KEY POINTS:
Let's play word association. We say "onions". And you say "bad breath", or maybe "hot-dogs". But what you probably should say is "very promising career in fashion lies just ahead".
Sara Smeath is the fashion student who recently won what might best be described as the New Zealand version of fashion reality TV show Project Runway.
Smeath, originally from the Bay of Islands and who has just completed a four-year design course at Massey University in Wellington, won a three-month fashion scholarship with leading local designer Karen Walker in the Air New Zealand Inspiring New Zealanders awards.
Walker even took Smeath with her to New York Fashion Week less than a fortnight ago. And the collection that gave Smeath her place in the Walker workroom was called Onions Don't Make Me Cry - mainly because it featured onion-like layers including a dress, tights, coat and T-shirt.
"You wouldn't necessarily think of onions when it comes to fashion, but I think Karen Walker liked the fact that it was a bit quirky and thinking outside the square. I think fashion can be made out of anything," says Smeath, who says she'll wear anything.
"You've just got to have fun with it."
Who are your favourite designers?
I love Balenciaga, Chloe and Bettina Liano. My favourite New Zealand designers are Karen Walker, Juliette Hogan, Deborah Sweeney, Jimmy D and Mala Brajkovic.
What was the latest item of clothing you bought?
A Deborah Sweeney T-shirt.
Who or what inspires you?
My mum. She doesn't take crap from anyone and I admire that.
Your favourite accessory?
A handbag I found in my nana's wardrobe that used to belong to my mum. I've had to replace and reinforce almost all of the rivets on the handles but it was definitely worth it.
Best fashion bargain?
I'm an avid op-shopper and the first bargain that comes to mind is a pair of tapestry court shoes from a flea market in Takapuna five years ago for $8. They're still going strong.
Who does the best shoes?
New Zealand shoe designers Sarah Riley and Kathryn Wilson.
The best jeans and why?
When it comes to jeans I find a style that suits and stick to it. Currently I'm wearing Levi's Tuff Skinnys and I have them in three different shades of blue.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Space for more clothes.
What's your beauty routine?
A mixture of products. At the moment it's Living Nature, Evolu and Chanel.
What can't you live without?
My dad's support. He calls me about three times a day.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
I love my dad's wardrobe. It consists of 10 pairs of the same shorts, six different polo shirts, 12 pairs of the same Jandals and two jumpers.
What's the biggest beauty mistake you've made?
How does platinum-blond dreadlocks with beads and shells sewn into them sound? Or how are platinum-blond dreadlocks with 10cm of dark regrowth?
Most cherished item?
A silver pendant my great-grandad won in primary school for playing tug of war. It was given to me by my nana on my 21st and it's very precious to me.
