KEY POINTS:
Many of us desire fashionable items we cannot have, cannot afford or, maybe, will not even be able to wear. Towering heels or mad ball gowns come to mind.
As a final-year fine arts student, Michelle Ng has been exploring that fashionable dilemma.
"I'm really interested in things people want but cannot have. Things like the Hope diamond, which is apparently cursed - but people still want it," she explains. "So I've been doing things like smashing up glass and working it into a gown.
It looks a bit like lace and you can't wear it - but people still want it."
Despite illustrating these problems, Ng, who works part-time at boutique Stenbeck & Morse and Servilles salon in Ponsonby, as well as assisting designer Jimmy D, is not immune to those desires. "Women end up with awful feet," she says of the unwearably high shoes, "but it hasn't stopped me!"
Who are your favourite designers?
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Jimmy D, Karen Walker and Trelise Cooper. The designs are art.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
This beautiful silk dress called the Zoloft Dress that my friend James of Jimmy D made sure I got first because I'd been nagging him for it.
Who or what inspires you?
Hard-working, intelligent, independent and kind women like my mother, Gabrielle Coco Chanel and Cinderella.
Favourite accessory?
My boyfriend. He carries my shopping and university books for me.
Best jeans?
Workshop black velvet skinny leg jeans. Lee supa-tubes are great too.
What is the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Something to give away to charity each season. What you no longer wear or value, someone else will.
What do you really want this winter?
A Burberry trenchcoat to dress up in and throw over after the gym. Favourite shop? Stenbeck & Morse.
Who does the best shoes and why?
Ashley Ardrey in High St. The shop is like a museum. They have exclusive designers stocked only in there.
What is your best beauty routine?
An easy light face-wash that I use in the shower and then sunblock. Best beauty tip? As my mother always said, "Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock!"
What can't you live without?
My family and friends. They all make me laugh. Life without laughter is no life at all.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Gabrielle Coco Chanel. Think of the dresses!
Is there anything you'd never wear?
Fake labels.
If money were no option?
Chanel dresses, Chanel shoes, Chanel bags. And Jimmy D.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
Socks and jandals worn together.
The one rule you always dress by?
No such thing as being too dressed up.
Best sartorial advice you've ever had?
Never dress according to your boyfriend. Have your boyfriend dress according to you.
Most stylish city?
Paris. The women there dress up for everything and nothing.
