“I’m a dopamine dresser;the more colour and sparkles,the better.”Clancy Paine
How would you describe your style? I’m a dopamine dresser;the more colour and sparkles,the better.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? The oldest and most precious is a locket with family photos in it that my dad gave me when I was eight,the year he died.
And the most recent addition? A dress by Celia B,a Spanish designer we stock at Jumbled[Brett’s fashion and homewares store in Orange,NSW].
What would you wear … on a first date? When I met my husband at a school dance in year 7,I was wearing a miniskirt,checked top and boat shoes – tragic! Now,I would wear a beautiful Alemais top with jeans and sneakers… on a plane? I’ve realised that I’m never going to get upgraded,so I dress for comfort:trackies,tee,knit,sneakers… on the red carpet? Something wild by Romance Was Born.
A lime-green sweater from Essentiel Antwerp is top of Pip Brett’s shopping list.Supplied
What’s your favourite fashion era? When I was a kid in the ’80s my mum,Kezz Brett,had a fashion label. It was all shoulder pads,dropped waists,puffy sleeves,big clip-on earrings and embellishment on everything. I loved all that.
Who’s your favourite designer? Lesleigh Jermanus of Alemais. She’s not afraid of colour and I love her artist collaborations.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear a Héritage Berbère spicy mandarin scent I bought in Marrakesh from a little shop near the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. It’s in a beautiful hand-painted bottle and when I put it on I’m transported back there. I also wear Maison Matine “Nature Insolente”,a mix of my fave smelly things – citrus,rose,lily-of-the-valley and mint.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Mother Denim jeans,beige underwear – I’m always trying things on at work and black doesn’t work – and my Strype sneakers.
Any go-to jewellery? Pearl hoop earrings by Peggy&Twig – a jewellery designer out of Trangie[in rural NSW]. Chubby gold hoops from Porter are another favourite.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? Yes,a sloppy joe my mum made when I was about five with “Big Sister” written on it. My brother wore a matching one with “Little Brother”.
What was your first fashion moment? When I studied fashion – a Bachelor of Design at UTS – I was accepted into the Lancôme Colour Design Awards. I wore a vintage orange skirt I turned into a dress with matching orange lipstick. I felt amazing. It was the joy of feeling really good and comfortable in something. It was wonderful.
And your worst fashion mistake? As a teenager,I’d wear four singlet tops in different colours at once with cargo pants. Not a good look. I know cargo pants are back,but I’m yet to see a pair I like.
What’s on your wish list? Orange gets very cold at this time of year,so I’m thinking about warm items. The zip on my puffer recently broke so I need some sensible jackets to get me though winter as well as some fun pieces,like a lime green Essentiel Antwerp sweater.
Is there anything you’d never wear? Bodycon.
What do you wear to bed? The Papinelle pyjamas my kids gave me for Mother’s Day.
Is there a current trend you like? I’m loving trench coats – Ena Pelly coats are great. I also love an artist collab and Kate Eliza x Kinga Csilla is glorious,like a walking art installation.
Who is your favourite fashion icon? Lucy Aylen of fashion label Never Fully Dressed styles outfits with such joy.
What do you wear on a typical working day? A colourful dress – I actually own no trousers other than jeans – and sneakers.
What’s your favourite off-duty,casual Sunday look? I’ll be in P.E Nation sportswear taking my dog for a beautiful walk.
Pip Brett’s boutique,Jumbled,is exhibiting at the
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