Signature style: Boh Runga

Boh Runga in Hailwood's Ink Stovies and Raygun shirt, Le Specs sunnies, and vintage pink shoes. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Boh Runga, Stellar*'s lead singer, has a wardrobe packed with colour.

"I don't wear a lot of black," says Runga, who's singer-songwriter sister Bic is always encouraging her to wear more.

"I usually wear anything but black. I'm looking for something in emerald green and I'd like something in yellow. I've also got a thing for military olives, tans and greens."

After Stellar*'s award-winning albums, Mix and Magic Line, the band took some time out and Runga went to live in Los Angeles to hone her songwriting skills. Stellar*'s third album is due out in July.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Helen Cherry for her lovely feminine dresses. I love her beige faux croc pumps too. Miss Crabb for her quirky yet sexy designs, Nom*D for its punk aesthetic, I love Adrian Hailwood's prints, and Ezzue for its vintage-inspired colours.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

A beautiful Karen Walker pendant of a lion head. It was a birthday gift from my friend Murray Bevan who runs Showroom 22. Also my Cartier tank watch. I've always wanted a great classic watch. Not that I'm ever on time. My wrist just looks nice.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

A very elegant and sexy Marilyn Sainty dress from Scotties on sale at a too-good-to-be-true price. My husband bought me a gorgeous Miss Crabb trenchcoat dress in a pretty peach tartan for my birthday. I love it.

What is your beauty routine?

I like Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser with SPF 15, and their Coriander Bath and Shower Liquid Body Wash. I've just discovered Trilogy from Wellington. I recommend their Aromatic Body Treatment Oil and their Organic Rosehip Oil is a new favourite. I use the new Joico KPak Liquid Reconstructor which doesn't weigh my hair down. The KPak Smoothing Balm is awesome for those frizzy, fly-away hair days. My best friend after a night out though is M.A.C Make-Up Wipes. They've saved a few pillow cases.

What can't you live without?

The way lipstick can transform your face always amazes me. I recommend M.A.C Fast Play, Captive and gloss in Lust.

Who does the best handbags?

Last year I splashed out and bought a Chloe Paddington bag. My husband was horrified. I'd love matching luggage by [Auckland designer] Patrick James. He works in tooled leather, taking his inspiration from native flora and Maori design.

Any style icons?

Katharine Hepburn for her relaxed, man-style dressing and her acerbic wit. Grace Jones for her androgynous sex appeal. And that voice. Audrey Hepburn for her other-worldliness. Deborah Harry, Chrissie Hynde. My mum because she's beautiful.

Favourite store of the moment?

I don't shop a lot but a couple I like are the Bendon Factory Outlet shop in Thames - it's fun. And the M.A.C store in the Chancery. If I lived in New York I'd be at Century 21 every week for the insane volume of designer gear on sale. For an attentive shopping experience, the Prada store is a treat. When I lived in L.A. I was always wandering through the Beverley Centre and down Melrose.

Best fashion bargain?

My $8 snakeskin strappy little heels that I bought from an op shop years ago that have only just recently given up the ghost. And my snakeskin clutch that I bought for a mere pittance in Lafayette, Louisiana. It goes with everything. I have a YSL vintage snakeskin and suede bag from the 70s that I bought from The Paper Bag Princess while I was living in L.A. It only comes out on special occasions as it's getting fragile.

The one rule you always dress by?

"Does my butt look big in this?"

The one (fashion) rule you always break?

"I don't care, I'm wearing it. With a coat."

What is the one key item of clothing everyone should have in their wardrobe?

Perfume. I know it's not clothing, but when you smell good you feel well dressed.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Tilda Swinton's, Madonna's and Vivienne Westwood's. But anyone good enough to let me rifle through their gear and borrow their stuff is a kind and generous soul. I'm a 10.