The one thing this soprano wears that has strangers stop her on the street

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, singer Nina Korbe.

How would you describe your style? Classic, leaning towards ’70s silhouettes. I collect pieces in a certain colour palette, so everything works nicely together; cool tones – dark blues and greens with browns and deep reds – make me feel most confident.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A fur shawl that my grandmother wore to my mother’s wedding. It was passed on to my mother, then me. It’s a very special item that I wear for special occasions.

And the most recent addition? A tailored, denim mini dress with balloon sleeves from Aje.

What would you wear … on a first date? I prefer to do something active like hiking or bowling. I’ll wear jeans with a crop top, cute jacket and sneakers … on a plane? A Because of Alice suit – it’s flattering and comfortable – with a bodysuit, and my Nike Air Force 1s … on the red carpet? A favourite look is the gorgeous gold and white gown with corset detail by First Nations designer Paul McCann that I wore for the Sydney Opera House’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I’m on a ’70s kick; I love the floaty, bohemian silhouettes.

Who’s your favourite designer? I’ve loved Dior since I was in high school and saw a stunning embroidered tulle gown. I also love Alexander McQueen for the classic tailoring.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Chloé “Nomade”. People stop me on the street and chase me out of elevators to ask what perfume I’m wearing.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Meshki high-neck, racer-cut bodysuits, a leather jacket, and my vintage Levi’s 551 jeans – they’re a straight leg, men’s cut that you can’t buy anymore.

Any go-to jewellery? My mum, little sister and I wear matching necklaces with gold pendants engraved with our initials. And I wear a lot of brooches – I can’t perform in bracelets and rings because I fiddle with them too much.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A calico skirt that I hand-painted in all different colours when I was about four. I called it my “round and round” skirt because I’d wear it and spin around in circles.

What was your first fashion moment? It was last year when I was doing a performance with the Melba Opera Trust; I wore a custom black tulle ballgown with a sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder sleeves. It was the first time I had a gown custom-made for me; I got so many compliments.

And your worst fashion mistake? Over-accessorising. On my 15th birthday, I was gifted so many pieces of jewellery from my friends and, not wanting to upset anyone, I wore it all, at once. It wasn’t a good look.

What’s on your wardrobe wishlist? A vintage brown leather trench coat.

Is there something you would never wear? I wouldn’t be caught dead in one of those popcorn shirts that scrunch up into nothing.

Is there a current trend you like? I’m enjoying the body positivity. When I was growing up, some trends were exclusive of certain body types, but the current generation wears whatever they want.

What shoes do you wear most often? Sneakers for running errands or a kitten heel for meetings.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Anna Wintour is so poised. She’s an inspiration to me as a businesswoman as well as for her immaculate style.

What do you wear on a typical working day? For rehearsals, it’s flared yoga pants with a bodysuit and my customised performance shoes – a ballroom-style shoe that I have made overseas because I am very particular about the heel height, overlay and the ankle strap.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A crochet top that was handmade by my friend with a linen skirt, sandals and a basket for the markets.

Nina Korbe stars in Handa Opera’s West Side Story on Sydney Harbour.

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