Claire Stapleton uses the power of shopping to help those in need.
Claire Stapleton is the brains behind The-Collection, a charity auction website that enables sellers to donate a percentage of their sale to local charities - taking the guilt out of shopping. Stapleton launched the site last year, before moving from Wellington to Auckland in November, where she now works as a copywriter also.
A fan of local designers like Twenty-seven Names and Moochi but with an international mindset, Stapleton's style reflects a mix of high and low: she tells us more about it.
Who are your favourite designers?
I love d-luxe and Twenty-seven Names - I always get beautiful compliments when I wear their stuff. Ashley Fogel for jackets - he has a tailor who only does jackets for him and has been doing it for almost 30 years. Karen Walker for dresses. Havaianas remind me of summer. And Moochi for making me feel fabulous in my everyday life. From overseas, I'm infatuated right now with the collections from Burberry Prorsum and Stella McCartney for the Northern Hemisphere winter.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
When I was in Wellington recently I dashed into Glassons to buy a pair of footless tights because it was a bit chilly. I love their hosiery section and they have tights that actually last.
What item of clothing or accessory do you want to buy next?
A bag. Moochi has done an amazing slouch bag in grey leather. But I am also going to save up for a classic Burberry trench for this winter. A good friend has been teaching me about investment pieces.
How would you describe your style?
My own.
Who is your ultimate fashion plate?
Kate Moss.
Describe the best outfit you've ever worn.
A Herve Leger bandage dress. I've only worn it in a dream ... so far.
What's in your handbag?
Too much. But my favourite things in there right now, among the receipts, are my Miu Miu wallet, my Marc Jacobs sharpie and my beaten-up iPhone that still works despite having a stiletto hole through it. Plus I always have a stack of The-Collection postcards just in case I can cheekily drop some off on a cafe counter somewhere.
What is your favourite decade, style-wise?
That's hard. Probably the roaring 1920s and the 50s in Hollywood are two favourites, I guess, because they were fun and risky times for style. I think the parties would have been amazing in both eras too.
Your favourite stylish place?
I love hotels with style ... and pools! My favourites: The W, Hong Kong, and The Standard in LA. I'm a newbie to Auckland, but I think Clooney is beautiful, and The Department Store on the North Shore too.
Who or what inspires you, in terms of style?
The women in my family. Especially my 100-year-old grandmother who taught me to paint my nails and wave like the Queen. I wear her sapphire and diamond ring every day. And my mother, who taught me that if you find a pair of shoes you love, buy them in every colour. Travel inspires me too; new people and places.
Your favourite shop in another country?
Joyce in Hong Kong. I bought a pair of Current/Elliott jeans - it was about all I could afford. But the labels and pieces they have there are second-to-none. The staff that time were in a uniform of black Chucks and Issey Miyake, same for boys and girls. It rocked.
What's your fragrance?
Cinema by Yves St Laurent. It reminds me of Cannes.
