KATE THORNELL-STAIG
FASHION DESIGNER, 46
Based at Ashbourne in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges,
Kate designs the type of clothes she likes to wear
for her fashion label, Garçonne.
How would you describe your style? It’s all about
comfort and timelessness. I almost never wear
a pair of heels; nothing I have to squeeze into or
hold my breath in. I love the beauty of natural
fibres and relaxed shapes. Mostly, I love a ‘tomboy’
look but I love a little bit of frill, too.
What are your everyday essentials? Most of the
time I get around in Ugg boots, trackies and my
Garçonne cashmere roll neck. I did make a rule
that I mustn’t go into town in said outfit but I’ve
broken it a few times to make a quick dash to the
supermarket. Leaving the house usually involves
jeans and a cashmere cardigan with my dearly
loved and well-worn boots.
What do you love about fashion design? Getting
to work with amazing fabrics and yarns. I love how
linen has its own individual beauty and so each
piece I create has its own unique look. I’m obsessed
with soft yarns like cashmere, yak and angora.
Which other labels inspire you? Isabel Marant,
Gary Graham, Christine Mayer, Lena Hoschek,
Eka and Pero. Even though my designs are often
simple, I love designers that embellish, and use
colours and interesting shapes. The art in fashion
is something that I have always loved.
What’s your travel must-have? My Garçonne
Aspen cashmere cardigan. It goes with everything
and is so comfortable and easy to wear.
What are your favourite accessories? A cashmere
scarf and my Gil Fox beret.
What are your hair and beauty essentials? Rose
and Honey Remedy and Beeswax Body Butter by
Est. Both are natural and handmade in Australia.
Lately I’ve been using a shampoo bar handmade by
a local lady, which I love. And, of course, mascara.
What’s your best piece of style advice? Never
impulse buy. When you find something you love,
walk away. If you’re still obsessed a few days later,
then go back and buy it. I’ve experienced too much
buyer’s remorse in the past, which just feels way too
wasteful. I love to own pieces that I wear and wear.
What do you love about living at Ashbourne?
I love it all — the absolute silence at night, the
giant star-filled sky on a moonless night and
the returned smiles you get from people walking
down the street when you go to town.
I never leave home without... A messy bun an
Garçonne Lily high-waisted jeans. I sometim
forget my phone, which is actually quite nice.
For more information, visit garconne.com.auThe kitchen garden at Kate’s Ashbourne
property. LEFT Kate hand-stencilled the
paisley design onto the bedroom walls.
The quilt is from Daylesford shop Found.
ABOVE In her design studio. Model ship
from Manteau Noir. FACING PAGE Two o f
Kate’s designs from her 2019 collection.
For stockists details, see page 136.FASHION
PHOTOGRAPHYMARK ROPERSTYLINGTESS NEWMAN MORRISPRODUCT SOURCINGSARAH MALONEY