Megan Hess
47, artist/author
I’ve had the pleasure of touring many celebrities’ wardrobes this year, however, this is my first encounter with a walk-in-wardrobe champagne bar! Welcome to the fabulous closet of Megan Hess: lover of all things feminine, frothy and fabulous.
From Valentino dresses and Dior handbags through to Dolce & Gabbana collectable shoes and a Chanel clutch that is modelled on Coco Chanel’s Ritz Suite, this is a wardrobe of pure escapism. In true “Claris from Paris” style, Megan has the ability to make both couture and her $8 “Paris” tee look super stylish.
How would you describe your personal style? I move between very feminine white dresses to colourful jumpsuits and masculine suits. I love to dress for an occasion and I really love to dress for a destination – I get completely into the spirit of where I am when I’m travelling.
Who are your style icons? Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall and Coco Chanel.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A bridesmaid dress that Mum made for herself when she was in her 20s. It’s cream with a gorgeous green floral print and green trim. It’s so ’70s chic and it brings me absolute joy whenever I wear it.
What are your favourite brands?
I love LEO LIN, Poca Poca, Alemais, Dior, Chanel, Zimmermann, Needle & Thread.
Have you ever made a style faux pas?
Many. The best was my sky-high, spiral perm and stone-washed jeans in the ’80s. I feel nauseous just thinking about it.
What’s the most you have spent on an outfit? A Valentino dress for a Paris book signing … I will make sure I’m still wearing it at 90 years old to make back my return on investment!
What is the most surprising thing in your wardrobe? I have a secret champagne bar in my actual wardrobe.
Top three wardrobe must haves? A little black dress. One fabulous pair of jeans and one long, completely crazy, colourful dress that brings you utter joy to wear.
Most sentimental item in your wardrobe? A very special Chanel clutch bag. It’s all cream and gold and its modelled on Coco Chanel’s actual suite that she lived in at The Ritz Hotel in Paris. I bought it in Paris after I finally reached a big career goal.
What would you buy if money was no object? A couture Giambattista Valli dress.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
A gazillion. I honestly don’t know but probably (most definitely) too many!
Best designer fashion purchase this year? A caramel Dior Caro bag.
Best bargain fashion purchase this year? An Eiffel Tower T-shirt in Paris. It was $8!
Three beauty products you can’t live without. Hourglass primer. My make-up stays in place all day with one layer of this in the morning. Eve Lom cleanser. It’s not cheap but I’ve yet to find another product that comes close to its magical powers. Bobby Brown vitamin-enriched face cream.
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