Barbara Sumner Burstyn: Inspired by passion

Barbara Sumner Burstyn. Photo / Babiche Martens

Barbara Sumner Burstyn is an award-winning producer, director and writer, and currently in Berlin where her film is screening in competition at the celebrated Berlin International Film Festival. This Way Of Life, a documentary that follows an East Coast family, "on the thin edge between freedom and disaster", was made with her husband, Tom Burstyn, over four years and has won over festival audiences here and overseas (it sold out at the NZ Film Festival last year and was invited to screen at the Vancouver International Film Festival). The film will get a wider release in NZ next month. Based in the Hawkes Bay, Sumner Burstyn's unique sartorial style combines the classic with contemporary. She tells us more about it.

Who are your favourite designers?

Andrea Moore and Silverdale by Andrea Moore because no Kiwi woman should leave the country without her merino; Barbara Lee for luxurious fabrics - a girl's got to have a little velvet; Michael Pattison and Sheryl May for sequins - need I say more? Jaimie for the edge and Girlsblouse from Jaimie Boutique because a perfect white shirt is all you really need.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A stunning sequin cardi from Sheryl May. It is just a bit special without being too over-the-top.

Who or what inspires you?

I'm inspired by passionate, fearless, committed people willing to stand up for what they believe in. And mature women such as Jeannie Gandar who trained all our best designers for years, and magazine editor-now-novelist Lindsey Dawson. I think we forget the work they did to make it possible for the generations since to achieve the way we do.

Your favourite accessory?

A strand of vintage pearls handed down for generations in my husband's family that has survived pogroms and catastrophe. And I love the creativity of Nga Waiata's AWA Jewels.

Who does the best shoes?

That's easy: Kumfs all the way. Seriously, it has transformed into a very stylish footwear company and the shoes are truly comfortable.

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

A black camisole. It is simply the most versatile item ever.

What endures throughout the seasons?

Well-fitted bras and and that perfect crisp white shirt from Girlsblouse.

Your favourite shop?

It's a tie between Michael Pattison's shop in Grey Lynn (like me he is from Hawkes Bay, and he really knows how to dress women) and Jaimie Boutique on Ponsonby Rd for the clarity of her vision.

What is your beauty routine?

Organic, New Zealand-made and natural products all the way. And no one should ever leave home without a little tub of Pot of Gold skin balm.

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

I'd like to say anyone who is comfortable in what they are wearing is fashionable, but sometimes you do have to make a little effort.

Any style icons?

My mother-in-law, Irene. She was a fashion designer in Montreal in the 50s and 60s. She would take a ship to Milan and Paris with just one black dress and a suitcase of accessories.

What do you wear to work?

We work from a bach at the back of our home on the beach in Hawkes Bay, so sometimes pyjamas.

The one rule you always dress by?

When in doubt, buy it in black.

Best sartorial advice you ever had?

If you have to ask someone if what you are wearing is ok, you already know the answer.

Best sartorial advice to pass down to your own daughters?

I have five of them. "Put some clothes on" - especially as my youngest is starting a modelling career.

Most cherished item?

Easy - my husband.

Favourite fashion moment in film?

Katherine Hepburn in trousers in Philadelphia Story.

Best way to recycle your old clothes?

Give them to the kids.