Pattern piece

Bold prints speak of an artful eclecticism and appreciation for a creative spirit. With ever-growing eye-catching patterns on the runways, musician Maina Doe gives a masterclass in wearing them. By Alice Birrell.

Bold prints speak of an artful eclecticism and appreciation for a creative spirit. Musician Maina Doe gives a masterclass in wearing them.

energy like a graphic print. This season, those who drew on pattern play reigned supreme, breathing life into wardrobes waking up to the world again. This time however, it’s not all about colour. Look to legendary op-artist Bridget Riley, who celebrates the impactful power of black-and-white geometrics. Just as she blends musical influences in her combination of 1990s R&B, soul and electronica, 27-year-old Sydney musician Maina Doe blends prints from tie-dye to animal. Counting among her style icons Cher, Aaliyah and Eartha Kitt, she says she feels like Andre 3000 if she clashes pattern together just right. “Prints just add movement to your walk, your dance and your physique,” she says. “It can elevate a simple design and turn it into something unique – it’s that extra bit of sauce.” Here, she wears them three ways.

“As long as the colour palette is right, you can pretty much pair any prints. I’d also keep in mind the busyness of the patterns you’re trying to match and the shape you’re trying to create for your body. Always pick the print that most suits your aesthetic. Just because it’s a print, it doesn’t mean it has to be wild.”

Occasion worthy

“[I’d wear] this to a dinner with the girls at a beautiful restaurant or a fashion event. I like to incorporate one or two items with pattern into my evening look. I always want to feel sexy and fun but comfortable when I go out. The jacket is such an unexpected match to the outfit but somehow works. I’ve also got a huge thing for furry jackets – faux, of course.”

Fiercely polished

“I love the cut and line of this dress … There’s something about bold print on simple design that always feels timeless. In black and white, a pattern can actually stand out more because you are focused on the lines more so than the colour. I’d like to see someone try anything funny with me in this outfit.”

Holiday The Label jacket, $230. Maggie Marilyn dress, $865. Chanel shoes, $2,510, available from the Chanel boutiques. Holly Ryan earrings, $660.

Gucci dress, $4,000, and earrings, $1,105. Chanel jacket, $9,570, top, $2,410, skirt, $3,750, leggings, $1,120, necklace, $1,410, bag, $16,170, and shoes, $2,510, available from the Chanel boutiques.