A week in work outfits with Sydney-based author and sustainable fashion advocate, Lucianne Tonti

“My priority for the week is keeping my energy steady so I want to be comfortable but I also want to champion some sustainable and local designers.”

Working in a creative role, it can be difficult to know how to dress for the day. Instead of having a set uniform of crisp white shirts and tailored black pants (as much as I love both), an ever-changing schedule means every morning requires a set of questions. Am I running around, or just sitting at my desk? Do I need to dress specifically for a project? And most importantly, will I be in the background of someone’s TikTok?

This week, author, editor and sustainable fashion advocate Lucianne Tonti shows us what she wore across Australian Fashion Week. As an official media partner, we’re all too familiar with the demands that come from working a fashion week. When you’re covering the shows like Lucianne was, it’s a hectic five days that involves writing in between runways, back-to-back meetings, talks and events, and redirecting taxis last minute when there’s a sudden change of plans.

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As an internationally renowned expert in regenerative fashion systems, she opts for pieces made with natural fibres and timeless designs from local labels like Esse Studios, E Nolan and Arnsdorf. When you have such a demanding schedule, comfort is key so Lucianne turns to well-made footwear and superbly fitting, reliable pieces like blazers, shirts and suit pants. Read on to see what garments she gravitated to.

Day one

It’s day one and I’m wearing a shirt and blazer by Esse Studios, jeans by E.L.V. Denim and boots by R.M. Williams. Today is full-on, starting with breakfast hosted by rental platform The Volte and then back-to-back shows. I have a meeting with Mads Twomey-Madsen, the Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Sustainability at Pandora, who wants to tell me about their recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. I’m sceptical but I also like seeing big companies get on the sustainability bandwagon.

I finish the day watching the panel on sustainability and then head to Darlinghurst for dinner. My priority for the week is keeping my energy steady so I want to be comfortable, I especially want my feet to be comfortable, but I also want to champion some sustainable and local designers.

These jeans are upcycled in London by E.L.V. Denim from two pairs of vintage jeans. The jacket and shirt are wool and both made in Australia, Esse is such a pleasure to wear! The boots are made in Adelaide and they also happen to be super comfortable. The best shows of the day are Albus Lumen and Viktoria & Woods. 

Day two 

The sun’s out today so I’ve decided to wear this mini-skirt suit by Ganni that’s made from organic cotton. I got it in Copenhagen last year during fashion week and have worn it so much. I’m wearing it with a cotton and silk shirt by Edward Cuming who is an Australian designer based in Spain. I love his work. My shoes are Lanvin brogues I bought almost ten years ago as a gift to myself for finishing law school.

One of my favourite designers Beare Park is showing offsite at Sydney Modern and I am so curious to see her new collection. Day two is the most intense schedule, there is basically a show on the hour every hour between 10am and 7pm, starting with P.E Nation and finishing with The Innovators. Plus I’m writing about The Innovators for The Guardian so in between shows I am making sure my story is ready to go. 

Day three

This is the outfit I reach for when I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. It’s a custom suit by Melbourne tailor E Nolan and I always feel so good in it. She makes the best pants – they’re both comfortable and flattering. I need them in a summer fabric as this suit is wool so it’s a bit warm in Sydney. Underneath I’m wearing a singlet from Wardrobe.NYC and I’ve added a necklace and bracelet from Pandora to the Sarah & Sebastian pieces I wear every day.

Today is really busy in the morning. Alix Higgins is opening the day – he is a talent to watch and I love the work he does with upcycling and the poetry of his prints. In the middle of the day, Pandora (a major sponsor) is throwing a party in a mansion in Vaucluse which is fabulous. I wish I didn’t have more work to do so I could have a few more drinks.

After this, I sneak off to Glebe for a meeting with my agent about my next book. I wouldn’t normally have time for this during fashion week but our schedules are both so packed and I’m going away at the end of the week so I skip a show to make it work. Unfortunately, it runs long so I miss Thread Together announcing a partnership with David Jones. The evening is back-to-back again with Anna Quan, Romance Was Born and Nicol & Ford. I am so happy to get into bed at the end of this day. 

Day four 

I’m wearing another E Nolan piece, this time it’s a blazer made from deadstock Dior fabric. I love it. I’m wearing it over a silk dress that used to be stripy but that I’ve over-dyed black. The belt is Arnsdorf. I’m really starting to feel tired now. Thankfully, I had the morning off and went to do Burn at Bondi Pavilion (my favourite exercise class in Sydney) before I jumped in the water at South Bondi. A much-needed refresh!

First up today is Madre Natura, who is showing a previous collection to make a statement about overconsumption. It’s well executed. Afterwards, I got a call from an ABC producer asking me if I could come into the studio for a spot on TV about fashion week. I don’t really have time as I’m on deadline for another project in between shows but I say yes (because it’s TV). I’m in a cab and five minutes away from the studio when she calls to tell me I’ve been bumped for breaking news. Luckily I’d only texted my mum about being on the news. I redirect the cab to the Speed show at the Aquarium.

The runway is staged beneath the shark tank. It’s a real trip but it runs long. I race back to Carriageworks in an Uber but I miss the Indigenous Fashion Projects runway which is really annoying as it’s usually a highlight of the week. The final show of the night is Jordan Gogos and he doesn’t disappoint – Trojan horse mohawks! Afterwards, I head to Party for the Planet with Kit Willow and Clare Press for prosecco and some long chats about climate change. 

Day five

It’s a short morning and I want to be comfortable and really kind to my feet. I’m wearing a merino wool knit dress by Esse and the blazer from the Ganni suit (I really do wear it a lot) with my Lanvin brogues. First up is R.M. Williams unveiling the Paralympic uniform followed by the Injury runway. I decided to skip the afternoon shows because I’m flying to Paris tonight and haven’t packed. I forgot to take a pic but here is an old one of the same outfit.