Signature style: Justine Hunter

Justine Hunter at Zambesi. Picture / Carolyn Elliott

Justine Hunter is a Zambesi girl through and through. After nine years with the label she has managed in its Vulcan Lane, Wellington and Sydney stores.

Her role is to sell the collections twice a year locally and overseas, "but as Zambesi is such a dynamic company and as I've been here for so long I tend to do a lot of multi-tasking.

"I manage all our imports, control stock levels, reconcile accounts, style some rather fabulous people, and try on a lot of clothes."

Doesn't sound like a bad life.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Elisabeth Findlay, because even after all this time she still manages to surprise me, and Rick Owens for the fact that his designs are so flattering on a woman's body and very intelligent.

What do you wear to work?

Zambesi mixed in with a few of our imports such as Martin Margiela, Costume National and Dirk Bikkembergs.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

My vintage turquoise beads from a cosy little shop in Pt Chev.

What are the staple pieces for a good wardrobe?

Red shoes and matching lingerie.

Who's your inspiration?

Hmm, that would have to be my sisters and their children. Their lives are very different to mine and I find these differences very enlightening.

What was your biggest fashion indulgence?

My latest red shoes by Marc Jacobs.

Any fashion disasters?

If slipping over in a dress is a fashion disaster then I achievedthat last weekend.

What is the latest item of clothing you bought?

My latest item of clothing was actually a gift from Zambesi. It's a turquoise silk georgette dress and goes very nicely with my beads. I adore it.

Favourite hotels?

I once stayed in a fabulous garage in Kaikoura for a wedding. It had one of those great roller doors.

What inspires you?

Without a doubt my circle of friends and my acting teacher, Michael.

What's your biggest indulgence?

Tequila, chocolate, bungy and movies.

What is your beauty routine?

Consistency, with the kind help of water, rest, Chanel and M. A. C.

What can't you live without?

My mum.