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If you need new activewear, this brand could be the ‘next Lululemon’

Georgie Gordon

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, wellness founder Jessica Sepel.

Jessica Sepel developed a love for fashion when she moved to Australia from South Africa.

How would you describe your style? Comfortable, cosy, chic. As a wellness founder, looking fresh and healthy means a lot to me.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? Some fancy hats of my grandmother’s. She was a milliner in South Africa who made hats for lots of famous people, including Nelson Mandela.

And the most recent addition? A cute yellow sundress from Reformation.

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What would you wear … on a first date? A classic white shirt tucked into tight jeans, and heels. … on a plane? An Alo or Lululemon tracksuit with New Balance sneakers, socks and a silk eye mask. … on the red carpet? A baby-blue silk strapless gown.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The early 2000s, when I first got excited about fashion. I moved from South Africa to Australia in 2001 and Australian style was way ahead of the game. I remember going to Tuchuzy in Bondi and my mum buying me a pair of Tsubi [now Ksubi] jeans that I wore to death with a white Bonds singlet.

Who’s your favourite fashion designer? My sister, Gabriella Weinstock, creates gorgeous hats and things for her brand Avenue the Label. I like Leo Lin for work events and everything Camilla and Marc does. For activewear, I like Vuori – it’s the next Lululemon.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Diptyque “Eau Capitale” is my go-to. I like Tom Ford “White Suede” for special occasions and I wear Jo Malone “Wood Sage & Sea Salt” cologne on holiday. I’m obsessed with fragrance, but I never spray it on my body. I try to be chemical-free, so I only spray it on my clothes.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A white tee or singlet, linen pants and a blazer.

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Any go-to jewellery? I’m sentimental with my jewellery; I wear a stack of eternity rings my husband gave me for different anniversaries, my engagement ring, and a Swarovski “Evil Eye” bracelet I got from my team.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? When I was four, my sister and I wore matching maroon velvet sets with frilly white tops. I remember feeling very fancy.

What was your first fashion moment? In 2022, I hired a stylist for my JSHealth London tour; it was the first time I really stepped it up. More recently, wearing a Christian Dior dress I rented from Alta Moda felt amazing.

And your worst fashion mistake? It’s usually rocking up too casual for something I should have dressed up for, or wearing a colour that doesn’t suit me. I wore a light-pink tracksuit to a community event recently that really washed me out.

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What’s on your wish list? Hermès “Chypre” sandals, a Loewe “Anagram” basket bag, and a YCL necklace with my husband’s name on it.

Is there something you’d never wear? I don’t wear anything tight.

Is there a current trend you like? I love silk matching sets.

What do you wear to bed? Cotton pyjamas from Sleeper.

What shoes do you wear the most often? Birkenstock “Arizona” sandals, New Balance sneakers and Ugg “Scuffette II” slippers.

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Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I love Kate Middleton’s classic, regal look. And Victoria Beckham has perfect founder style: professional, simple and chic.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Venroy linen pants and a white shirt. I wear slippers in the office, but I’ll take them off and pop on a Camilla and Marc or Dissh blazer for a meeting.

What’s a favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A striped matching set with sandals and a basket bag.

Jessica Sepel is the founder of JSHealth.

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The January 25 Edition
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Georgie GordonGeorgie Gordon is the style editor of Sunday Life magazine.

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