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‘I don’t want to name names’: Olympia Valance’s biggest red carpet regret

October 10, 2025 — 5:00am

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor Olympia Valance.

Olympia Valance and her husband, retired AFL player Thomas Bellchambers started a quirky holiday tradition of buying hats.Liane Hurvitz

How would you describe your style? Relaxed but elevated.

What is the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A classic leather jacket of my mother’s from the ’90s.

And the most recent addition? My husband Thomas [Bellchambers] and I have a funny thing where every time we go on holiday we get a new hat – a “holiday hat”. On a recent trip to Greece, I bought a straw hat that has a hole in the top because my hair is always in a bun on top of my head.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A high-waisted jean, a good black blazer and a nice pair of slides.

What would you wear … on a first date? On my first date with Thomas, I wore trackies, a hoodie, and ugg boots. He lived up the road from me and invited me over for a glass of wine. … on a plane? Now that I’m travelling with a child, it’s leggings and a jumper and lots of changes of clothes for long-haul flights. For domestic flights, I’ll wear jeans and a blazer. … on the red carpet? Some of my favourite looks are by J’Aton. They also did my wedding dress.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the Victorian period for the high necklines, bell sleeves and corsets. I’m obsessed with the TV series Penny Dreadful, which I mainly watch for the incredible costumes.

What labels do you love? I have a large collection of Rebecca Vallance pieces, from casual to formal. She always nails the spring racing colours and styles. I like Henne for jeans and everyday clothes, and Zimmermann’s silk two-piece shirt-and-pant sets.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I have a lot! Some favourites are Le Labo “Thé Noir 19”, Maison Margiela Replica “Beach Walk” and Chanel “Coco Mademoiselle”.

Any go-to jewellery? I layer up as many gold pieces as I can. A Francesca locket with a picture of Thomas and me on our wedding day and a Cartier “Love” necklace are special.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? I loved glitter jelly sandals. I remember going on holiday to Bali with my mum and I had suitcase full of jellies. I wanted different colours for different days. It was a big thing.

What was your first fashion moment? Attending my first Logies in 2015. It was the first time I’d had a custom-made dress – a white gown with a high neck and cinched waist by J’Aton. You feel like you’ve made it [in the entertainment business] – the designers are fitting you and you know you’re going to look amazing.

And your worst fashion mistake? There have been a lot. I don’t want to name names and put down a designer, but I like pushing the envelope and being daring when it comes to the red carpet – perhaps too daring! At least I did something different.

What’s on your wish list? A giant black Saint Laurent “Icare” bag.

Is there something you’d never wear? I don’t wear shorts, miniskirts or mini dresses. I never have.

Is there a current trend you like? I can tell you what I hate: low-rise, hipster jeans. I’m seeing them everywhere. I’m a high-waisted pant girl.

What shoes do you wear most often? Alias Mae slides and Dior “Lucky” sneakers.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I’m obsessed with Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – she never fails. Whether it’s holiday attire, everyday outfits with her kids or the red carpet, she always looks effortless and chic.