‘A see-through top to the Spring Racing Carnival’: Lindy Rama-Ellis’ fashion moment
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Lindy Rama-Ellis.
Rama-Ellis’ favourite fashion era is “100 per cent the ’90s – simple, understated and super chic.”
How would you describe your personal style? Chic, understated, masculine.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A classic black Stella McCartney blazer I bought almost 20 years ago in London when I was pregnant with my daughter, Stella. I still wear it.
And the most recent addition? I haven’t bought many things since COVID – I’ve just been trying to work through my wardrobe and recycle and reuse what I already have. But I do love a fresh white Wardrobe.NYC T-shirt.
What would you wear … on a first date? Jeans, T-shirt and a blazer. That’s my look anyway but I’d probably throw on some sexy heels … on a plane? Trackies and a hoodie. I probably look a bit homeless, but I have to be comfortable when I travel. I wear socks and New Balance trainers; I can’t handle when people walk around on the plane with no shoes … on the red carpet? Toni Maticesvki has been a friend of mine for over 25 years, so I’ve worn a lot of his stuff. And Michael Lo Sordo always makes a statement.
This Celine “Teen Triomphe” bag is top of Lindy Rama-Ellis’ shopping list.
What’s your favourite fashion era? It’s 100 per cent the ’90s – simple, understated and super chic.
Who’s your favourite designer? I’ve always been a huge fan of Stella McCartney. Everything she does is so beautiful – and sustainable, too. Locally, I love Camilla and Marc.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I used to wear “Portrait of a Lady” religiously, to the point where people could smell me before I walked into a room, but then I found it to be a bit of an old lady’s perfume. I now wear another Frederic Malle scent, “Monsieur”, which is more masculine.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Baggy jeans by Bassike or Viktoria & Woods, T-shirts and a blazer.
Rama-Ellis at the 2013 Melbourne Cup: “Everyone gets around in a bra now but back then it was a big deal.”Credit: Leigh Henningham
Any go-to jewellery? I am obsessed with my Omega watches; I have one for each child, which I’ll give them when they’re old enough. I also wear a Cartier ring and my engagement ring.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? No, my mum was a hippie and dressed me in the most awful clothes. I grew up in Tasmania and there wasn’t much fashion down there in the ’80s. I wore surfie stuff and the clothes Mum would make me. I hated it. I think that’s why I’m really into fashion now.
What was your first fashion moment? Attending the Spring Racing Carnival is always a big fashion moment. I love getting dressed up for it. I remember about 11 years ago, I wore a Dolce & Gabbana see-through lace top with just a bra underneath. Everyone gets around in a bra now but back then it was a big deal. It was an incredible outfit. I loved it.
And your worst fashion mistake? I’d hate to think I’d made one. I pretty much just wear everything I love.
What’s on your wish list? A tan Celine “Teen Triomphe” handbag.
Is there something you would never? Anything with patterns or huge floral prints is just not me.
What do you sleep in? Nothing. I live in Bali.
Is there a current fashion trend you like? I don’t really do trends. I’ve always stuck with what I like and what works for me, but I do like little shorts, such as the super-short merino ones Viktoria & Woods did for this year’s Australian Fashion Week.
What shoes do you wear most often? Birkenstock “Bostons”. When I wear heels I love Celine, Saint Laurent and Camilla and Marc.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Kate Moss. I just love her understated, rock’n’roll-chic look.
What do you wear on a typical working day? Jeans with a tee, blazer and some little pumps.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in a Studio K bodysuit, cooking with the family.
Lindy Rama-Ellis is the founder of Fig Femme.
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