KEY POINTS:
Looking into Mhairi-Claire Fitzpatrick's closet is like walking into the costume department of some marvellous theatre.
"There's a little bit of everything, because I go through phases," says the fine arts student, who also works part-time at vintage boutique Tatty's in Ponsonby.
"I went through a phase of being into sort of tough, punkish denim and then a phase of liking a lot of nana-style florals and pastels."
Fitzpatrick, who is always innovatively attired, thinks there are a couple of reasons she treats fashion like a game of dress-ups. Firstly, she's been involved in theatre since she was 7 and she loves the different roles clothes allow you to play.
Secondly, her own art work tends towards the theatrical and she's a long-time fan of American artist Cindy Sherman's work - Sherman dresses up in different costumes and makes self-portraits.
"I really related to it," Fitzpatrick explains, "She has so many different ways of showing feminine stereotypes. And I guess [we all] play up to those in a way."
Who are your favourite designers?
Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs, Mala Brajkovic.
Who or what inspires you?
So many diverse movements in music, art, fashion, film and culture. And they all influence me in different ways. Cindy Sherman has been a huge inspiration.
Most cherished item?
My staple jewellery: a silver egg-shaped locket, which I got at an antique fair in Waihi Beach, and a silver claddagh ring given to me as a birthday present.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Knitted booties.
Your favourite shop?
Suburban op-shops are still an all-time favourite for one-off treasures. Then there's Zeitgeist, Wunderkammer and Tatty's, of course.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
David Bowie in the movie Labyrinth and in his Ziggy Stardust days.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
Denim on denim - the ultimate fashion crime. Also snaplock leotards and Metallica or Tool T-shirts.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A collectible Cynthia Rowley dress.
Favorite fashion-y movie?
Thoroughly Modern Millie has the most beautiful flapper outfits. I also adore the way [60s director Jean-Luc] Godard's actresses [the likes of Jean Seberg and Anna Karina] are always chic and sophisticated.
Most stylish city?
Helsinki, Finland. Scandinavian street culture has individual fashion down.
Best fashion bargain?
I recently found a 60s handmade, hooded cape with paisley lining in an op-shop. I had to get the length altered to make it slightly more contemporary, but it's adorable.
Best sartorial advice to pass down to your offspring?
Hoarding is AOK. My mother grew up in Glasgow and had fantastic taste in fashion in her teenage years but she didn't hold on to any of it. The photographs reduce me to tears.
