KEY POINTS:
She's what you might call a rock'n'roll stylist. On emigrating to Sydney several years ago, Karen Inderbitzen-Waller was employed mainly by local musicians.
"I ended up working for Sony [Australia] quite a lot, as well as for Rolling Stone, Nylon and Interview [magazines]," Inderbitzen-Waller says.
"I was dressing people like Killing Heidi and Delta Goodrem.
"I even went on a publicity tour with Killing Heidi and ended up in the Outback shooting a music video with them. So it was a really interesting way to see the country."
As for the description, "rock'n'roll stylist", she just laughs. "I guess so," she concedes.
Back in New Zealand for the past year or so, Inderbitzen-Waller has been working closely with local labels Kate Sylvester, Little Brother and Nom*D.
She styles and photographs campaigns, designs accessories and helps to put together the concepts for runway shows.
For instance, the cunningly sexy, thigh-high, leather chaps at the Kate Sylvester winter 2007 show, which will go on sale shortly if local fashion editors don't buy them first, were her idea because she became obsessed with finding boots that rose that far up the leg.
Next year, Inderbitzen-Waller hopes to indulge her passions for footwear and photography even more. She is putting together an exhibition of her photographic work and, having designed Kate Sylvester's shoes for two years, also hopes to launch her own shoe collection.
Who are your favourite designers?
Kate Sylvester, Little Brother, Nom*D, Zambesi, Mala Brajkovic, Balenciaga, Martin Margiela, Veronique Branquinho.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
Shoes from the Repetto store [famous for their ballet shoes] in Paris, pieces from Kate Sylvester's new summer collection, and Petit Bateau T-shirts.
What's your biggest indulgence?
Yum cha, Martini with ice and lemon, hosiery and high heels, magazines, art books, Trade Me - I have too many to list them all.
Who or what inspires you?
Films, artists, music, vampires.
Your favourite accessory?
Mouse ears for around the house.
Best fashion bargain?
The closing of the Yves Saint Laurent store in Sydney. There was no waiting outside and everything was priced to go. It was the last day and kind of too good to be true.
Who does the best shoes?
The shoemaker who creates the shoes I design with Kate Sylvester for her collections. I get to indulge my shoe fetish and he makes them. After that I'd say Yves Saint Laurent are the best I've worn, so beautifully made and detailed. I also love Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs and Chanel thigh-high boots - if I had another credit card.
The best jeans?
Lover loves Levi's. I worked with Susien Chong [designer of Australian label, Lover] on her 2005 show and all we wore were Levi's Tuff Skinnys. It got to be a daily joke. Then she collaborated with Levi's to do her own version and they're definitely my favourites.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
High heels, and lots of them.
Your favourite shop?
Wah Lee. It's remained the same for years, thankfully.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
Repetto in Paris. They have a ballet barre in the shop and a shoe salesman takes little ballerinas through their points to fit them with the right size ballet shoe. It's a really ornate and beautiful store.
Your best beauty tip?
Rose water. Buy it from Greek or Persian shops, put in an atomiser and spray as a toner.
What can't you live without?
Korean barbecue, red wine, high heels and my cat Mouse.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Jean Paul Gaultier's.
What is the biggest fashion mistake you have ever made?
A Cyndi Lauper-inspired haircut. I was a victim of the 80s.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
Trackpants, especially the waterproof kind. And platform jandals.
Style icons?
Jean Seberg, Charlotte Rampling, David Bowie, Betty Page, Mia Farrow and Patricia Arquette in Lost Highway.
The one rule you always dress by?
Start from the shoes and work your way up.
You feel best wearing?
Nothing. I love clothes but let's face it, it's so nice to have a break.
Most cherished item?
A bio-mechanical ring by William L. Griffiths.
Most overrated item in fashion?
Designer handbags. I just don't get it.
