What a model wears when he’s off-duty, and one item he won’t

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, model James Parr.

How would you describe your style? I don’t think there’s one word for my style; it evolves. It’s reflective of my self-expression and how I’m feeling.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My mother’s wedding dress. She died when I was eight, so it’s very special to me.

And the most recent addition? A pair of pinstripe Tommy Hilfiger wide-leg pants that have become a staple. They’re comfy and casual but can also be dressed up. I love that versatility.

What would you wear … on a first date? I keep it chill in a button-up shirt, nice pants and sneakers. Nothing too over the top, you’ve got to save the best for last. … on a plane? Activewear with a hoodie and Birkenstock “Bostons”. … on the red carpet? I like to be different. I’ll wear a suit, but with shorts to make it a bit more fashion – and my Tommy Hilfiger loafers.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I like the ’90s, when people seemed to have fun with fashion. It was cool and casual. When I was younger, I loved the Spice Girls. They were very reflective of that playfulness – the five different styles within one group. It was a lot of fun.

Who’s your favourite designer? I like Melbourne-based unisex label Nofunovic – it’s masculine with a feminine touch.

What is your fragrance of choice? I mix it up between Jean Paul Gaultier “Le Male Elixir Absolu” and Hugo Boss “Bottled Elixir”.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A baggy trouser, a black Skims “wife pleaser” tank and my Millie Savage rings.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? It’s not something I wore, but every Sunday I’d go to church with my nan and she’d always dress her best. She’d wear a pleated trouser with a button-up, a cute little brooch and shoes with a matching handbag. They were my favourite outfits.

What was your first fashion moment? I grew up in a country town where fashion was limited. When I was 18, I started having fun with clothes, experimenting and buying stuff online. I remember walking down the street and everyone looking at me because I was wearing a white tee, shirt, trousers and loafers – a very boring outfit in a way, but for Cobram [Victoria], that was very different.

And your worst fashion mistake? Buying clothes that were too small – tees, button-ups, everything – because I thought the tighter, the better. On reflection, it did not look good.

What’s on your wish list? The perfect T-shirt. I haven’t found it yet – they’re either too long, too short, or not the right proportions.

Is there something you’d never wear? Skinny jeans. Also, thongs. I’m Aboriginal and my whole childhood was spent running around the farm barefoot or wearing thongs. Now, I can’t go there.

Is there a current trend you like? I love how people are having fun with bright colours and getting on board with colour theory. I’m scared of colour, but I’m trying. I like mixing red with blue or pink.

What shoes do you wear most often? My black Salomon sneakers.

Who are your favourite fashion icons? I like how Harry Styles plays into his feminine side while keeping it masculine. He wears what he wants without putting a label on it. Also, Jacob Elordi, whose style is effortless but intentional; he’ll wear a shirt, jacket and army pants with a cute little Bottega handbag.

What do you wear on a typical working day? An oversized Uniqlo shirt and baggy pants. When I’m working, I’m in and out of other clothes so when I come back into my own, I want to be comfy.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in a Lululemon hoodie and shorts, reading in the park.

James Parr is an ambassador for The Push-Up Challenge.

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