Taking The Wheel A peek inside the home – and garage – of fashion designer Charlie Brown.
Fashion designer and philanthropist Charlie Brown lives, breathes and drives in impeccable style, writes motoring expert and WhichCar presenter, Elise Elliott.
Fashion designer Charlie Brown is furiously chopping onions when I visit. What’s for dinner? “Sabbath minestrone,” she says. A specialty? Charlie lets out a throaty laugh. “No! I’ve never cooked it before in my life!”
The California native moved to Australia in the 1980s and launched her eponymous fashion label soon after. The philanthropist and Australia Day Ambassador now lives in Sydney’ s exclusive Point Piper, with her property developer husband, Danny Avidan, son David, daughter, Francesca and a pair of Pomeranians called Memphis and Pricella.
The home was renovated in 2010 with the help of architect Iain Halliday, co-director of design firm Burley Katon Halliday. The brief was simple: black and white. In the ornate, tactile living room, paintings by Charles Blackman and Brett Whiteley sit alongside treasured family photos. Charlie adores entertaining and the mirrored dining room is, fittingly, located at the heart of the home. Marble chequerboard tiles lead through the crisp white kitchen, where light splashes in via glass doors that lead to a balcony looking out to nearby Rose Bay.
Charlie’s preferred monochrome palette also extends to her garage, which houses a striking 2016 Aston Martin Rapide S and 1978 VW Beetle, both in jet black. Sadly, Volkswagen ceased production of the third-generation Beetle last year, closing a chapter in automotive history.
I call Charlie the next day to see how the minestrone turned out. “It was a disaster,” she says, laughing. “I added way too much pasta!”
Tell us about your extraordinary home.
We’ve lived in this house for 21 years and it’s grown with us. In fashion, I worked with bright hues every single day. I wanted my home to be in contrast with that – black and white feels very neutral and clean. I also realised that whenever I travelled, the objects, furniture and art I collected were in the same palette.
What are your favourite pieces?
It seems unfair to pick any one thing in particular, but my sentimental favourites are the backgammon and chess boards, which I had commissioned for Danny. The dancing pair from Robert Longo’s Men in the City series [in the dining room], which was an anniversary present. And my VW Beetle, of course!
What is it about the Beetle that appeals?
The “people’s car” was designed to be curvy, affordable, practical and reliable, and so it is. The Beetle holds a special place in my heart – it was a 40th birthday present and I had the same car when I was working as a cocktail waitress back in the day.
Have you always appreciated cool cars?
I have – I love their history and styling. Sometimes I appreciate the sexy drivers too!
Which vehicle do you prefer?
They are completely different cars. The VW rattles abitwhen you drive it; the Aston Martin is a super-smooth operator. I love looking at both of them and they grab equal attention on the road.
@EliseElliott_Media @WhichCar WhichCar TV airs on Channel 10 at 4pm Sundays. For all your motoring advice, go to www.whichcar.com.au.
“In fashion, I worked with bright hues every single day. I wanted my home to be in contrast with that – a true escape from the fashion world.” Charlie Brown