‘I’ve never followed trends’: Where Rachel Donath buys her jeans, T-shirts and shoes

November 8, 2026 — 5:00am

Rachel Donath is a Melbourne-based furniture designer. Ahead, she documents her style journey, including how she uses jewellery to compensate for wearing a lot of black.

I’d describe my style as simple and considered. I love tailoring, and well-made pieces with an interesting detail to set them apart. And being a Melbourne girl, I do wear a lot of black. The oldest thing in my wardrobe is a 1980s Versace crocodile belt, black with gold hardware. The most recent addition is a Casa stainless-steel mesh tote bag.

On a first date, I’d wear a black tailored shift dress with a little heel and cool vintage earrings. On a plane, I wear Jasmine Alexa “Martine” trousers, a black tank and a Viktoria & Woods “Hart” merino cardigan before changing into pyjamas. On the red carpet, I’d wear a black Esse gown and Chanel pumps.

My favourite fashion era is the early 2000s. It was pre-social media and fashion brands like Alannah Hill, Willow, Obus, Metalicus and Kinki Gerlinki had distinct identities. I admire how they committed to their ethos and didn’t try to appeal to everyone. My favourite labels now are The Row and Phoebe Philo. I’m drawn to designers with a strong point of view who create a world around their work.

Three wardrobe essentials are men’s Uniqlo cotton tees, Scanlan Theodore jeans and vintage jewellery. I love wearing beaded jewellery – it’s a beautiful way to inject colour and personality into an outfit, especially when you wear a lot of black. I also wear a vintage tennis bracelet that I bought after reaching a business goal. At the top of my wish list is a chunky gold Italian chain necklace.

The shoes I wear most often are brown suede Gucci “Horsebit” platform boots. I sleep in Palme “Filly” pointelle pyjamas, and my current fragrance is Fueguia 1833 “Agua Magnoliana”.

My favourite fashion icons are people who dress in an unapologetically individual way and commit wholeheartedly to a look.

My favourite outfit when I was a child was a pinafore my mother had made in neon smiley-face fabric, chosen by me. My mother was secretly horrified by my choice, but I was a very creative and confident child with definite opinions about what I would and wouldn’t wear, and she encouraged it.

I’ve never followed trends. I’m more interested in whether something is beautifully made. If I love it, I’ll wear it regardless of whether it’s having a moment. One thing I’d never wear is a long denim skirt. My worst fashion mistake was when a brand approached me and I wore one of their outfits even though it didn’t feel right. I’ve learnt it’s better to say no. That outfit comes up every time you search my name online.

My favourite fashion icons are people who dress in an unapologetically individual way and commit wholeheartedly to a look, however unconventional it may be. Jenna Lyons is a great example of someone whose style reflects her eclectic, androgynous and irreverent personality.

On a typical working day, you’ll find me in The Row’s black pleated “Igor” trousers, a Uniqlo tee, Bared loafers and malachite beads. On Sunday, it’s my Matteau “Voluminous Bralette” dress, chunky black sandals and Sacred Geometry “Saturno” sunnies.

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