The fashion photographer whose style is still ‘a work in progress’

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, photographer Liz Sunshine.

How would you describe your style? A work in progress. Earlier this year I realised I didn’t have a great relationship with clothes. Figuring out what to wear occupied my thoughts and many of my feelings were negative; how clothes fit my body was linked to my sense of self-worth. The clothes I’m drawn to are not always the clothes that look good on me. I still shop too much and make bad decisions but less than I once did. My wardrobe, now thoughtfully culled, is classic, versatile, practical, unexpected and beautiful. I love clothes, I believe in their power for self-expression, but not at the cost of other people or the planet.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A 1970s-inspired buttery-yellow halter dress with hibiscus flowers on it that I’ve had for 15 years – a sentimental piece I no longer wear.

And the most recent addition? A dolphin-emoji-blue Scanlan Theodore minidress; I’ve learnt a lot about colour and what suits me.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? A colourful silk scarf as a top, high-waisted pants and sky-high heels.
… on a plane? Acne boyfriend jeans, T-shirt, loafers and a pillow-ish jacket.
… on the red carpet? A sculptural LBD or clean-lined tuxedo suit.

What’s your favourite fashion era? My favourite is the ’50s, for when I want to make the most of my hourglass figure – think Dior’s New Look – and the 1960s for miniskirts, shift dresses and tailored pants with ballet flats.

Do you have a favourite designer? I wear Dior, Proenza Schouler, Acne, Scanlan Theodore, Viktoria & Woods, Bassike and Jac + Jack the most. And though I’ve never bought anything from Tibi, I’m obsessed with designer Amy Smilovic and her Instagram account.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Anything from Le Labo, but I mostly wear “Santal 33”.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Black, cropped Tory Burch trousers, a black Wardrobe.NYC Woolmark coat and a men’s white Uniqlo business shirt. Actually, can I have four? We need layers in Melbourne, so a Jac + Jack tee.

Any go-to jewellery? A rose-gold Lucy Folk signet ring with two rubies and a custom-made Laura Miers ring that holds three sentimental stones including a sapphire that belonged to my mother and a man-made diamond to remind me that although I value authenticity, I value the planet more. Plus, a gold chain and my wedding set.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? I wore clothes made by my mother or from the Salvation Army until I was 16. I grew up on a farm in Manilla, outside Tamworth, so getting dressed up was rare, but I do remember a blue and black checked dress with a white collar and riding boots on one occasion.

What was your first fashion moment? Wearing a silk nude-toned Kit Willow minidress to a New Year’s Day party at Bondi’s Icebergs in 2011.

What’s at the top of your wish list? Sarah & Sebastian “Calyx” earrings.

Is there something you’d never wear? I don’t like anything too revealing, too tight or too short.

Is there a current trend you like? Scarf tops.

What shoes do you wear most often? Black Carel “Kina” Mary Janes.

What do you usually sleep in? A white cotton embroidered Elias Mercantile nightdress.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Australian women – on the tram, at the supermarket, in the city. I am forever people-watching and finding inspiration in the way others dress.

What do you wear on a typical working day? I love contrasting masculine and feminine so will often wear a lace or silk skirt with a men’s shirt, tie and blazer.

What’s your favourite casual Sunday look? I’ve been experimenting with low-contrast dressing and currently I’m obsessed with my black linen Bassike pants, a khaki singlet and mint Jac + Jack shirt.

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