KEY POINTS:
If you have even a passing interest in New Zealand fashion, then you have probably already seen Lily Montana's face. A model and business student, she has appeared on the cover of Fashion Quarterly, in campaigns for Glassons, To Sir With Love and Karen Walker, amongst others, and she frequently appears in the Sunday social pages. And while admittedly it is a bit of a cliche to call a model well-dressed, Montana's style and fashion cred is genuine. Her boyfriend is Stolen Girlfriends Club's co-founder Marc Moore and her mother is former model Brigitte Berger. Montana opened the Stolen Girlfriends Club show at New Zealand Fashion Week with her mum last year, a moment she describes as "a laugh".
When it comes to fashion advice, Montana counts 'why don't you sleep on it?' as the best advice her mother has ever given her. "I've come to learn that it's better to invest in classic pieces that I will wear to death and will still remain cool for years rather than the latest prints or crazy trends."
Who are your favourite designers?
Balmain, because everything is so sexy and feminine yet they manage to remain edgy and rock 'n' roll. Chanel, YSL and Lanvin will always be classic and timeless. More realistically and in my price range, it would be Alexander Wang, Karen Walker, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Kirrily Johnston, Vanessa Bruno and Nom*D.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A vintage fur jacket from Fast and Loose. I'm going to Japan towards the end of the year and it's going to be freezing!
Who does the best shoes?
Christian Louboutin because they are pieces of art.
The best jeans?
Stolen Girlfriends Club because they keep their shape no matter how many times you wear them and make your bum look really good.
What do you really want this coming season?
A puppy... and if not, the Lanvin Way Shiner sunglasses blinged out with Swarovski crystals by Pharrell.
What is the biggest fashion/beauty/hair mistake you have ever made?
Trying to bleach my own hair from red back to blond in Sydney over summer. My poor boyfriend Marc put up with me for two days looking like a depressed fluorescent yellow-haired Bon Jovi. My friend then tried to correct it by dying it brown... but it came out in tiger stripes.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Marie Antoinette's. I would love if women still dressed like that.
What is your beauty routine?
A good, gentle creme face cleaner like Dermalogica or Dr Hauschka. Shisedo SPF15 day cream and Environ Vitamin A night creme.
Most cherished item?
Christian Louboutin heels and Chanel boots from my grandmother (yes, she spoils me rotten). And my 19th birthday present from my mum was her Tiffany and Co yellow diamond engagement ring from my father (tough competition there).
Favourite fashion-y movie?
Catwoman, Jem from Jem and the Holograms, Margot Tenenbaum from the The Royal Tenenbaums, and the costumes in Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette.
What do you feel best wearing?
A big cashmere jumper. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable when I get too dressed up - I'm really a T-shirt and jeans girl. If I feel I'm being far too lazy and casual I let the bag and shoes smarten it up a bit.
How would you describe your own style?
Intuitive and feminine.
