International observers at Fashion Week

Diane Pernet, from the weblog 'A Shaded View on Fashion'. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

CAMERON SILVER

* Owner of Decades vintage boutique in Los Angeles, part-time writer and fashion consultant from the United States.

Any outfit you'd like to see in your own wardrobe?

Although I thought the Zambesi and Little Brother menswear was great, it's not really the kind of thing I go for. But I've done a lot of shopping and I think if World had done a show I would have wanted a piece from that. And I really liked Untouched World, who have a store on High St. It's soft and fluffy. And it's so LA - it's like lounge wear for LA.

Favourite non-fashion activity?

The food. This is a great food town. We've been to Rocco, Bambina, White at the Hilton and the French Cafe. It's been fun to discover this very international city.

The Fashion Week wisdom you'd like to share?

Sound bites are dangerous. After one particular show I didn't like so much, I was caught offguard by a journalist and what was said was printed.

And I am here as a guest - I really want to be here to support it, not to rip it apart.

PATTY HUNTINGTON

* Influential Sydney Morning Herald fashion writer from Australia, who's been to Fashion Week three years running.

Any outfit you'd like to see in your own wardrobe?

There were a couple of pieces from the Mala Brajkovic show I loved. In particular, a quilted olive bomber jacket in PVC. She also had a great cloth bag with an icecream print on it.

Favourite non-fashion activity?

One Tree Hill. I thought the park was beautiful - a bit of rural New Zealand in the middle of Auckland.

Lowlights?

I discovered some labels I think are really good - I'd never heard of Cybele or Lonely Hearts Club before. But there was a lot of middle market-style fashion on the runway, although I'm sure it does very well at retail.

Fashion Week wisdom you'd like to share?

Make sure you're wearing nice, fresh underwear when you go through customs. One person was strip-searched, another was asked to remove his trousers and I think they even tried to search Diane Pernet's mantilla.

ELIZABETH CHARLES

* New York-based retailer who has her own boutique where she specialises in New Zealand and Australian designer clothing.

Any outfit you'd like to see in your own wardrobe?

The black trenchcoat from Karen Walker with the Peter Pan collar. I'd wear it as a dress.

Lowlights?

Some designers seemed to feel as if they needed to over-embellish ... they'd add a ruffle, and then one more, and then another and another. You'd see these nice skirts and then the model would turn around and they'd be covered in ruffles or beads or something similar. Things don't need to be quite so overworked. Less can be more.

The Fashion Week wisdom you'd like to share?

Never ask someone when they're due if you're not sure whether they're pregnant or not.

I have just had a baby and I was asked that.

DIANE PERNET

* Paris fashion personality, writes the weblog A Shaded View on Fashion.

Any outfit you'd like to see in your own wardrobe?

There was a beautiful black dress at Zambesi that looked like a robe. And then a beautiful long black skirt at Liz Mitchell. I also found this brilliant jewellery maker, Joanna Campbell, and we found her work at Zambesi. There was piece that almost looks like a huge fan but cost $2500.

Favourite non-fashion activity?

Interviewing Ngila Dickson. She's brilliant, wonderful. I also loved my interview on the Campbell Live programme....John Campbell was a complete charmer.

Lowlights?

There could have been some more work done on hair and makeup.

Fashion Week wisdom to share?

If I don't like something, we don't report on it. But there are bad reviews sometimes and I don't think [designers] should take a bad review personally.