KEY POINTS:
Usually when a New Zealand woman heads to the bach for the holidays, the fanciest outfit she'll don is a bathing suit, a clean pair of shorts and, if she's lucky, a new singlet.
But local designer and stylist Victoria Harvey is hoping to change all that. Harvey has designed a collection of resortwear called Journey Essentials.
She started making the clothes a couple of years ago after she couldn't find anything to wear to the steamy south of Spain.
"It's getting better now but until recently it's been hard to find summer clothes here in the middle of winter," she explains.
Journey Essentials are sold over her website and at some upmarket retailers. But holiday-makers on a Pacific getaway are not Harvey's only target market. She'd also like to see more resort-style glamour down at the local beach.
"If you can swan around in your bathing suit with a beaded, embroidered kaftan over the top it makes you feel a bit more special."
Who are your favourite designers?
Helen Cherry and Zambesi. I also like Stella McCartney and Jac + Jack, a newish Australian label that makes beautiful fine knits.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A Rebecca Taylor evening dress.
Who or what inspires you?
Travelling. A trip away is like a breath of fresh air. My husband Andrew and I like an adventure when we travel and we've had some amazing experiences together. Our next trip will be to India in February.
Your favourite accessory?
Bracelets and belts. I have some beautiful beads and necklaces too but never seem to wear them.
Best fashion bargain?
Definitely shoes from the No 1 Shoe Warehouse. They're great for one-off occasions. Get some of those gel pads for the bottom.
Who does the best shoes?
The best, most valued and well-worn shoes and boots I own come from Mei Mei.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Several good pairs of jeans.
What endures throughout the seasons?
Really good quality T-shirts and fine knits such as Park Vogel, Velvet, C&C, Jac + Jack. They can be worn on their own in summer and used as layers during winter.
What do you really want this summer?
Elle Macpherson's body.
Your favourite shop?
www.net-a-porter.com
Your best beauty tip?
Drink plenty of water, keep your face out of the sun and wear a hat. I always wear sunblock if I'm working outside but I don't believe that you should wear it every day if you're not.
What can't you live without?
The truth is, the only thing I really couldn't live without are my husband and my two daughters.
What won't you be wearing this season?
Mini dresses with puffball hems.
What do you wear to work?
At the moment I'm either wearing white skinny jeans and one of my kaftans or I've been thrashing a Helen Cherry leopard print dress, with leggings and sandals.
What is the biggest beauty mistake you have ever made?
I was in my 20s in the 80s. I think my personal worst was a very short haircut with the hair left longer on the top which was then root-permed. Quite the thing at the time. It looked terrible as it grew out.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
That printed mesh stretchy fabric they make tops out of. I think it's nylon.
Any style icons?
Coco Chanel. She dressed to please herself.
The one rule you always dress by?
Within reason, I have no real rules.
The one fashion rule you always break, or should never have been a rule in the first place?
I'm sure someone has said anyone over 40 (or was it 30?) shouldn't wear a bikini.
You feel best wearing?
A beautiful dress and high heels.
Favourite fashion-influenced movie?
Any movie with Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn.
Personal style quirk?
Eyeliner. I've been wearing it every day for the past 20 years.
Dress to impress whom?
No one. I dress to suit myself.
Most overrated item in fashion?
The Chloe Paddington Bag. If I was investing that sort of money in a designer handbag it would have to be something classic that would last like Hermes' Birkin bag.
Most underrated item in fashion?
Big black sunglasses like Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Most stylish city?
It's a toss up between New York and Paris.
When I was at high school I wore?
I went to Selwyn College in the 70s. You could wear mufti in the senior school which was pretty radical back then. However, I chose to wear the pleated skirt that was uniform topped with white short-sleeved vintage blouses from Cook St Market. The fashion footwear at that time was Treks worn with short white socks. Only people as old as me will know what they are.
