Signature style: Anna Taylor

A good book and Mum's cooking do it for Anna Taylor, personal assistant to designer Karen Walker.Picture / Carolyn Elliott

Anna Taylor finished her Bachelor of Design in textiles three years ago and since then has been Karen Walker's personal assistant, handling media, agents and graphics for the designer.

What's the best thing about your job?

The people contact I have every day and seeing the way a collection evolves from the initial concepts on paper to a completed collection. It's such a buzz to see the final collection on the runway.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Karen Walker, Nom*D, Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Luella Bartley and Alexander McQueen.

What do you wear to work?

Without a doubt it has to be comfortable. I live in jeans, skirts and T-shirts most days.

What's the favourite accessory of the moment?

A silver sovereign case on a chain that I got for my 15th birthday. I've just discovered it again in my jewellery box. Plus, walking to work every day I definitely need my sunglasses and i-Pod.

What are the staple pieces for a good wardrobe?

A good pair of jeans, killer heels and boots, V-neck jerseys.

What was your biggest fashion indulgence?

Buying five winter coats when we were heading into summer. I have yet to wear them all.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

Another pair of cowboy boots to add to the collection, a set of underwear to add to an already overflowing drawer and a Paper Denim & Cloth skirt.

Any fashion disasters?

Thankfully not too many, but there are a pair of hot pink jeans hiding in my wardrobe somewhere.

What's your idea of relaxation?

Being by the water with a good book, friends and a Bloody Mary.

What's your biggest indulgence?

Having a hot rock massage from Nikki at Gorgeous Skin and Body - it's heaven. And overdosing on mum's cooking.

What inspires you?

People, books, film, colour, life.

Favourite hotels?

Can't name one but nothing beats heading back to mum and dad's in Wellington.

What is your beauty routine?

Dermalogica morning and night plus Trilogy's Rose Hip Oil and lots and lots of Nivea body moisturiser.

What can't you live without?

Family and friends and Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream.

Who does the best handbags?

My fave at the moment are Longchamp. They come in all different sizes for every purpose.

What was the last book you read?

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.