KEY POINTS:
To many people, classic fashion means something like, maybe a navy blue pants suit, or a nicely tailored black jacket. Not Katie Rogers. For her, a Miss Crabb dress is a classic.
Rogers, a former fine arts student, had spent about three years travelling, doing stints in Japan and London when she was tempted back to New Zealand to take a job managing her friend, Kristine Crabb's boutique.
"Fashion is so trend-based in London," she explains. "One week it's all high-waisted pants, the next week it's all fluoro colours. But with New Zealand fashion, it's not like that. So I see Kristine's stuff as quite classic, I didn't see anything in London that I liked as much, and people are always telling me how they've had their Miss Crabb dresses for years."
Who are your favourite designers?
Miss Crabb, Martin Margiela, Perks and Mini, Ann Sofie Back, Nom*D, Zambesi and I really like the new Lonely Hearts range.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
I got a new Miss Crabb Frank Jacket in bright pink silk. It's a really 90s cut with an extra long zip.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Perfume, staying up late, sleeping in and whisky.
Your favourite accessory?
Definitely my tattoo. I had never wanted a tattoo or even liked them on other people really, so it was strange that I got home one night and sat on the couch and it came to me. [Artist] Pritika Lal re-drew it for me and Stefan Sinclair at Two Hands Tattoo did it for me the next week. It's an olive wreath with some Roman columns and hands in the middle doing a sort of magic trick. I like the way it's really detailed and looks antique.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Undies.
Your best beauty tip?
My wonderful hairdresser, Carlos at Helmut.
What endures throughout the seasons?
Boots. I like them best in summer with bare legs and a cute dress.
What can't you live without?
Lots of things - my Zambesi boots, M.A.C. liquid eyeliner, coffee, a comb and music in the morning.
Is there anything you'd never wear?
I'm pretty sure I would never wear polar fleece again. And okay, this is a bit embarrassing but in my first year at art school I wore a lot of it. It was the late 90s and I was a bit of a hippie-raver.
What won't you be wearing this season?
I don't like short T-shirts with low-waisted jeans. Distressed denim and flats can be gross too.
Any style icons?
I just watched the 1989 Batman movie and I love the clothes. Kim Basinger was amazing. I also liked some of my primary school teacher's outfits.
The one rule you always dress by?
To wear my most favourite things.
You feel best wearing?
Silk or anything white and baggy.
Most cherished item?
My Martin Margiela handbag that looks like an orange carrier bag but it's actually leather.
Favourite fashion-y movie?
Sixteen Candles.
Personal style quirk?
That's hard. Maybe being way too overdressed for the middle of the day - although I'm not sure I believe there is such a thing.
Dress to impress who?
Just myself and boys sometimes.
Most stylish city?
I liked the way London fashion was so extreme. And at the same time people were into really old vintage clothes and dressed so theatrically. I also liked having no idea where I was at all times.
