KATE THORNELL-STAIG
FASHION DESIGNER, 46 Based at Ashbourne in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, Kate designs the type of clothes she likes to wear for her fashion label, Garçonne.
How would you describe your style? It’s all about comfort and timelessness. I almost never wear a pair of heels; nothing I have to squeeze into or hold my breath in. I love the beauty of natural fibres and relaxed shapes. Mostly, I love a ‘tomboy’ look but I love a little bit of frill, too. What are your everyday essentials? Most of the time I get around in Ugg boots, trackies and my Garçonne cashmere roll neck. I did make a rule that I mustn’t go into town in said outfit but I’ve broken it a few times to make a quick dash to the supermarket. Leaving the house usually involves jeans and a cashmere cardigan with my dearly loved and well-worn boots. What do you love about fashion design? Getting to work with amazing fabrics and yarns. I love how linen has its own individual beauty and so each piece I create has its own unique look. I’m obsessed with soft yarns like cashmere, yak and angora. Which other labels inspire you? Isabel Marant, Gary Graham, Christine Mayer, Lena Hoschek, Eka and Pero. Even though my designs are often simple, I love designers that embellish, and use colours and interesting shapes. The art in fashion is something that I have always loved. What’s your travel must-have? My Garçonne Aspen cashmere cardigan. It goes with everything and is so comfortable and easy to wear. What are your favourite accessories? A cashmere scarf and my Gil Fox beret. What are your hair and beauty essentials? Rose and Honey Remedy and Beeswax Body Butter by Est. Both are natural and handmade in Australia. Lately I’ve been using a shampoo bar handmade by a local lady, which I love. And, of course, mascara. What’s your best piece of style advice? Never impulse buy. When you find something you love, walk away. If you’re still obsessed a few days later, then go back and buy it. I’ve experienced too much buyer’s remorse in the past, which just feels way too wasteful. I love to own pieces that I wear and wear. What do you love about living at Ashbourne? I love it all — the absolute silence at night, the giant star-filled sky on a moonless night and the returned smiles you get from people walking down the street when you go to town. I never leave home without… A messy bun and my Garçonne Lily high-waisted jeans. I sometimes forget my phone, which is actually quite nice. For more information, visit garconne.com.au