A model pair

Elza (left) and Nellie Jenkins took part in several of the runway shows at Dunedin ID fashion week. Photo/ Babiche Martens

There were two obvious crowd pleasers at Dunedin iD last month: twin models Elza and Nellie Jenkins.

The long-haired pair walked in both shows, the Emerging Designer Awards and the main iD show, where they made their way down one of the longest catwalks in the Southern Hemisphere.

It was the second time the 16-year-olds have taken part in the show, where they wore garments from Nom*D, Charmaine Reveley and more. Viva talked to them about their youthful style.

Who are your favourite designers?

Elza: My favourite designer would have to be Betsy Johnson, just because of her fun bright colours. The fabrics she uses are very feminine, the dresses she comes up with are incredibly creative and cute.

Nellie: I adore Jimmy Choo because the pieces are always so beautifully put together with so much detail, they give a very sultry yet fun vibe.

Who or what inspires you?

Elza: Peaches and Pixie Geldof inspire me fashion-wise, they really know how to make vintage pieces look great. I love English fashion, it's so rock 'n' roll and fun.

Nellie: Mary-Kate Olsen has a very authentic fashion sense, she mixes a lot of new and vintage pieces together and she always ends up looking beautiful. Elza also inspires me because she has a great eye for arty fashion.

What is your favourite accessory?

Elza: My heavy silver chain necklace that was given to me by my mum's late friend.

Nellie: I love my black Ray-Ban wayfarers, they make me feel like a celebrity.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Elza: Agyness Deyn's because she has amazing pieces - they're very creative and bold.

Nellie: I would love to raid Anna Wintour's wardrobe, she must own some amazing Jimmy Choo shoes!

How do you define the word "fashionable", what does it mean to you?

Elza: Fashionable to me means stepping outside your comfort zone, adding colour, and interesting accessories. Being fearless, embracing what you have and making a statement.

Nellie: Not playing by the rules and being able to take risks, starting your own fashion style and mixing and matching vintage pieces with new pieces. I love how you can make your own creations and know that no one else will look like you.

Is there anything you would never wear?

Elza: Camouflage pants. My mum used to dress me in them and I absolutely hated them - never again!

Nellie: Corduroy. Whenever I see someone in it I can't help but cringe!

What do you feel best wearing?

Elza: I like being comfortable. Jeans don't fit because of my height, so I tend to wear dresses with black tights.

Nellie: I feel most confident in black dresses, not because I'm a dark person but because black will always be the new black! Although it is incredibly hard to stay dog hair-free.

Favourite fashion-y movie, or fashion moment in film?

Elza: The Devil wears Prada. I loved the clothes and envied Anne Hathaway so much!

Nellie: The Sex and the City movie had some incredible clothes, they were always so confident and never scared to go outside their comfort zone. The clothes definitely made the movie.

Most overrated item in fashion?

Elza: Fake plastic nails, some just look so fake and tacky.

Nellie: Uggboots, they put the ug in ugly. They might be warm but if your feet are that cold just put an extra pair of socks on!

Most underrated item in fashion?

Elza: Double-sided tape.

Nellie: Leather jackets. They give your outfit that extra edge.

Best music to get dressed up to?

Elza: The Jonas Brothers! Their upbeat music makes me want to party. And also the song Here in Your Arms by HelloGoodbye is great. Very good at making me happy.

Nellie: I love the Kings of Leon - their music makes you feel like dressing up as a rock 'n' roll groupie.