Hey, I Like Your Style! Inside the wardrobe of Melbourne model, Celeste Richardson
“I have more of a focus on individuality, which stemmed from personal creativity, constant upcycling and repurposing of my clothing.”
We know personal style is a journey (I’m looking at you, Tumblr years), so we’ve introduced a new series Hey, I Like Your Style!, diving into the fashion psyche of our favourite creatives. We’re talking the good, the bad and the 2007.
While the internet has made our fashion icons feel closer than ever before, even the most effortless of outfits came from a closet with some (well-dressed) skeletons. Clickable product tags, photo archives and lives chronicled in 30-second clips just don’t tell the full story.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
These are the stories behind the wardrobes, exploring how we develop our own personal style. There’s a brilliance behind the way we choose to express ourselves and at FJ, we know every outfit has a story. This week, we’re taking a step inside the wardrobe of Melbourne model, Celeste Richards (aka Ms Hilton).
With a focus on comfort and individuality, Celeste’s outfits are an eclectic, well-curated mix of upcycled secondhand and vintage designer pieces. While her wardrobe now consists of boyish tailoring, feminine separates and about “50 per cent Vivienne Westwood”, Celeste will never forget her days of pink polo shirts and matching tracksuit pants. Read on for her style journey.
Who are you and what do you like to wear?
View this post on Instagram
Formally known, I am Ms Hilton. I’m a model and your average gal from Melbourne. The things I like to wear are on a broad spectrum, but the deciding factor is usually based on personal comfort.
What has your style evolution looked like? Do you feel like you’ve gained confidence in the way you dress?
Evolution is the perfect word. As I like to think, or as six-year-old me would’ve said, I don’t think I ever had bad style. God bless my mother for never dressing me in what she wanted [to] but also, apologies… I recall wearing pink track pants, a pink short-sleeve polo and yellow crocs (I was onto something).
View this post on Instagram
The poor woman has no doubt been embarrassed, but I’ve always expressed myself through clothing. And [my parents] always let me. I’ve definitely always been confident in the way I dress. I think it’s subjective to the way you let others control your confidence. And I, quite frankly, have never really cared for that.
Personal style is a journey. Have you ever felt like you needed to fit into a particular fashion box?
I think the only time was the first few years of high school when I attended a school that had no uniform. I grew out of these anxieties very quickly, but kids are mean. Now I think I definitely have more of a focus on individuality, which I think stemmed from personal creativity, constant upcycling and repurposing of my clothing. I get bored of things quite quickly.
View this post on Instagram
Take us back to those awkward teenage years. Do you have any fashion regrets?
I’ve never regretted any of my fashion decisions, but there are some questionable images out there. Style is growth and a learning curve, so you’re always going to have some rough patches while figuring out the good stuff.
What are the most expensive and least expensive items in your wardrobe?
View this post on Instagram
I love myself some vintage designer – who doesn’t? And over time, with the help of my lovely friend Milla (who works at Irvrsbl), I’ve acquired many pieces I will probably never get rid of. I’d say at the moment, my wardrobe consists of 50 per cent Vivienne Westwood, and 50 per cent everything else. I’ve got a soft spot for her incredible creative brain.
There are actually many ‘least expensive items’. I think I’ve incorporated op shopping into my weekly list of things to do. Not only does searching through millions of unwanted items give me an extreme serotonin boost, but god I have found some gold!
View this post on Instagram
Something I’ve not stopped wearing right now is a Uniqlo grey T-shirt. I think I got it for $2, [and] I then sewed it into a one-shoulder top. I’d say besides a trusty white tee. it might be the most versatile item I own.
What is the most meaningful fashion piece you own?
Tough question. I have far too many items from my parents, who were apparently fashion icons in the ’90s – according to their endless amounts of vintage designer [pieces].
View this post on Instagram
I’m incredibly grateful that half of it doesn’t fit them anymore. But Dad if you’re reading this, I still would really like that Gucci leather jacket.
What’s in your cart at the moment?
I have no self-control, so nothing is in any cart because I would purchase it. But there are a fair few items I’ve been watching, the Pushbutton Goggles Girl Long Sleeve being one.
View this post on Instagram
What are the wardrobe items you wear on repeat?
My Andersson Bell jeans are currently a staple. They’d have to be surgically removed from me at this point. And my Dolce and Gabbana Italy singlet, now that the weather’s sorting itself out.
Who are your favourite local designers?
There are so many incredible designers in Melbourne, but I definitely have done my fair share of shopping from Karlaidlaw and Club Venus.
View this post on Instagram
I’ve also been loving pieces from Posture Studios and Spitsubishi, I have the Ruffle Pants and they are insanely comfortable. There are so so so many more, but I think right now they’d have to be my favs.
For more Ms Hilton looks, head here.
Liked this? You’ll love these...
