Deborah Hutton on essential clothing items, favorite fashion designers, and style inspiration

Every week, we ask leading people about their style and the inspiration behind it. Up front, Georgie Gordon chatted with television presenter Deborah Hutton.

How would you describe your style?
Casual elegant, with a big nod for casual comfort.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe?
Beautiful Indian scarf given to me by a friend in the early 80’s.

And the latest addition?
Duck egg blue Saba coat.

Who is your favorite fashion icon?
I’m not attracted to women because of what they wear; The qualities that appeal to me more are self-confidence, maturity and self-respect, women who are comfortable in their own skin. Carla Zampatti, for example, always looks beautiful.

What is your favorite fashion era?
the 80s. I like it. You can’t have big enough hair, or shoulder pads, or wear enough gold, it’s hysterical. I had it all, I thought it was really cool, then the 90s came and it looked really cool. But some of them are back: pleated pants, oversized jackets

Load

What will you wear?
on the first date? Id be me: jeans, tees, custom jackets, low heels. Wearing a little heel is a style for me these days!
in the plane? I don’t dress up for travel like I used to, I just want comfortable floppy pants, a T-shirt, a long cardigan, sneakers. In the bag I have everything: pajamas, earplugs, an eye mask, extra clothes and always a big cashmere scarf to snuggle into.
on the red carpet? Black. I have several choices of Carla Zampattis.

Who is your favorite designer?
I love what Zimmermann does beautifully, sophisticatedly and casually.