Designer Effie Kats had a ‘brave' fashion moment which she now regrets

The Age

a day ago

This story is part of the June 29 edition of Sunday Life. See all 13 stories.
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, designer Effie Kats.
How would you describe your style? There's a duality. During the day I keep it simple with clean silhouettes and some subtle structure; at night my look becomes softer and more intuitive with a hint of drama. I predominantly wear my own labels. Effie Kats is evening wear and Bayse Brand is more casual, so I'm covered.
What's the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A Chanel belt – the classic gold chain with black leather woven through it and a gold medallion – from the 1980s.
And the most recent addition? The 'Boat' bag from Korean label OSOI. I like supporting smaller independent brands, it feels more personal, less about trends and more about unique design.
What would you wear … on a first date? My go-to is the classic 'jeans and a nice top' formula – maybe the Bayse Brand 'Amrita' bodysuit – with a pair of Paris Texas 'Lidia' mules. … on a plane? Loose jeans, an oversized tee, sports jacket, loafers and my The Row 'Margaux' suede bag. … on the red carpet? I like a timeless silhouette with sharp styling. Selena Gomez and Elsa Hosk do it best.
What's your favourite fashion era? When Tom Ford was at Gucci (1994 – 2004). I love the simplicity, the confidence, the sex appeal; it defined the '90s in such a powerful way, and it still resonates today. It had a big impact on me as a designer.
Who are your favourite designers? Tom Ford, always. More recently, Pierpaolo Piccioli at Valentino. There's something powerful in his pared back and elegant designs – the palettes were muted, the silhouettes minimal but the overall impact was so bold. I'm excited to see what he brings to Balenciaga.