Kirrily Johnston
Creative director, Husk
From vintage Pucci dresses through to Dulux painter’s overalls, Kirrily Johnston’s wardrobe is an eclectic mix of fashion and function. Whether she is creating for label Husk or “pottering around” her home, Kirrily’s look is always “feminine with an edge”, where dresses, ’60s influences and men’s Bonds basic tees serve to create fashion perfection.
How would you describe your personal style?
Feminine with an edge.
Who are your style icons?
Marianne Faithful and Mick Jagger when they were dating.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
1960s wool jersey Pucci dress.
What are your favourite brands?
Valentino and I love what Julien Dossena is doing at Paco Rabanne.
Have you ever made a style faux pas?
Like a thousand. Madly rushing to the ballet not long after my daughter was born and forgetting to wear the slip under my sheer dress was a notable one.
What’s the most you’ve spent on an outfit?
My Bottega Veneta Board sandals pushed the envelope recently.
What is your most sentimental item?
A Junya Watanabe skirt that I bought from 10 Corso Como in Tokyo about 14 years ago as a gift to myself for being asked to open Australian Fashion Week when I had my own brand.
What is the most surprising thing in your wardrobe? A pair of Dulux painter’s overalls. I love pottering around in them for a bit of DIY.
Top three wardrobe must haves?
A bustier, a waistcoat (a Husk version is pictured) and platform sandals.
What would you buy if money was no object? Anything Valentino.
Is there anything you have regretted throwing out?
I gave away a pair of red patent Miu Miu
Mary Janes thinking I would never wear them again. After lamenting the loss, my new rule is that if it’s designer and in good condition, archive it.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I invest in my shoes … usually three to four pairs of really great ones every season. In the past six months it’s been platform boots by Miu Miu, the Bottega Veneta sandals, our Husk Diamond Loafers and a pair of super chunky P488 Luke sneakers.
Summer or winter fashion?
I am pulling my creative shoot document together for our autumn 23 campaign and it is always my favourite season to shoot.
Best designer fashion purchase this year?
A divine diamante Alexander Wang bag.
Best bargain fashion purchase this year?
Bonds men’s oversized T’s – I love them over ski pants or underneath a blazer.
Beauty products you can’t live without.
Joanne O’Connell from @jo_skinfitness looks after my skin (with) SkinCeuticals and Aspect products.