Emma Mulholland on her wardrobe, style inspirations and Denim!
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic, fun and colourful. I don’t take anything too seriously.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe?
I mix pieces from my label EM on Holiday with good sandals, fun Prada bags and basic T-shirts from Baserange and Uniqlo in pastels or browns – I like unusual colour combinations.
Any go-to jewellery?
My engagement ring, a simple bangle and an opal necklace that I got for my 30th.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
Classic ’70s Hawaiian shirts that belonged to my granddad. Also, an ’80s bikini of my mum’s – bright blue with a black stripe, she wore it on her honeymoon.
And the most recent addition?
I bought shell jewellery and lots of souvenir T-shirts in Hawaii.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? I’m loving the early 2000s trend of “jeans and a nice top”. We’ve got a new denim range coming out – the “Kokomo” or “Vacation” pants in classic blue denim – with one of our fitted mesh tops and Maryam Nassir Zadeh strappy sandals.
… on the plane? A tracksuit and New Balance sneakers.
… on the red carpet? I would struggle, it’s similar to me trying to choose my wedding dress. I would love to wear Rodarte, Miu Miu or Simone Rocha, something timeless and cool.
What’s your favourite fashion era?
The ’80s and early ‘90s. There was a lot of cool stuff happening, a lot of experimental looks, denim, acid wash, heavy prints, animal print, people had more fun. I love to reference iconic styles in movies and music; True Romance is one I always go back to.
Do you have a favourite designer?
Franco Moschino for Moschino in the ‘80s and ’90s. Now I love Marni, Prada and Miu Miu.
What’s your fragrance of choice?
AYU Smoking Rose perfume oil.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child?
Growing up on the NSW south coast it was anything from Roxy, Billabong, Bad Girl Club. I loved to wear matching boardshort and bikini sets.
And your worst fashion mistake?
Wearing a tie and sweatbands in my teens. I’d love to say it was a cool Annie Hall reference but it was more due to Avril Lavigne. It was pretty tragic.
What was your first fashion moment?
I had an interest in choosing my clothes from a very young age, putting outfits together and laying them out on my bed.
Is there a current trend you like?
I do like seeing bits and pieces from the early noughties coming back, all the butterflies and prints, it’s very nostalgic. I’ve also noticed a lot of people wearing vintage again, mixing it in with designer, which is great because it’s sustainable.
What shoes do you wear the most?
Marni and MNZ sandals. Also, Dr. Martens and Tod’s loafers.
What’s at the top of your wish list?
I’d love a ’90s Cartier Panthère watch. It’s a classic piece; Madonna and Gwyneth wore one back in the day.
Is there something you’d never wear?
No. It used to be Crocs but I recently purchased a pair. Trends always surprise you, like low-rise jeans, something you thought you’d never touch again but they’re back.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon?
Chloë Sevigny and Fran Fine [played by Fran Drescher] from The Nanny.
What do you wear on a typical working day?
I like to feel good; we’re all a bit over dressing for home after the lockdowns. I enjoy wearing a nice dress with a T-shirt underneath or a skirt and top.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look?
Bike shorts and a T-shirt. I keep it casual; most of the day revolves around catching up with people and dog-walking.
Read the interview online here