KEY POINTS:
If they handed out an end of year prize for "best work experience" opportunities, then fashion student Juliet Bates would definitely be among the finalists. Over her two-and-a-half years doing a fashion degree at AUT, Bates has put in time at Pumpkin Patch, Bendon and Zambesi. And she's currently doing a stint at hip fashion PR agency, Showroom 22.
Bates explains that while a student can't be backward in coming forward to ask for a job, she also owes her family and family connections thanks for some of the work experience she's had.
With all those encounters as well as working part-time at Ponsonby store, Hepburn, Bates is well aware that the fashion industry isn't always as glamorous as outsiders believe it to be.
The fancy bits of her month at Showroom 22 so far have been "seeing the actual showings [of the collections the agency represents] and how they are put together."
And the not-so-fancy bits? "Cleaning the showroom beforehand," laughs Bates,who'd like to work as either a stylist or buyer when she graduates at the end of this year. "You know, doing the vacuuming!"
Who are your favourite designers?
Anne Valerie Hash, Sacai and Marc Jacobs. They all design beautiful classics with quirks. Their collections might be timeless, but they are also thoughtful, directional and beautifully crafted.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
AVH silk shorts and a Mont St Michel basic cotton spencer from Hepburn.
Who does the best shoes?
Prada's high shine patents - hey, I can dream. But for an everyday shoe, you can't go past the original French ballet flat by Repetto.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
Definitely Dover Street Market in London but also an amazing haberdashery shop called V.V. Rouleax on Marylebone High St, also in London. I could easily spend days in there.
If money were no option?
Then I think the shopping experience would become disappointing. Part of the fun in appreciating beautiful clothing is the pursuit of it. If things come too easily they tend to get taken for granted.
Most cherished item?
An AVH silk dress from her couture collection, which almost bankrupted me but was well worth it.
Most overrated item in fashion?
Designer jeans. Surely they have had their moment? There are too many other options to waste good legs on designer denim.
Most underrated item in fashion? Cardigans. You can't have enough cardigans. They take you anywhere, any time of the day.
