RENÉE BARGH
The TV host and mum-to-be talks to WHO about style, sarongs and a love of sunglasses
Can you tell us about how your collab with Luv Lou came about?
It came about so organically. I had been a huge fan of the brand for years and had been wearing their sunglasses while I was living in LA. I met Hayley (one of the founders) at a Pilates class on the Northern Beaches, just after I moved back, and we clicked straight away. She mentioned her interest in doing a collab and this was something I already had on my radar and really wanted to do, so it was the perfect fit and came about so naturally.
What’s the inspiration behind your collection?
I drew from classic shapes and styles and put my own modern take on them. But I really wanted all of the styles to feel timeless and not too trendy. I had a couple of vintage pairs I had collected over the years that I wanted to recreate but put my own spin on.
Are you someone with a“sunglass-robe” or do you stick to one or two styles?
I am somewhat a self-confessed sunglasses hoarder, to be honest. While I always have my staple favourites, I really do love to mix the styles up depending on what I’m wearing and also my mood. I truly feel like your sunglasses can make your outfit and make a statement.
What’s your favourite pair in the collection and how do you style them?
They all feel like my babies! But I’d have to say the Delilahs – they were inspired by one of my old vintage frames I had worn to death and they’re so versatile. They look great styled with a sarong and bikini for the beach but also work well with nice suiting or a more tailored and refined look.
As someone who loves collecting sunglasses, can you tell us the best way to store them?
I wish I had a better answer for this, but at the moment I’ve just got a drawer in my closet that I keep them all in, in their boxes. I used to have them all in a basket at my front door so I could just throw them on as I was leaving the house. That worked well, too!
How would you describe your personal style?
It really depends where I am and what version of myself I’m being. I feel that I live two lives, in a way – my life barefoot in a sarong on the Northern Beaches, often running errands in activewear or taking meetings, and attending events in the city. I always go for comfort first and like more classic dressing.
What are three pieces you can’t live without in your wardrobe this season?
Chunky slides, a vibrant sarong and an oversize button-down shirt.