7 Australian fashion students show us their favourite item in their wardrobe

“I am in love with this slip skirt – it’s a beautiful reminder of the time I spent interning at the label and makes me happy every time I put it on.”

No matter how streamlined your wardrobe becomes, there’ll always be that one piece you’ll never get rid of. Whether you value it because of the way it fits, how long you saved up for it or the specific memories associated with it, you just know when something is a forever piece. 

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For me, it’s a gold Fossil watch my three best friends gifted me for my 21st birthday (I was pretty spoilt). I wear it every day, it works with any outfit I put together, but most importantly, it’s a sentimental piece that reminds me of my friends. I’m forever grateful I have friends who know my style so well. Curious to know what other people’s forever pieces are, I asked seven Australian fashion students to share their favourite items in their wardrobes.

Bella Nysten, The Fashion Institute

I recently purchased a green Italian leather bag thrifting in London and let me tell you it has not left my shoulder since, it is a perfect statement piece. Green is my favourite colour so that was enough for me to be sold. The thing I love the most about a statement bag is that it can completely transform any basic outfit and add a bit of fun and personality. It’s the perfect ‘mum bag’ size which is great for me as I love stuffing as much as I can in my handbags because I love to be prepared!

@bellanysten

Jenny Chhim, Whitehouse Institute of Design

My go-to outerwear would be my aubergine Acne Studios blazer that I impulse-bought during COVID-19 lockdowns. In my defence, it was on sale and I’ve always been a fan of the brand and their androgynous style of tailoring. I usually gravitate towards a more monochromatic colour palette, rotating between different shades of black no matter the season. This blazer was just the right side of oversized and a small step into adding some colour to my life whilst still complimenting my moody aesthetic. [It’s] an article of clothing that will stay in my closet for a long time.

@jennychhim

Daniel Mizzi, RMIT University

Blinged-out caps are a closet staple. I like a hat that says, yes, I am as dumb as I look. Worn both day and night, Adidas trackies are a must. The colour is inconsequential, but the three white stripes are crucial. I’m at my healthiest when clambering out of a club and blending in with early-morning joggers in athleisure wear. 

@danielmizzii

Sian Stockdale, RMIT University

For my whole degree I’ve been searching for the perfect uni bag; something that is hardy, looks good and can be translated from day to night with ease. Just my luck, I finally found it with four weeks to go for my degree. This vintage Marni bag is made with beautiful soft leather, a clasp closure and plenty of inner pockets. I snapped it up from my work at Goodbyes in Prahran for a steal – needless to say it’ll stay with me until the end of uni and many years beyond!

@sianstockdale

Ethan Bergersen, University of Technology Sydney

My favourite garment is my Heaven by Marc Jacobs jeans in collaboration with British artist Claire Barrow. I love [it] when designers work with artists to create unique pieces. It’s always exciting to be able to buy artist’s work that you can wear. The colourful and expressive print by Barrow is really fun to style with basics or go all out with other colourful pieces. I consider these my lucky pants and always make sure I wear them to my presentations for university. 

@e.t.bergersen

Yazmyn Lewi, Collarts

My go-to piece of clothing at the moment is Elka Collective’s blue stripe Madeira shirt. The colours and stripe pattern go effortlessly with white linen shorts/pants and look so chic styled with jeans and ballet flats. I’m always on the lookout for good striped shirts that I can wear from day to night.

@yazmyn.lewi

Bridget Matison, University of Technology Sydney

My collection of Ramp Tramp Tramp Stamp pieces are all extremely special to me but I am in love with this slip skirt – it’s a beautiful reminder of the time I spent interning at the label and makes me happy every time I put it on. I love to add textural or graphic elements through overlays both in my design work and in my everyday outfits and this skirt is such a fun piece to style in that way as it adds interest to a skirt or pants or it can be extra sexy when worn alone!

@wat3rtroubl3

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