Olympia Valance
Actor, model, Splash Vodka co-founder, 29
Fashion is all about fun for Olympia Vallance, who refuses to become sentimental about her wardrobe and cleans it out regularly. She stocks up on neutral staples, sneakers and even has a lockdown pair of Ugg boots. But her style is not all laid-back as she reveals a Fendi bag purchase and a love for the luxe minimalism of Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen’s label The Row.
How would you describe your personal style?
Day to day it revolves around relaxed, neutral staples. I believe in investing in the pieces that you wear every day, such as good quality denim, shirts and sweaters. When it comes to a night out, I am all for a beautiful, perfectly tailored look. I will always go far bolder on a red carpet.
Who are your style icons?
Olivia Palermo and Zendaya are my style icons of today, but Audrey Hepburn was and will always be the No.1.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
A J’aton Couture dress bridesmaid dress for my sister Holly’s wedding in 2012.
What are your favourite brands?
Zimmermann, Rebecca Vallance, Scanlan & Theodore, Viktoria & Woods and Camilla and Marc are all wardrobe staples for me. For events, Oglia Loro, J’aton, Toni Maticevski and Con Ilio are incredible.
Have you ever made a style faux pas?
I’m certain I have! I would always rather take a risk or wear something that is maybe a bit polarising, than play it too careful. I’ve always believed that fashion is meant to be fun and enjoyable, and if that doesn’t always date well, then so be it.
What’s the most you have spent on an outfit?
When I first moved to LA after finishing up on Neighbours, I got overly excited and bought myself a Fendi bag. From memory it was about $5000.
What is the most surprising thing in (or about) your wardrobe?
I’m not a very sentimental person when it comes to my wardrobe, so I’m very prone to a big clean out once or twice a year. I prefer less in my wardrobe than more.
Top three wardrobe must haves?
A crisp white T-shirt or singlet, a great pair of jeans and a beautiful black tailored coat for winter.
What is the most sentimental item in your wardrobe?
Nothing really. I have a few favourites that I really love, or remind me of having a great time whilst wearing them in the past, but nothing of deep sentiment.
What would you buy if money was no object?
The Row’s entire Fall, Summer and Spring 2022 collections
Summer or winter fashion?
I’m a Melbourne baby, so I have to say winter.
Denim or dresses?
Denim. I do love a beautiful dress but day to day you will always find me in jeans.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
I have about 10 pairs of sneakers, but I have two of them on high rotation. I have about 20 pairs of heels in an array of colours and as a side-effect of nearly two years in lockdown, lots of slippers and Ugg boots.