This celebrated Australian designer has worn these four items for 20 years

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, designer Martin Grant.

How would you describe your style? It’s very simple. It’s a uniform. I wear navy-blue corduroy pants, a navy T-shirt, a navy crew-neck sweater and either a tailored sports jacket or, if I’m in Europe, a duffel coat. It doesn’t vary much. It’s comfortable – it can be casual, or a little bit dressed up at the same time. I’ve dressed this way for the last 15 to 20 years.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I keep things for a long time, but I wear them to the point where I have to throw them away. The oldest thing I have is probably a classic dress suit in a navy silken wool that I made about 15 years ago. I still wear it.

And the most recent addition? I bought some new sneakers. I prefer not to talk about labels.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A fine navy sweater, a good cotton T-shirt and a comfortable pair of pants. I’m into wide pants now – my favourites are a pair I bought at an op shop on Wilsons Promontory [Victoria] for $1. They’re a type of workwear pant, possibly from the 1950s.

What would you wear … on a first date? My uniform. I don’t change it for special occasions unless it’s a black-tie event. … on a plane? I am often travelling with Qantas, so I do change into the pyjamas. … on the red carpet? A navy suit with a black leather derby shoe.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I like that transition period across the 1950s and ’60s, when it went from couture to ready-to-wear. With people like Yves Saint Laurent doing ready-to-wear collections, it was one of the most exciting periods in fashion.

Who is your favourite designer? The designer I have the most respect for is Azzedine Alaïa. He was a true craftsman – a sculptor, and very hands-on. His techniques were incredible; he worked so beautifully with jersey, leather, chiffon. There are very few people left that work in the way he did.

Do you have a preferred fragrance? No, I don’t like fragrance.

Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? Yes, there was a red, double-breasted hand-knitted cardigan. I was probably five when I got it, and I wore it until I couldn’t get my arms into it any longer.

What was your first fashion moment? It was when I started going out clubbing in Melbourne. People were dressing up – it was the New Romantic “Blitz” period, so it was quite extravagant. But possibly even before that, my first fashion moment was punk. We lived in England when I was 11, and I remember being absolutely fascinated by Vivienne Westwood, Malcolm McLaren and that group. It was quite extraordinary and inspiring. We weren’t living in London, we were living in rural England, so I wasn’t seeing it on the streets, but I was buying the magazines and the Sex Pistols records.

And your worst fashion mistake? I don’t make fashion mistakes.

Is there something you’d never wear? Lycra.

Is there a current trend you like? No, I don’t follow trends.

What do you sleep in? Qantas pyjamas that I designed [for the airline]. I have quite a collection.

What shoes do you wear the most often? I prefer warm climates, so Brazilian thongs are my preferred footwear. Otherwise, white sneakers.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I live in Arles in the south of France, which is very hot, so I spend a lot of time in overalls or bathers and a T-shirt.

A Martin Grant retrospective is on at the NGV Australia, Melbourne, until January 2026.

Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.