Great style isn’t limited to sartorial choices — it lives in the objects you cherish, the textures you return to, and the rituals that keep you inspired. For four of Australia’s most exciting fashion creatives, inspiration is shaped as much by daily life as by design vision.
They share the cities that spark their imagination, the rules they love to bend, and the small luxuries that make their worlds uniquely theirs. Consider this your invitation inside the minds of the people quietly shaping the way Australia dresses.
Deborah Sams
Founder of bassike
Most treasured piece in your home?
Hans Wegner Flag Halyard chair.
Dream collaboration?
A textile Mark Rothko print would be a dream to design with.
One daily ritual that fuels your creativity?
It’s a miniseries: I start my day with a 20-minute mediation, 10 minutes of breathwork and then I jump into the ocean.
Favourite design era or movement?
The ’90s will always be my ultimate reference point. It was a decade that encompassed everything: the raw edge of grunge, the bold energy of hip-hop, and the refined restraint of minimalism.
Favourite piece from your latest collection?
Our cropped denim jacket. It’s the perfect classic blue wash and made from a heavyweight organic Japanese denim.
The design rules you love to break?
The rules of traditional gendered dressing. Blurring the lines between menswear and womenswear – especially through oversized, deconstructed tailoring – allows for a more expressive and fluid approach.
A designer who has influenced your journey?
Rei Kawakubo. I am in awe of her creative vision and inspired by her nurturing of emerging talent.
Best city for design inspiration?
Tokyo.
Lara Fells
Co-founder of St. Agni
The best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
To stay true to your vision, even when it’s not the loudest voice in the room. That’s the advice I come back to most. Also to trust my instincts; they’re often more informed than I realise.
Your favourite piece from your latest collection?
The Petit Pouch heels. I love how they feel classic but still a little quirky and fun. I’m not a big heel wearer, so the tiny heel feels approachable and easy.
Favourite bed linen?
I love fresh, crisp cotton and have a soft spot for a subtle pinstripe. Tekla is my go-to.
One daily ritual that fuels your creativity?
Laying in the sun with a big stack of visual books is my ideal way to reset and spark new ideas. I’m especially drawn to anything on art or architecture.
Dream collaboration – designer, brand or artist?
A collaboration is such a personal experience and, for me, it would need to come from a genuine connection with the brand or person. I’d love to create a St. Agni scent with Le Labo. I exclusively wear their perfumes, so translating the essence of St. Agni into a fragrance with them would feel special and authentic.
One fabric or texture you always come back to?
Woven leather is part of our core DNA. It’s a texture we revisit each season, since introducing woven leather footwear in 2017. It’s remained a constant.
The design rules you love to break?
Designing pieces that can be worn backwards. I’m always thinking of versatility and how a garment can be reinterpreted depending on the wearer.
Favourite piece of furniture?
At the moment, I’m obsessed with the Raphael Raffel “Croissant” sofa. It’s sculptural but still feels inviting – the perfect balance of form and comfort.
A designer or creative who’s influenced you?
Phoebe Philo has influenced the way I think about fashion and design. I also admire Amy Smilovic and the work she has done with her Creative Pragmatist philosophy. Her approach to dressing with intention and clarity really resonates with me. It’s about creating pieces that are thoughtful and practical, without compromising on style. I’ve also learnt so much from the women in our design team. I feel so grateful to have them.
Erin Deering
Founder of Deering
Favourite restaurant?
Melbourne’s Gimlet! I got married here, so it’s a special place.
Dream Collaboration?
It would have been David Bowie. He had self-expression by the bucketload, but with such grace and eloquence. Now? Flamingo Estate. They brand build and activate like no other. So pure!
Favourite piece from your latest collection?
We are releasing a flannel three-piece set, which I’m dreaming of wearing. I am counting down the days!
One daily ritual that fuels your creativity?
I make a cacao drink every morning and set an intention for my day – a small promise to myself. It varies in terms of what I need, but I make sure I honour it.
The best piece of career advice you’ve received?
If you’re not failing, you’re not putting yourself out there enough. Go big and don’t let fear stop you.
Most loved interiors store?
Tamsin Johnson Showroom [in Sydney]. I can’t go in there or I’ll buy it all! The curation is insanely good.
Favourite design era?
Art deco. Melbourne has so many incredible buildings from this era and it makes me feel something to see them. It seemed like such a luxurious time, so beautiful and considered but still fun.
Favourite piece of furniture?
There is one incredible chair I’ve wanted for about five years: the Moooi Hortensia Armchair from Space Furniture. I think I’ll finally get it next year. I always think about it.
A designer or creative who’s influenced your journey?
It’s hard to look past [record producer] Rick Rubin as he is a “feeling over formula” creative, and I so deeply respect that.
Best city for design inspiration?
Milan, Italy! Everything is so chic, so well appointed, and everyone cares so much about detail. It’s so inspiring.
Gabriella Pereira
Co-founder of Beare Park
Favourite piece from your latest collection?
I love the Iris gown in chocolate satin. It’s so simple but has an unexpected elongated tie detail, which I feel adds decadence.
One fabric or texture you always come back to?
Australian Merino wool. It’s cool in summer and warm in winter; it’s rich in texture yet also throws the most beautiful lustre.
Favourite piece of furniture?
My parents have an original Le Corbusier black leather lounger that they have dragged all over the world. It’s at least 30 years old and has seen better days, but I love its patina and the stories it tells.
Most treasured piece in your own home?
On most work trips to Paris I will bring home a thoroughly wrapped [ceramic] piece from Astier de Villatte in my carry-on. I love the ritual of building a collection over time that is attached to the personal significance of each trip.
Favourite paint colour?
Dragon’s Eye by Porter’s Paints, because it was in my favourite room of my childhood home.
Dream Collaboration?
British artist Faye Toogood.
Favourite design era or movement?
I love excess and artisanal craftsmanship. The Baroque era’s rich colour schemes and lavish use of deep warm woods and marble inspire me greatly.
Favourite bed linen?
Most loved interiors store?
Best city for design inspiration?
Paris.
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