Inside the colourful and sustainable wardrobe of Kat Sabbath

31 Jan 2020, 13:00 by Georgie Gordon

How would you describe your style?
Bold and colourful. I use clothing and accessories to express myself and enhance my mood. That said, when I want to get a lot done I wear black.

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
Old band T-shirts and satin shorts from when I was still in high school – so, 20 years ago.

https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.23%2C$multiply_2.1164%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_102/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/0f2108e798c512237f524fe7ba8180d30c4cca9c — Kat Sabbath: "It’s all slow fashion, supporting the supply chain and the environment."

And the most recent addition?
Flame skin-tight flare pants from Discount Universe. They’re an Australian brand recently relocated to New York and we should be proud of the work they are doing. It’s all slow fashion, supporting the supply chain and the environment.

What would you wear …
... on a first date? Something fun but comfortable. It’s important to relax and show them who you really are.
... on a plane? I am totally fine to be one of those people who walks around in track pants and sneakers at the airport. And – I think about this a lot – a jacket with zip-up pockets for my boarding pass and passport.
... to the Oscars? It would have to be by an Australian designer, a piece that is sustainably made and bespoke. So, I would ask my friend Frida Las Vegas to design a really cool, structured, loud ball gown.

https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_0.145%2C$multiply_2.0847%2C$ratio_0.666667%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0/t_crop_custom/q_62%2Cf_auto/ab74727f5f765627ce2411632abc9b7d5a8fec1e — Kat loves Moschino’s quirkiness and playful sense of style.Getty Images

What’s the first thing you remember wearing as a child?

A red polka-dotted onesie that my parents put me in when they took me to Hong Kong.

What was your first fashion moment?
My year 10 prom. My mum’s side of the family is Vietnamese and my auntie and most of her friends sew for work, so they made my dream dress. I drew it and we went to Spotlight and picked out all the materials and they brought it to life. I felt like a superstar. It was a beautiful red and black organza
gown that puffed out like a cake.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe?
Comfortable yet stylish sneakers, a pair of skinny-leg black jeans and a biker jacket with zip pockets!

Do you have a style muse?
Lady Gaga, for sure. I love her.

Is there a current trend that you like?
Neon.

What’s your favourite fashion decade?
The 1980s. I love big shoulder pads, the use of colour and clash of patterns.

And your favourite fashion designer?
Romance Was Born – they’re fantastic. You can tell that their work is a celebration of their craft rather than trying to keep up with fashion trends.

Your worst fashion mistake? I really regret all the time I’ve spent on fake tan when my skin looks fine the way it is.

What would you buy if money were no object?
A Moschino ball gown. Moschino make fun and quirky clothing that is definitely my style. It’s couture but playful, almost tongue in cheek, and that makes me happy.

What would you never wear?
Crocs.

What shoes do you wear most often?
Nike sneakers with custom orthotics.

What do you wear on a casual Sunday?
Sportswear. I am one of those people who wears athleisure to cafes with no intention of actually sweating.

Bake Australia Great (Murdoch Books) by Katherine Sabbath is out now.

This article appears in Sunday Life magazine within the Sun-Herald and the Sunday Age on sale February 2.