KEY POINTS:
It's an adolescent dream come true. At 18, all she wanted for her next birthday was a hoodie by local label Huffer. And she drove from Greymouth to Christchurch to get it. Four years later, Jess Haze is working for the brand she so admired from afar as a youngster.
Having previously worked in a surf shop and a skate and snowboarding store, Haze had the perfect experience to go into customer services at Huffer, where the founders, Dan Buckley and Steve Dunstan, also have a boardsports background.
Since starting work for Huffer in January, Haze, a dedicated snowboarder, says she's become more broadminded about fashion. "I'd always be like, but that's too crazy," she says. "Now I think, well, I might ease into that one eventually."
Who are your favourite designers?
I fully support New Zealand designers who I think are doing exceptionally well. I really love certain brands like Huffer and Burton.
Most glamorous fashion moment so far?
Huffer offered to dress some of the bands that have come through New Zealand recently - Fall Out Boy, The Rapture and Snow Patrol - and I got to choose the clothes I thought they'd like and send them out. I was also pleasantly surprised to get some free tickets to a couple of the gigs afterwards too, which was fun.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A Huffer, red-check, Ramona shirt.
What's your biggest indulgence?
Buying new snowboarding pants and jacket every year.
Who does the best jeans?
Wrangler and Lee - they fit me like a glove. Plus it's a great price point.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Cardys. Long, short, dark and bright, because they go with everything. And they can be casual or tidy. I've got tons of them.
What do you really want this winter?
A pair of kick ass, high heeled ankle boots. I'm still looking for the perfect pair but one day they will be mine.
Your favourite shops?
Skylark, Area 51, Alta.
What can't you live without?
Pasta and my partner. And my dog.
What do you wear to work?
My style changes drastically. I go from skate shoes and jeans to boots and skirts.
What is the biggest fashion mistake you ever made?
In high school I put fire engine red streaks through my hair. It was that home hairdresser phase. The photos are hideous.
If money were no option?
I'd still have the same clothing I do now but I would have a thousand new pairs of shoes.
Any style icons?
Kate Moss is always a winner.
The one rule you always dress by?
Always add some colour to your outfit - even if it is just your scarf, hat or shoes. I hate the dull, drab look.
You feel best wearing?
Newly purchased clothes. But seriously, I most like an outfit that's casual but also stylish. And by that I mean something like a pretty dress but you can casual it all down with flat shoes and a cardigan.
Most cherished item?
My new, shiny, yellow Kathryn Wilson shoes. They're gorgeous. We used them here for a shoot and they got a little bit scuffed so the business bought them. And I loved them so much, the guys gave them to me.
