‘A frilly top with a long apron’: Ellie Bouhadana’s stylish version of chef whites

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, chef Ellie Bouhadana.

How would you describe your style? Elegant and romantic with a fun and cheeky element. I like to make everyday dressing elevated and memorable, but I don’t take it too seriously. I’ll wear something beautiful with a silly touch, like a vintage belt with a huge flower on it or Issey Miyake pleated pants with an old Adidas top.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My mum’s beautiful suede jacket from the ’90s.

And the most recent addition? Vintage gold-and-silver snakeskin stilettos. They’re like something Adriana La Cerva from The Sopranos would wear.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A purple Eres swimsuit that I wear to the beach and also in the evening with a sheer skirt and heels. A pair of relaxed jeans – most of mine are second-hand Levi’s or unbranded from the flea market. And knee-high black boots.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the present – we can wear what we want now - mixed with a bit of old school energy.

Who’s your favourite fashion designer? New York designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh. She’s unapologetic about what she puts out there. I love that.

What’s your fragrance of choice? For a sultry night out, Perdrisât’s fig fragrance, “Sycophant”. Also, Troye Sivan’s fragrance, Tsu Lange Yor “Pool”, which smells like raspberries, summer and the sea.

Any go-to jewellery? I’m most sentimental about the pearls my mother wore to her wedding. I wear them tied in a knot, so they sit nicely on the collar, to elevate something casual. I also love a leopard-print glass bangle I inherited from my great aunt and some beautiful handmade pieces from By Nye.

What would you wear … on a first date? White men’s Wynn Hamlyn jeans with a black bodysuit and Maryam Nassir Zadeh red perspex wedges … on a plane? A stripy Tekla pyjama shirt, jeans and Adidas x Wales Bonner “Samba” sneakers … on the red carpet? Simone Rocha.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? When I was eight, I saved up to buy a denim pleated miniskirt and red-and-white-check button-down shirt from Target. That outfit had real cowgirl energy.

What was your first fashion moment? To my bat mitzvah I wore a fuchsia dress with silver cowboy boots. For a while, I looked back and thought it was so ugly. But now, I think it’s cool – I’d wear that again.

And your worst fashion mistake? I used to hide my body – not show my belly, for example. Now I try to be more comfortable with my curves.

What’s on your wish list? A silk Paloma Casile garter belt to wear over jeans.

Is there something you’d never wear? I’m open to most things but I have a hard time with strapless bras – so painful.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m liking little shorts with tights and long boots for winter.

What shoes do you wear most often? Black velvet ballet flats I buy from the two-dollar shop for $8.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? My partner’s late grandmother, Melma Hamersfeld, who had the fashion label, Metalicus. She taught me to show my curves and be comfortable with my body and told me that if I’m going to buy something expensive, I should wear it every day to make the most of it. Important advice.

What do you wear on a typical working day? I’m in the kitchen most days. Cooking is expressive and I like to dress up for it. I wear my own version of chef whites, such as a frilly Dôen top and Camilla and Marc pants with a long apron. It tests me to stay clean and neat, which is the point of old-school chef whites.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Cornflower blue Tekla shorts, a Baserange tiger print bodysuit, white socks and my vintage purple Prada peep-toe flats.

Ellie’s Table by Ellie Bouhadana (Hardie Grant) is out now.

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