I can't remember exactly when it was I first met Kathryn, but I guess I knew of her before I met her. She was a Sydney social identity - a beautiful blonde model who'd written a book called "How to Tell a Man by His Shoes". Word was that she'd scored a job on the US Today Show after she was so good on the show plugging it! Clever girl.
It was only after she moved back to Sydney that I got to know Kathryn and became incredibly impressed with how great she was, not to mention nice, and what a fabulous writer (not just a pretty face, this girl). Exuberant and bubbly, I soon got her on board to write a column for Cleo (I was editing Cleo at the time), which is something she still does today.
Now? Kathryn is living and working in the US where she presents for the VH1 channel and she's written another book called How to Tell a Woman by her Handbag which is going gangbusters in the States and getting a whole heap of fabulous attention. I cornered her on my recent LA visit in a cosy corner in Sunset Tower to ask her about her style.
YOUR VERY FIRST FASHION MEMORY?
Looking down at the terry towel bib I was dribbling on and being very pleased that it was 100% cotton! Seriously, I’ll never forget my first pair of ‘designer shoes’. It was on holidays with my family in Surfers Paradise in the 80’s, and aged seven I spotted the most beautiful pair of multicoloured Italian leather ballet flats. It was love at first sight and my fashion forward grandparents bought them for me. I loved them so much I slept with them on that night!
WHEN DID YOU START TO ESTABLISH YOUR FASHION IDENTITY?
Growing up I was really athletic. I remember my friends laughing at me when I was in the school fashion parade because I walked down the catwalk like I had a soccer ball between my legs! That all changed when I discovered fashion mag’s like Italian Vogue. I devoured it during my lunch break and collected fashion editorials that inspired me. Soon enough my weekends involved dragging my friends on shopping expeditions to Oxford Street, Paddington and the Markets (Glebe, Newtown, Paddington, Bondi) scouring for vintage finds.
WHAT DO YOU MOST LIKE ABOUT YOUR APPEARANCE?
Probably my smile, because whenever I see it I feel happy…or is it the other way around?
I LOOK BEST IN ... Dresses, I’m not sure if my love of dresses stems from the fact that I look best in them or simply because they’re the easiest thing to put on.
I CAN'T GET ENOUGH ... Handbags! I just released my second book, “How to Tell a Woman by Her Handbag” http://www.amazon.com/How-Tell-Woman-Her-Handbag/dp/0740791338/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272306065&sr=1-3
and while I was writing it I got totally immersed in the world of handbags. I literally put everything I had into that book- collecting purses almost as pieces of art, more so than practical accessories. It was a sad day when I discovered that these essential “research materials” were not tax deductable!
MY MOST FABULOUS FASHION MOMENT WAS ... the white one shouldered Jill Stuart dress I wore with a white leather Perrin Paris Cuff to my recent US Book launch party in Beverly Hills. It felt fresh.
MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD HAS GOT TO BE ... Soho House, Los Angeles. This English private club has recently opened its doors in my new neighborhood in the form of an uber playful rooftop restaurant/ bar, complete with black and white photo booth. It also boasts a perfect view of the twinkling city lights, the Hollywood Hills, not to mention stars patrons like Sting and Jessica Alba. It’s everything that’s both good and silly about Tinseltown.
MY FAVE STYLE ICON IS ... Grace Kelly.
I couldn't live without ... My black silk shift dress by Paul & Joe. I bought it at Orson & Blake in Woollahra many seasons ago and have worn it to everything from meeting at the TV station (with opaque stockings, blazer, patent heels) to sunset beach cocktails (with gold sandals, gold bangle). It’s my ‘when it doubt’ outfit. AND my laptop- I’m on it for about 7 hours a day. Sad but true!
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS?
Tibi- for colorful dresses reminiscent of Palm Springs circa 1960.
Kerryn Leigh- for super soft baby wool classics with a modern twist.
Jill Stuart- for whimsical dresses with original cuts and fabrics.
Zara- for chic basics at amazing prices.
WHAT WAS YOUR LAST PURCHASE?
Christian Louboutin canvas and cork wedges- perfect for day or night during the northern hemisphere summer.
THE LAST ALBUM PLAYED ON YOUR IPOD?
“The Last Day on Earth” by Kate Miller-Heidke. I’ve promised myself that she’ll be on the sound track for the new movie I’m writing.
WHAT KEY ITEMS SHOULD EVERY WOMAN HAVE IN HER WARDROBE?
1. A copy of my latest book, How To Tell A Woman by Her Handbag (Penguin). So you can discover your true Purse-onality (and those of your friends and foes). It’s cheaper than an actual handbag and even more hours of fun, if that’s even possible!
2. An amazing LBD-that you can put on when you’re in a hurry.
3. A statement ring-that has personality and reminds you of a happy time or an achievement.
4. A zany pair of ballet flats- with lots of toe cleavage (Leopard print or baby pink).
5. A shrunken leather jacket- that looks just as good with a pair of jeans as with a colourful dress.
6. A lean cigarette pant- that makes you feel like Cat Woman.
7. A pair of super high black Christian Louboutin’s- an investment piece.
WHAT ARE THE SEXIEST THINGS A WOMAN CAN WEAR?
Purpose. Get involved in a charity such as the SISTER2sister. I’m a proud ambassador (and former big sister) and have seen the transformational difference they make in the lives of teenage girls.
FIVE THINGS YOU'RE LUSTING AFTER THIS SEASON?
Herve Leger retro one piece swimsuit.
A Perrin Paris Large ‘Riva’ Ball bag.
Estee Lauder Private collection fragrance.
Next month’s CLEO magazine- - I write a column for them!
A futuristic silver manicure.
Family time
WHERE WOULD WE FIND YOU ON A SATURDAY NIGHT?
Heading to Cecconi’s in West Hollywood for a friend’s 30th birthday dinner party and then to a Cuban Rum Bar. Of late it seems the whole world is turning 30 (sometimes for their 8th time in a row)!
Mini skirts or shorts? Shorts
Skinny jeans or wide leg? Skinny (and slightly cropped).
High waisted or low? Neither- what’s wrong with somewhere in between?
Stilettos or Platforms? Platforms.
Heels or flats? Flats for day, heels for night.
Bikini or one-piece? Depends on how much pasta I ate the night before!