Fashion Plate: Jenine Briggs

Jenine Briggs. Photo / Babiche Martens

Yoga clothing label owner Jenine Briggs talks about her own style.

I always feel great wearing an item when I know a lot of care and effort has gone into making it," says Jenine Briggs, who recently launched yoga clothing label Lhotse (pronounced "lotsee"). "I love to put on my favourite Lhotse outfit, the Vaidya tie top and Mani pants, as the organic cotton is so soft against my skin and I can appreciate the work that has gone into making it." That conscious approach to dressing is also behind her label, which features men's and women's yoga apparel made from certified organic, eco-dyed cotton; manufactured locally in Waiuku. Supporting the local industry is important to Briggs, who also works part-time as deputy legal counsel - her wardrobe features many pieces from local designers alongside her own designs.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

The floaty and floral Kate Sylvester "Dimity" skirt.

What item of clothing or accessory do you want to buy next?

I have been eyeing up the Salasai "Serene" dress. It's a drop-shoulder shift dress with an amazing sky/land/earth digital print that I really like.

What's your biggest indulgence?

Ayurvedic massages. They are amazing.

Your favourite accessory?

The silver earrings my husband Andy designed for me.

Who does the best shoes?

My Sergio Rossi shoes never fail to make my feet look great. The Italians know how to craft a shoe.

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

I've always believed that a long-sleeved, vertical navy and white striped top is one basic you should never be without and it goes with pretty much anything.

Your favourite shop?

I love Unity Books in High St, they always have a smorgasbord of interesting reads. I always stop by Harvest Wholefoods, an organic grocer on Richmond Rd. World Beauty stores are like eye candy - what with the antiques contrasted with the quirky and the luxurious from the four corners of the globe.

Who are your favourite designers?

My favourite New Zealand designers are Kate Sylvester, Karen Walker and Workshop. An international favourite is definitely Stella McCartney. They all make beautiful designs using quality fabrics and construction with a tendency, I feel, to have similar design values to my own.

Best way to recycle your old clothes?

When I was a student and didn't have a very big fashion budget I used to revamp old clothes by sewing on new buttons, etc, to breathe new life into them. A friend's mum was a skilled seamstress and used to help me with my more complicated projects. Also, my aunty had a great stash of classic pieces that I loved to re-design, it was amazing to go through her rubbish bag of "throw-outs" and be pulling out a vintage Christian Dior velvet dress.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

I like fashion icons who wear garments a little bit different to the rest. I would definitely raid the wardrobes of Chloe Sevigny, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vanessa Paradis and Sofia Coppola.

Most cherished item?

My pohutukawa gum necklace from Wunderkammer on Ponsonby Rd. I love it because it's like a nugget of captured New Zealand light that I can take around with me wherever I go.

Most overrated item in fashion?

Jeans. They get so much hype as being a must-have staple, but you can end up relying on them too much and they can stifle your style creativity.

Most underrated item in fashion?

A good, basic singlet of a quality that doesn't stretch or fade.

How would you describe your style?

I try to put together outfits that are a little bit out there, but still considered fashionable. I like to wear quality fabrics and mix lasting investment pieces with cheaper stuff that probably won't be in trend by the next season.

How would your best friend describe your style?

I would like to say "relaxed, casual" but it would probably be more like "eclectic, intermittently quirky".

* Lhotse is available to buy online.