My Style…Marla Singh

Q Job description?
A Fashion sales consultant and style guru! I previously scouted new faces for a Sydney based model agency, ran my own label – Raw Data – for three years, while I lived in Europe, and worked as a fashion model for over ten years.

Q How would you define your personal style?
A I like to take care of my appearance. I don’t really wear much make-up and I let my hair do its own thing, but clothing is important to me, and I do like to make an effort with my clothes. I suppose my personal style is very classic but at times quite individual depending on my mood. I am also in tune with where I am expected to be within the next hour.

Q What are the key items in your wardrobe for this season (A/W Down Under)?
A I’ve got quite a few pencil skirts that finish on the knee, or just above, I don’t like to wear short skirts anymore. Ugg boots, high-waisted straight leg jeans – which can be dressed up or down and a collection of classic Louis Vuitton bags.

Q What do you wear to work?
A Mainly pants or jeans as they are more practical, I smarten them up with a jacket or a simple top. I have to do a lot of running around so flat ballet pumps or comfy boots.

Q And for a hot date?
A You can’t go wrong with a well-cut black dress and some heels.

Q Do you have a weakness for any particular labels or brands?
A Yes, after spending a great deal of time in Milan I do tend to have a weakness for particular Italian labels such as Armani, Blumarine, Gucci and Maxmara. There are so many talented designers around it’s hard to have a favourite.

Q Whose closet would you like to raid?
A Madonna’s, her dress sense gets better as the years go on.

Q What’s the fashion scene like in Sydney at the moment?
Sydney is mainly influenced by the European fashion scene – but somehow it can’t quite get it together. Maybe it’s the relaxed mentality. Choice is still limited and Australian designers charge far too much for not the greatest of quality. At the moment girls in Sydney are constantly wearing low-waisted jeans with fitted tops. I’m not a fan of low-waisted – they often cause skin-overspill in the hip area – it’s not a pretty sight. Plus you get an eye-full of underwear when people sit down in them. Don’t hate me for being honest! It would be nice to see more dressing up going on over here. 

Q Favourite up and coming Australian designers?
A Sally Smith her cuts are great and reasonably priced she seems to know what she is doing and has her own unique style. Sass & Bide do some really interesting pieces; I especially like their rouched tops and dresses. Terry Biviano for really pretty ladylike heels.

Q Any High Street preferences?
A I really love high street shopping in the UK, shops like Top Shop, Zara and H&M are really good for instant fashion.

Q Do you indulge in second-hand/vintage shopping?
I used to when I lived in Amsterdam during my teens but now I’m not such a fan.

Q What item of clothing would you see as an investment buy?{mosimage}
A My Ultra Moda suit – it is a timeless piece and my Jasper Conran black wide-cut pants from Harvey Nicks. I bought them 10 years ago and they still look like I just bought them yesterday. It’s always worth buying good quality leather. I am addicted to shoes and if I like them enough I will spend a small fortune on them. I tell myself that my feet will thank me for good quality shoes. My other expensive habit is La Perla underwear but you can always try to convince your partner to help you out with those sort of items!

Q What would you NEVER wear?
I won’t part with cash unless I am certain about the purchase, so there isn’t anything in my wardrobe that I would never wear again.

JoJo Iles