Simple,androgynous,practical. I like oversized clothes and I love black.
What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
An embroidered jacket I bought on my first trip to Tibet in 2005. I love the traditional clothing of Asian countries,especially Japan and Tibet.
Kylie Kwong:"When I think about style,it comes from within the person as much as their talent."Daniel Boud
And the most recent item you bought?
In Tokyo in 2018 I bought six beautiful Japanese designer shirts.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? On my first date with Nell,my wife,I wore denim jeans,a Tibetan embroidered jacket and boots.
… on a plane? Loose cotton pants,a loose shirt and joggers.
… to the Oscars? One of Yohji Yamamoto’s black,asymmetrical pantsuit looks with a piece of striking jewellery.
What’s your favourite fashion period?
The ’70s to the ’80s,when Japanese designers Yohji Yamamoto,Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo[Comme des Garçons] came to prominence. It was the introduction of classic Asian cuts into Western fashion.
What is your favourite Australian fashion label?
Romance Was Born. Anna[Plunkett] and Luke[Sales] are incredible artists,original and playful. One of my favourite pieces is a black silk pyjama-style shirt with a beautiful bird-print design by photographer Gary Heery.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe?
My black Issey Miyake Pleats Please scarf – you can roll it up in your suitcase,fly across the world and it’s still crisp and springy. Black Yohji Yamamoto shirts – I’ve got several. And my Maggie Beer striped apron.
What was your first fashion moment?
When I was five,Mum tried to clothe me in a light-blue dress that she had made for me. I hated it. She would say,“Kylie,I’ll give you five cents if you wear a dress.” That’s how much I disliked wearing dresses – and absolutely nothing has changed!
Kylie wearing a dress made by her mum. Courtesy of Kylie Kwong
And your worst fashion mistake?
For my year 12 formal,Mum made me an emerald-green suede skirt. I thought I liked it,but when I was there I felt so incredibly awkward – it just wasn’t me. I’ve never felt comfortable in skirts,dresses or high heels. It’s not who I am.
Do you have a favourite fragrance?
Aesop’s Hwyl Eau de Parfum. It’s reminiscent of a hinoki forest – smoky,woody and earthy.
Is there a current trend you like?
What I wear is what I’ve loved to wear for a long time – simple,high-quality,innovative,ageless,interesting pieces.
What is your favourite casual Sunday look?
Baggy fisherman-style pants with a loose cotton shirt and joggers.
What would you buy if money were no object?
Issey Miyake Pleats Please scarves in every colour. And I would continuously support not-for-profit organisations such as Oz Harvest,Too Good,Wayside Chapel and Weave Youth.
Do you have a style muse?
Adelaide-based designer Khai Liew is inspiring – he’s an interior designer,furniture maker,craftsman and artist. But it’s more to do with his personal style – he’s completely ego-less. When I think about style,it comes from within the person as much as their talent.
This article appears inSunday Life magazine within theSun-Herald and theSunday Age on sale May 3.