Greece is the word for the fashion savvy

Jacquie Hudson. Photo / Babiche Martens

Jacquie Hudson was so taken by a label she discovered in Athens, she was compelled to bring it to New Zealand.

While holidaying in Athens, Jacquie Hudson discovered a fashion label called Ioanna Kourbela - and quickly fell for its casual sophistication and beautiful fabrics and yarns. Now the TV presenter (she has hosted Good Morning and Fair Go and is also in Countdown ads) is the New Zealand distributor for the label.

"The flowing architectural lines are flattering on many shapes, and suit our way of life in New Zealand," Hudson explains.

She tells us more about Greek style, the creativity of clothes and a real world approach to dressing.

My love of fashion began as soon as I could dress myself. I use to change outfits a few times a day, much to any mother's frustration. My love of shopping for clothes began on visits to my nana (a clothes lover and very glam with it). We would pace the streets, going into boutiques and secondhand stores to find a new outfit.

I decided I needed a break from full-time work in TV and it felt right to go back to one of my first loves. My first job was in a clothing store in Tokoroa where I grew up and I love the creativity of clothes. I get such a kick out of seeing someone in the street looking fabulous in a great Ioanna Kourbela piece, or getting to dress someone for a special event.

Ioanna makes you feel relaxed in her presence, much like her designs. She has the aura of an artist and her background is theatre costume design. She's very involved with the arts in Athens - I love that about her.

Greek style in the summer is flowing, cool and casual because of the heat. Here we are slightly more urban until we hit the Christmas holidays. In winter in Greece it does get cold and, like all Europeans, they know how to wrap up in a fabulous coat. In an Auckland winter we can get away with not wearing a coat. I love coats so much I'll choose to overheat for fashion.

Mixing Kiwi, Australian and European labels is fun. I think it's important to create your own style and make sure you connect that to your lifestyle and the environment you live in. Although I love Victoria Beckham's well-cut dresses and amazing shoes, I couldn't make that work in my life of carrying garments in and out of my car, going up and down stairs - I would have twisted my ankle and split the dress by now.

The most treasured item in my wardrobe is my grandmother's costume jewellery from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, and a pair of earrings Ioanna gave me on my last trip to Greece.

The best thing in my wardrobe is a deep sea green, delicate knit Ioanna Kourbela dress to the knee, cowl neck and back - it takes me from business meeting to cocktail event.

I've come a long way from trying to fit in at 15 with my 501 Levis and baggy jumper. Once I reached my 30s, I had more confidence to pull off different looks and get it right. I don't think I always got it right in my 20s. I wear more dresses now. I'm glad they have come back but I still like an androgynous look - tux, shirt, skinny pants.

The last film I saw was The Help. I also read the book. Loved it for its historical significance, being true to the era, and amazing acting.

My approach to beauty is as natural as possible. No botox - just cleanse, tone, moisturise, drink water, eat fruit and veges.