KEY POINTS:
The rumours are true - models really do get free clothes. Ask one of the country's hardest-working models, Avril Planqueel, who will be seen on the runway at more than 10 shows at Fashion Week, about whether modelling has any impact on her wardrobe and she laughs.
"You get free clothes sometimes," she says - but what she really means is that she might occasionally be paid for her work with clothes. And as everyone knows, you can't eat clothes or pay the rent with them.
Planqueel, who used to model full-time in Paris and ended up in New Zealand after stints working in Asia and Australia, says it's not really possible to model full-time in Auckland, but she's happier here anyway.
"It's much more relaxed. In Paris it's a little bit stressful, there's a lot of pressure from bookers and agencies."
Anyway, as Planqueel says, she isn't planning to model forever - she's working on her own art and illustrations and is a photographic assistant, specialising in lighting and digital retouching.
Who are your favourite designers?
Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemeester. In New Zealand I like Kate Sylvester, Nom*D, Lonely Hearts Club and Little Brother.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A pair of Marc Jacobs for Vans sneakers and a leotard by Kate Sylvester.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Saucisson (hot French salami) and cigarettes.
Your favourite accessory?
A ring by [Australian jeweller] William L. Griffiths, that he gave me. I love it.
Best fashion bargain?
The Jean Paul Gaultier suit jacket from the 80s that I found on a trip to New Zealand a couple of years ago. It was just $80. I was dumbfounded! And in the last Jean Paul Gaultier retrospective show, I saw that he had remade it!
Who does the best shoes?
Miu Miu and stylist Karen Inderbitzen-Waller [who designs shoes for things like Kate Sylvester shows].
Who does the best jeans?
Cheap Mondays. They are unisex and have the best high-waisted cut and long legs.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A stylist.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Babeth Djian. She's the creative director of French mag Numero and the consultant to Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Sonia Rykiel, Balenciaga and a score of other great designers.
Is there anything you would never wear?
Crocs.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
Camel-toes and dreadlocks.
Any style icons?
Jane Birkin, the eternally flat-chested teenager.
Personal style quirk?
I do tend to layer up as much as I can to keep warm. I can wear a few jackets at a time which has earned me the nick-name Mad Max from my friends.
The most overrated item in fashion?
Louis Vuitton bags. Most of the time they are fake anyway.
Most underrated item in fashion?
Subtlety.
Most stylish city?
I have to be patriotic and say Paris. But Palmerston North is a close second.
