A bold move

Fashion designer Nichola Keast wears a piece from her upcoming Summer clothing collection. Photo / Babiche Martens.

Made to measure "cafe style clothes" is how Nichola Keast describes the pieces she designs as part of her label NKD. Keast used to teach clothing and textiles at secondary school, but decided to move into design after moving to Auckland from Hamilton. Her wearable designs have a focus on colour and fabric (she describes herself as a "fabriholic"), and she will often showcase her pieces to women in their own homes. Unsurprisingly, Keast's bold designs reflect her own sartorial style. Her personal style quirk? "Never worrying about mixing colour and patterns - I just love clash."

Who are your favourite designers?

Marc Jacobs and Issey Miyake.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

Lisa Valli Jeans with sparkles down the legs, I have three pairs because they actually fit and they come in gorgeous colours. Why they aren't in New Zealand shops is beyond me.

Who or what inspires you?

Out walking in Queenstown - it can be by the lake or sweating it out going up and down the hills but definitely where it's peaceful and quiet.

What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?

Bluff oysters - straight from the pottle with pepper and salt and a touch of vinegar, yum!

Best fashion bargain?

My Dyrberg Kern ring. I bought it in a stocktake sale for $20. It is huge and chunky and a blingy attention-grabber.

Who does the best shoes?

Robert Clergerie. Simple, stylish with quirky detailing but really clean lines. Slightly avant garde and happy to make a statement with colour - my favourites are a pair of red floral patent loafers.

Who does the best jeans?

I have to admit to struggling when it comes to paying huge amounts for jeans. Yes, I do love my True Religions, but honestly you can't go past Sussan. I have two pairs and regularly get asked where I got them.

What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?

A fabulous coat, light enough to wear summer or winter.

What endures throughout the seasons?

Anything in merino. A classic little dress in merino, dress it up or down.

What do you really want this coming season?

Another pair of burnt orange suede knee-high boots. Where I will find them I have no idea. I can't believe I threw my last pair out because they were old.

Your favourite shop?

Anna Sui in New York. Very bohemian with black pressed steel ceilings and gorgeous girly pink walls. A truly feminine experience.

What is your beauty routine?

Always cleanse and moisturise twice a day. I'm a nazi when it comes to lipstick and always have one to perfectly match my outfit.

Your best beauty tip?

Never but never go to bed with your makeup on! And YSL ToucheEclat concealer, great for hiding those ageing lines. Voted the best product on How To Look Good Naked - it really works.

Your fashion obsession?

Latest season nail colours; recently it has been silver.

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

Interpreting fashion in your own way and not being a slave to the chain stores. Having your own individual style. It's what you put with what and how you wear it. It's about having an appreciation of what lines and patterns suit each individual. Someone who is wearing something with confidence appears fashionable.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

My aunt's in Queenstown because it is a really good mix of mainstream designer pieces and her often very bright, highly embellished originals. She's 70, which proves that style isn't just the domain of the young and beautiful.

Dress to impress whom?

The bank manager.