Into the wild

Young designers from New Zealand and beyond will compete for prizes at the iD Dunedin Emerging Designer Awards tomorrow night - including 20-year-old Aucklander Brooke Fairgray.

The former Whitecliffe College of Art and Design student will showcase her graduate collection "It's What You do to Me", which was inspired by her sartorial muse of the moment, artist Salvador Dali.

And whether it be with her design or her own wardrobe, Fairgray says she finds inspiration in the sinister, "in things that portray disgust and desire.

Creepy things which can be beautiful; disturbing yet pretty. I'm inspired by controversial concerns, irrational reason and shock."

What are you wearing right now?

The Mr Giraffee mini dress from my own collection. Strong shoulders, low back and best of all a burning giraffe print.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

$8 white sneakers.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. They are a constant source of inspiration. I love the fearless strength which exudes from their design.

How would you describe your style?

Erratic. A mix of pretty, practical and then the things that excite me.

How would your friends describe your style?

A bit of everything.

Who does the best shoes?

Kathryn Wilson, stunning and comfortable: a heel that I can keep on all night, without looking like a flailing fawn when I am walking in them.

Who is your ultimate fashion plate?

Vivienne Westwood is the ultimate. She is fearless, sexy, eccentric, has the power to shock, and big designer balls to pull it off. Love, love, love!

Whose wardrobe would you like to raid?

Elsa Schiaparelli. There would have been some sweet shockers in there.

The best jeans?

Workshop. Long in the leg (Amen).

What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?

Everyone should have "that dress": that one dress you can rely on when nothing else is working. It has to be perfect to dress up and down, easy to wash, dry and crinkle free for travelling. I thank God for my "that dress".

The biggest fashion mistake you have ever made?

A mini skirt and bomber jacket to the rugby. I was young, but I knew better. I cringe just thinking about it.

Describe the best outfit you've ever worn.

A beautiful cream silk layered dress with a vintage white lace bodice over top, worn with my black canvas high-top sneakers, chunky black jewellery and my wild mane.

Your favourite shop?

Bendon. Beautiful lingerie makes you feel great. It has to be matching. I am lucky my Nan works at the Kopu store because I can never have enough.

Your best beauty tip?

My sister is a beauty therapist so from her to me, and me to you; sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

How do you define the word "fashionable"?

It is an attitude, confidence in who you are and what you are wearing.

Favourite fashion moment in film?

"You work on commission right? Big mistake. Huge!" Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

Ten minutes max. Unless it's "wash your hair" day, then it takes an age.