From the white hooded jumpsuit in her “Spinning Around” music video to the feathered headpieces and glittering bodysuits from her Showgirl tour, Kylie Minogue has worn some iconic looks over the years. For the Australian pop star, however, it’s the day-to-day pieces in her wardrobe that have become her most cherished over the years.
The one fashion essential she can’t live without? Her Manolo Blahnik sandals, which have long been a summer staple for the singer. “I can’t remember which year they are from but [I’ve had them for] maybe fifteen years or so,” Minogue tells Vogue. “I am a long, long-time fan of Manolo and his creations, and I remember this pair was gifted to me as they were his favourite design that season. They are butter-soft and I wear them with a lot of affection. Hopefully they’ll last me many more years!”
Other forever pieces in the singer’s closet include a pair of Prada knee-high boots, along with a vintage coat from Camden Market. A 2004 Balenciaga coat from Nicolas Ghesquière’s tenure at the fashion house is another favourite. “It’s amazing as it simply has his imprint all over it. It’s from the same era as the dress of his I wore in the video for ‘Slow’,” Minogue continues.
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Ever since emerging onto the scene as Charlene on Neighbours back in the 1980s, Minogue has gravitated towards more pared-back looks when off duty. “For my entire adult life I’ve had the amazing opportunity – and challenge – to wear some wild, wonderful and extreme fashion as part of my work,” she says, adding that she’s donated the majority of her costumes to the Performing Arts Museum in Melbourne. “To balance this, my personal style is much simpler. I love to indulge in comfort but for a dinner or such, my go-to is a simple silky, fluid dress, a tailored jacket, delicate strappy heels and one of my favourite vintage handbags, just big enough to hold the essentials.”
Still, Minogue is keen to support independent designers, from Magda Butrym to Richard Quinn, alongside the likes of Versace, Valentino and Miu Miu. “Having the balance of fresh, innovative and hungry designers with the experience and expertise of the masters is the ultimate fashion playground,” she says. “I appreciate them both in equal measures.”
Vintage is also an integral part of Minogue’s wardrobe: in her video for her new single “Padam Padam” (“I’ve been overwhelmed with the response,” Kylie says), the star wears a red minidress from John Galliano’s spring/summer 2000 collection for Dior, sourced from Nina Gabbana Vintage. A silver trench coat from the 1960s, found via Paris-based vintage dealer Insitu, is another recent find.
With Minogue celebrating her 55th birthday on 28 May, it’s clear that the star’s sense of personal style has never been stronger. And with plenty to look forward to this year – including the launch of her new album in September, and the third birthday of her eponymous wine brand, Kylie Minogue Wines – expect an array of knockout looks from the star both on and off stage in the months to come.
