Rachel Donath explains how jewellery brings colour to her mostly black wardrobe

Melbourne furniture designer Rachel Donath says her personal style is simple and considered, with a wardrobe built around tailoring, quality pieces and thoughtful details. Black is a frequent choice, she explains, but jewellery helps keep her outfits from feeling one-note. In a style interview, Donath described a 1980s black Versace belt with gold hardware as the oldest piece she still owns. Her newest addition is a stainless-steel mesh tote from Casa. For a first date, she would choose a black tailored shift dress, a small heel and vintage earrings; for a flight, she favours relaxed trousers, a black tank and a merino cardigan before changing into pyjamas. Donath said she has a soft spot for early-2000s Australian labels, including Alannah Hill, Willow, Obus, Metalicus and Kinki Gerlinki. She admired how those brands had distinct identities rather than trying to appeal to everyone. These days, she is drawn to The Row and Phoebe Philo, saying she appreciates designers with a clear point of view and a world of their own. Her wardrobe staples include men’s cotton T-shirts from Uniqlo, Scanlan Theodore jeans and vintage jewellery. Beaded pieces are a favourite way to add colour and personality, while a vintage tennis bracelet marked a business goal she had achieved. A chunky Italian gold chain is next on her wish list. She also named brown suede Gucci platform boots among the shoes she wears most often. Her taste was already assertive as a child. Donath recalled choosing neon smiley-face fabric for a pinafore her mother made, despite her mother’s private reservations. She said she has never been much interested in following trends, preferring to wear something if she loves its construction and design. There is one fashion choice she would avoid: a long denim skirt. Donath also recalled agreeing to wear an outfit for a brand that did not feel right to her. She said the image still appears when people search her name, and the experience taught her that it is better to decline than wear something she does not believe in.