THE STYLE DIARY

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ENTREPRENEUR FLISS BROPHY SHARES THE FASHION INSTINCTS THAT MAKE HER THE MOST STYLISH ‘BAG LADY’ AROUND.

Founder of bag label Bahru, Fliss Brophy reveals the secrets behind her effortlessly elegant yet casual look.

FLISS BROPHY

ACCESSORIES DESIGNER AND MUM OF THREE, 43

Since returning to her family’s property in south-west Western Australia six years ago, Fliss Brophy juggles raising three kids with her fashion business Bahru.

Where do you live? I live on our beef farm with my husband and our three kids. There are three houses on the property, my parents’ homestead where I grew up (and where they still live), our house, which was my grandparents’s, and a worker’s cottage.

What do you love most about living on the farm? The connection with nature, open space and the proximity to the beach. It’s an unbeatable place to raise our kids.

How would you describe your style? I live in jeans, a shirt and trainers when I’m not in work boots.

What guides your fashion choices? I like to keep things simple with natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool.

Who most influences your style? My mum — she always looks gorgeous even in her work clothes.

What’s the best style advice you’ve ever received? Wear what you feel comfortable in.

What are your favourite clothing labels? Nobody Denim for jeans, Catherine Murphy cotton shirts, Armor Lux for striped tees and Spring Court trainers. I also love Seaside Tones and Bird & Kite dresses.

Where do you shop for clothing and homewares? Darling & Domain in Mosman Park, Life & Soul Boutique, Emporium of Eshe in Bunbury and Stackwood and Staple Store in Fremantle. I also love Milc for clothes and Empire Homewares, both in Dunsborough.

What are you reading or listening to? I’m reading Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko and getting endless inspiration from The House and Garden at Glenmore by Mickey Robertson. I’m also listening to podcasts such as Chat 10 Looks 3 and The High Low.

What are your tips for choosing the perfect bag? Firstly, think about what you’ll be using the bag for.

Is it just for everyday things or is it for carrying kid’s items or a laptop and files for work? Secondly, think about how you want to wear it and finally, think about what you’ll wear it with.

What features are important? All Bahru bags come in a range of sizes and colours and have light chambray lining so you can see inside. There are zips and slip pockets to keep your things organised and straps that can be adjusted for ultimate comfort and styling.

Do you have a signature perfume? Melis natural perfume in Amandi is my current favourite.

What is your favourite make-up brand? I don’t wear much make-up, but for everyday skincare I like We Are Feel Good Inc. sunscreen and Rohr Remedy products.

What do you never leave home without? My Bahru Mini Florence in French Navy, lip balm and the kids. Take a look inside Fliss’s beautiful home on page 48. For more information, visit bahru.com.au

Fliss outside her studio on her cattle property on the south-west coast of Western Australia. Fliss’s dress is by Bird & Kite. Shoes are a prototype for Bahru. Earrings are Kor by Lisa Gardner. The wreath, made from gum leaves and native foliage, is by local florist Cherise Woodhams of De La Terre. Fliss and Cherise are holding a wreath making workshop on December 7th. To book, visit bahru.com.au FACING PAGE Fliss in her garden. For stockist details, see page 138.

Fliss with Mozzie the Jack Russell, and a resident hen. After living overseas for several years, Fliss relishes life back on the family farm. BELOW LEFT Crisp linen and foliage on the dining table. BELOW RIGHT Lucy, Jack and Fred in the hay shed.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT Fliss and her family live on the edge of Geographe Bay — sand dunes and the beach lie beyond the treeline; Fliss and Dave Brophy with children (left to right) Fred, 10, Jack, 11, and Lucy, eight; mother and daughter; the Brophy’s weatherboard cottage; the festive table features lovely organic ceramics by Winterwares with gift wrapping and cards by Alana Bezant of She Eats Paper; Fliss off to feed the chooks. For stockist details, see page 138.

Victoria Aguirrevoloreicto voluptiam re mo dolorero Fliss at work in the Bahru studio, voluptatis eos dololorporunt que ium rehene num housed in the converted old stone explamorpo runxplamorporunt que ium rehene num stables. Hanging from the coat explamt que ium rehene num explam rack is a Singapore bag by Bahru, on the workbench are Paris bags in Army and Caramel. The artwork is by Thomas Tjapaljarri from Papunya Tula. For stockist details, see page 138.