Tell us about yourself, who are you and what do you do?

Ohhh I love this question! ;) Hiiii, I'm Kate Heussler, your new BFF in the creative industry. I have an educational and career background in graphic design, marketing, communications and social media strategy with a parallel career working as a model for Australian and international brands. My journey from the world of corporate branding to the fashion industry has been nothing short of transformative. With a background in business and creative arts, I've leveraged my expertise to create The Model Masterclass® and consult with clients who need branding, business and model coaching across all corners of the globe. The joys of having an online business. Every other day, I am simply known as “Penny’s Mum.”

How would you describe your style?

The photos of me in my model campaign images and during events where I’m really dressed up, just know that I look like that about 2% of the time. In and around home, playing and connecting with my daughter, I revert to my minimalist style - always elegant and refined with hints of preppy, nautical and laid back chic. I have been known to wear athleisure for non-gym activities haha; I walk fast (with purpose) and find it easier on the days I’m running errands, which to me is a workout with the 10,000+ steps I get in any way.

What are your most worn wardrobe items?

When I find a style I love, I usually buy the item in every colour. I know they’ll fit well and be versatile with other items in my wardrobe. Moving into Spring and Summer my classics right now would be my wide leg, high waisted linen pants; they’re so easy to dress up or down with my tailored/fitted crew tops (in neutral colours). My jersey cotton, midi length black fitted dress with white kicks - this is another one that’s easy to dress up or down. And my go-to bag fluctuates between my Gucci Soho Disco Bag in Nude Beige or my LV Monogram Tote (for the times I need to travel with my laptop).

Do you have a favourite Locello style?

The MARA aviators in white gold and brown, MERCEDES in black smoke and EDEN in ombre brown are my favourites. They give me all the vibes of my youth and favourite style icons.

Eyewear has taken on a whole new meaning for me since I started wearing prescription lenses. Prior to that, in my teens and 20s, I really didn’t put much thought into it at all. I have told myself “if you’re going to be blind, you’re going to be trendy” so I have always loved quality and classic styles that don’t date. The wayfarer, aviator and cat eye styles have been my go-to’s in various colour combinations over the years. Roy Orbison was my childhood crush (call it daddy issues all you want) so I have always loved thick, black frames (I’m convinced my dream man will wear these). The aviator frames date back to my love of Top Gun as a teen. Who doesn’t love a man in uniform wearing those? And also, how good was Top Gun Maverick!? The cat eye is a classic from the 50s, 60s and 70s - Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe; say no more.

How do you style your sunnies?

I have a mostly round face, though my high cheek bones give me some options for glasses frames. Choosing a style that suits your face is the best place to start. Go-to’s for me, regardless of the style, are always “bigger” than smaller frames. People have commented that I look “pretentious” by doing this, though the reality is I need prescription lenses, so the bigger frames have worked for my sun-sensitive eyes. I also don’t mind the “mysterious” look that comes with that.

I pair my sunglasses with an ivory fedora in the warmer months, or with a baseball cap when exercising outdoors. When letting my hair down to flow in the breeze; out for a walk around the beach or catching up with friends, it’s always with a matching clutch or simple cross body bag. Sunscreen and lip balm is a given.

If you could pack 5 items for an overnight stay, what would you include?

My trips and overnights are either going to be with my LV Keepall Bandoulière or it’s going to be my The North Face Basecamp Duffle bag. Essentials items are roughly the same. Let’s go!

1. Tech: My iPhone with noise-cancelling air pods. For one night I can leave my laptop at home. This doubles as my camera to take photos and capture memories and to tune out/listen to music when commuting. I could be catching a plane, I could be running, who knows!

2. Beauty bag: I don’t leave home without a quality cleanser and moisturiser (my favourite Cactus Skincare or Aesop blends easily fit into my travel bottles so I’m not taking up too much space) and my no. 1 anti-aging go-to: UVA/UVB 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen and lip balm.

3. Clothing: A change of clothes including undergarments.

4. Water bottle.

5. Emergency kit: A compact clear case of emergency essentials (throat lozenges, nasal spray, tablets for pain relief, hydralyte electrolyte effervescent tablets and my vitamins), all packed with tetris military precision to not take up too much space in my handbag.

When it comes to eyewear, what’s your favourite eyewear shape and why?

Eyewear has taken on a whole new meaning for me since I started wearing prescription lenses. Prior to that, in my teens and 20s, I really didn’t put much thought into it at all. I have told myself “if you’re going to be blind, you’re going to be trendy” so I have always loved quality and classic styles that don’t date. The wayfarer, aviator and cat eye styles have been my go-to’s in various colour combinations over the years. Roy Orbison was my childhood crush (call it daddy issues all you want) so I have always loved thick, black frames (I’m convinced my dream man will wear these). The aviator frames date back to my love of Top Gun as a teen. Who doesn’t love a man in uniform wearing those? And also, how good was Top Gun Maverick!? The cat eye is a classic from the 50s, 60s and 70s - Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe; say no more.

What's your favourite affordable fashion piece?

I’m going to spill some proper #GirlMath here to say a quality handbag. Hear me out. The cost per wear makes it worth the investment. Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Chanel are my favourites. Are they affordable as a one-off payment? That depends on your income or whether it’s a gift. For me, I’ve saved for a long time and purchased it when I can afford it (as a ‘proud of you for achieving your goals’ gift from me to me) or I have purchased it pre-loved ( in mint condition for much less). The pieces I have, as a clutch or tote, I’ve had for anywhere from the last 12 months to 15 years. I know my daughter will love them when she’s older too.

What other Aussie fashion brands should we be buying this season?

I’m a lover of Seed, Country Road and Ralph Lauren. Recently I have been exploring collections from Viktoria & Woods, Nat V Basics, Friend of Audrey, ettitude, Peony and Jillian Boustred. I’m a much more conscious consumer so ethically sourced and environmentally friendly local brands from Australia and New Zealand will always be the winning choice for me.