‘Nike sneakers and 501s’: Inside presenter Bianca Hunt’s wardrobe
By Georgie Gordon
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, SBS presenter Bianca Hunt.
“I love that more people are buying second-hand clothes and shopping in op shops.”
How would you describe your style? Unpredictable. One day I’ll be in trackies and the next completely glammed up. But I think most people know that when I show up, I really show up.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? My footy uniforms from when I played AFL.
And the most recent addition? I splurged on some Prada sunnies.
What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Rowland Vision sunglasses, white Nike “Air Force 1” sneakers and a good pair of jeans – I’m still on the hunt for the perfect fit, but I love my Levi’s 501s.
Hunt loves wearing statement earrings – designs by Haus of Dizzy are a favourite.
What’s your fragrance of choice? Lancome “Idôle” – Zendaya promoted it and I do what she says. I also wear “Haze” by Who Is Elijah and I love the Billie Eilish “Eilish” perfume – it smells like chocolate.
Any go-to jewellery? It’s either delicate gold jewellery, like little hoops and a fine necklace, or statement earrings by Haus of Dizzy, Nungala Creative or Gillawarra Arts.
What would you wear …
… on a first date? A dress and pointed heels. I’m gonna look cute but you’re not getting a crazy amount of effort from me.
… on a plane? A Clothing the Gaps track set and Nike sneakers.
… on the red carpet? My favourite look was a dramatic black dress and shell headpiece by Lillardia Briggs-Houston, a First Nations designer from Wiradjuri country, for the premiere of The Little Mermaid.
What’s your favourite fashion era? I love 1990s R&B fashion, like a baby tee and baggy pants, and a Y2K vibe – the fun colours, over-accessorising, statement sunnies. I also love the era’s low-rise pants, but I cannot wear them.
Who are your favourite designers? I like North, Ikuntji Artists, and Kourh – the “Altair” blazer is one of my favourite pieces. I also love shopping at So Familia in Newtown in Sydney; they stock a bunch of small designers.
Can you remember a favourite outfit from when you were a child? Yes, when I was six it was a Hi-5 matching set: leggings with a skirt and top. It was iconic, I wore it everywhere.
What was your first fashion moment? The first time I was on TV as a host for the NAIDOC Awards in 2019. I wore a blue pant suit with my hair big and curly, giving Whitney Houston energy; it was such a fun look and I felt so strong and confident. It was also when I fell in love with masculine clothes, as I had always prescribed to feminine skirts and dresses. Now I’m confident in both.
Hunt takes inspiration from Zendaya and her unapologetic style.
And your worst fashion mistake? I give myself leniency because I was just a kid but I loved those Lizzie McGuire hats – they were like cloth material with a little peak at the front. I’d hide my hair in it so my mum didn’t make me brush it out.
What’s at the top of your wish list? A Telfar bag. They always sell out but when there was a recent drop of all colours and sizes, I ordered a few and I can’t wait for them to arrive.
Is there something you would never wear? A micro miniskirt. Like low-rise jeans, they don’t suit a big booty.
Is there a current trend you like? I love that more people are buying second-hand clothes and shopping in op shops. I’m trying to be more sustainable; all my outfits from Going Places were from small businesses, black businesses or second-hand.
What shoes do you wear most often? My Nike sneakers, high-heeled pointed mules and Crocs, with socks now that it’s cold.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? I take a lot of inspiration from Beyoncé, Rihanna and Zendaya. They’re unapologetic in their approach to fashion.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in bike shorts and a hoodie going to the markets or brunch with a mate.
Bianca Hunt is a presenter on Going Places with Ernie Dingo, streaming on SBS On Demand with new episodes on NITV.
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