Fashion plate: Isobel Dryburgh

Isobel Dryburgh at her studio space in Newton. Photo / Babiche Martens

Artist Isobel Dryburgh loves to watch people dance. Her piece for The Living Room - a week-long series of public art events around the city which starts this Friday - will see her love of dance incorporated into unique performances in Freyburg Place throughout the week (the first one is this Saturday at 12.30pm). Called Beige, the collaborative piece with choreographer Mark Harvey will feature 10 performers in an almost trance like state, all connected by a strange DIY beige bodysuit made to "echo the palette of the urban environment". Dryburgh, who recently graduated from Elam with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honours, talks us through her unique style.

Who are your favourite designers?

I don't have a lot of designer clothing, but if I look at what I'm wearing today it's an old Marilyn Sainty top, jeans and some blue jellies with socks.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A pair of ill-fitting pink pants off Trade Me - not quite sure what their future will be.

Who or what inspires you?

My brothers spring to mind.

Your favourite accessory?

I have a lot of hats. I'm a big fan of add-ons.

Best fashion bargain?

Maybe stuff that I've gotten for free from my mum.

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

I find that tricky to answer. Happy clothes?

Your favourite shop?

I don't really have a favourite, but I like looking at shops. I'm a brief shopper though.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

I would secretly love free reign over each of my flatmates' wardrobes.

Is there anything you'd never wear?

I would like to say no, but I know that's not true. I don't like jandals, I think my toes might be too long for them? Also, not so into faux ripped jeans.

What do you wear to work?

I wear a range of clothes, I love getting dressed for work - I feel I can wear whatever I like.

Any style icons?

Hmmm, I think kids are looking pretty on point these days!

Most cherished item?

I thrash my clothes, but one thing I do take care of is an orange silk blazer I have.

Favourite fashion-y movie, or fashion moment in film?

The Brothers Bloom - everyone in that looks very cool.

Most overrated item in fashion?

High-waisted shorts, but that could be because they would make me look like a continent.

Most underrated item in fashion?

Feel-good clothing.

Best way to recycle your old clothes?

Keep them in a box or suitcase and then rediscover them in a few years.

When I was at high school I wore... ?

I think I wore a lot of dresses, we didn't have a uniform. I don't think those were my finest years though...