Should you wear a wild outfit on a first date? It worked for this publicist

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, publicist Emma Gott.

How would you describe your style? The aim is to be interesting and chic, but it blows in the wind a little. Getting dressed has always been a creative expression for me, it brings a lot of joy.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A Nicolas Ghesquière-era Balenciaga floral scuba top and miniskirt set from the spring/summer 2008 collection that I’d happily be buried in.

And the most recent addition? I recently stumbled upon second-hand gold – a pair of Chanel floral jeans from the 2021 Métiers d’Art Le Château des Dames collection, in my exact size.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? I can’t live without skivvies for layering, a pink Dries Van Noten menswear coat, and the Harris Tapper “Tilmens” blazer.

What would you wear … on a first date? I wore some pretty wild outfits on initial dates with my boyfriend, Cam. The first was a short Ellery dress with giant sleeves and thigh-high Phoebe Philo for Celine boots. It got me a second date. … on a plane? Harris Tapper “Irving” pants with a black T-shirt and a Phoebe Philo cashmere knit. … on the red carpet? In my dreams, Dior by Jonathan Anderson.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1960s and ’70s, when the skirts were short and the pants were flared.

Who are your favourite designers? I love what Chemena Kamali is doing at Chloé, I will die on the hill for Phoebe Philo, and I’m excited about the new guard – Jonathan Anderson at Dior, Matthieu Blazy at Chanel and Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Gorgeous Nothings Volume 1.

Any go-to jewellery? A Lucy Folk “Tribute” ring with my daughter Maisy’s initials, a “Tribute” necklace with Cam’s initials, and a tennis bracelet he gave me when Maisy was born. I also wear
an Erede “Torque Dome” ring.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? A brightly coloured corduroy party dress that I insisted on wearing to a school excursion to a farm; everyone else wore sensible clothes.

What was your first fashion moment? When I was four, my sister and I were in a kids’ fashion parade at an agriculture show. It couldn’t have been a less glam setting. I wore checked capri pants, a sailor shirt, navy cardigan and red beret and thought I was the ant’s pants. I was hooked
on fashion from then on.

And your worst fashion mistake? Buying a pair of wildly expensive Sass & Bide perspex heels when I was at uni, then realising they were just stripper heels. I never wore them.

What’s at the top of your wish list? I’d sell an organ for the Conner Ives demi-couture silk tapestry robe with vintage fur collar. I’m also on the hunt for the perfect leopard-print coat and have my eye on the Aflalo “Affine” pony-hair one.

Is there something you’d never wear? Bike shorts with ruching up the bottom. Also, dupe fashion and fakes make me sad. I wish more people would turn to second-hand as an alternative.

Is there a current trend you like? I like the shift away from quiet luxury towards more maximalist fashion.

What shoes do you wear most often? The Row front-zip boots and Phoebe Philo oxblood “Strap Mules”.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I’m surrounded by fabulous muses. Lucy Folk has an incredible eye and a joyful take on the world. Model Anna Feller gets around in a tracksuit and makes it look so cool. I love photographer Kitty Callaghan’s eclectic style and [interior designer] Tamsin Johnson is the definition of chic.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Harris Tapper pants and jacket, Maison Margiela “Tabi Western” boots and a Yu Mei suede “Teresa” tote that holds everything I need for the day.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Rashi World bathers and a Lucy Folk sarong. Comfy and colourful is the mantra.

Emma Gott is founder of Gott Studio.

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