashion icon? Puss in Boots.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I do a few things. If I’m writing, something close to pyjamas. If I’m directing, a fleece, trousers, Blundstones. If I’m acting, whatever I’m told to wear. And if I’m promoting something, it’s the most glorious thing I can get my hands on.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Anything over-the-top. I like a walk, a beer, a book and playing Nintendo in all my best clothes.
Exposure is now streaming on Stan (owned by Nine, owner of this masthead).
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