Fashion conscience

Suzie Marsden. Photo / Babiche Martens

As Head of Corporate Responsibility for Westpac, it's Suzie Marsden's job to make sure the bank is a "good corporate citizen" - an idea that translates into her own life and wardrobe as well. Marsden, who has previously worked in marketing, calls herself a "pale greenie" but her passion for sustainability is obvious. She rejects fast fashion and embraces the work of New Zealand fashion designers, but her sustainable lifestyle isn't just limited to fashion.

Marsden also has a worm farm and vegetable garden at home, and is set to do volunteer work at Care Waitakere by passing on her own budgeting advice to those in need. She also encourages the idea of swishing. "A perfect way to kick-start your sustainability journey is to hold a swishing party where everyone brings along a pre-loved item of clothing and at the end of the evening everyone goes home with a quality addition to their wardrobe - good clean and green fun!"

Who or what inspires you, and why?

Audrey Hepburn - she was quintessentially elegant and stylish as well as warm and giving. She devoted much of her life to Unicef, working in underprivileged communities.

Who does the best jeans?

Workshop jeans - they last and last. I have a pair of grey Workshop skinny leg jeans that I have worn summer and winter for the past three years and they still look great.

What endures throughout the seasons?

Beautifully made clothes that fit well. I'm a supporter of the slow fashion movement - clothes and accessories that come from thoughtfully chosen beginnings, made by well-paid people and meant to last for years. In this country we currently don't have enough information on our clothing labels to factor this in to our decision making process.

Your favourite shop?

Helen Cherry and Workshop, Yvonne Bennetti for getting dressed up and I have a few great Trelise Cooper pieces for work.

Your favourite shop elsewhere?

I love the Kings Road in Chelsea - it has great places to eat as well as great shops.

What is your beauty routine?

I use Sothys. It is a fantastic skincare range and they have recently put out a new range called Beauty Garden which I use. It is gorgeous and has the Ecocert certification which, among other things, means at least 95 per cent of ingredients are natural and at least 10 per cent are organic.

What is your best beauty tip?

My best beauty tip is to eat lots of vegetables - preferably home grown. If you can afford it, have regular facials - I think it makes a big difference. I also slather my face in Evolu's organic Rosehip oil occasionally. My skin feels great the next day.

Is there anything you'd never wear?

Fur!

The best way to recycle your old clothes?

I give mine to the Auckland City Mission.

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

A great pair of boots.

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

I'd like to say it is just about being stylish but you can be stylish and not fashionable. I guess it means being current. It's definitely not about following trends that don't suit you though.

The one rule you always dress by?

Don't leave the house until you feel great in whatever you are wearing. If you feel comfortable and confident you can forget about what you are wearing and get on with your day. I also get teased for my old-fashioned tendency to colour match my shoes and handbag.

Your most cherished item?

A cream crocheted tunic top that I picked up at a church fair when I was 16. It doesn't sound like much but I always get comments whenever I wear it.

You feel best wearing?

Clothes that keep me warm. I'm such a cold fish!

What do you really want this coming season?

Floaty tunics to wear under my thick cardis so I don't look like the Michelin woman.