Style file: NZ Idol judge Megan Alatini

Megan Alatini in the NZ Herald Inkroom. Picture / Kelly McAuliffe

Can you tell me about your outfit today?

I'm wearing a red merino wool off-the-shoulder dress by IPG, a brown suede brass-studded belt from Tokyo and Michael Kors wedge heels.

I love those [pointing to Megan's shoes], I was going to buy those!

They're great, they're really comfortable. They've got great cushioning.

So you're wearing IPG... did you go and see the show just now?

Yes! I'm very passionate about the fashion of IPG and tkstore [designer Turet Knuefermann's store]. I think Turet is an amazing designer, very innovative. She's maybe gone just a little bit unnoticed when I think she's at the forefront of fashion here in New Zealand. She creates amazing styles and designs. I actually had the privelege of sitting next to French and US fashion editors at the show today and they were very impressed.

Are you going to be going to any other shows this week or is this it for you?

Hailwood this afternoon is one I'd definitely like to see. I've been a follower of World for a long time...

You know they're not showing this year?

[Looks crestfallen] No, I didn't actually. I've been out of the country for a few years [living in Japan with her husband, ex-All Black Pita Alatini]. The good thing about having lived overseas is I've seen a lot of international designers and what is going on elsewhere in the world and it's good to be able to compare it to New Zealand and be able to see that New Zealand is very much at the forefront of fashion... that it's on the rise.

So as a judge of NZ Idol, you're hearing a lot of music these days... apart from the contestants, what else are you listening to?

I like a bit of jazz funk flavour, anything that puts you in a good-feel vibe really. I like R&B and rock, but only if it's got a good-feel vibe attached to it. I'm also listening to Corinne Bailey Rae and I like what DawnRaid [NZ hip hop label] are presenting.

What would be your number one beauty product, the one you could not live without?

Hmmmm, lip gloss and lip balm.

Apart from IPG, who you obviously love, which other New Zealand designers are you a fan of?

World, Hailwood, I've always liked Ricochet. Karen Walker definitely. Zambesi, although I have not purchased anything from them for a while. And Trelise... I love that the girl has colour! And textile!

NZ Idol must be keeping you busy, how are you going to fit in attending these other shows?

We film for NZ Idol about 3 days a week, then we have a lot of PR committments and school visits to do. I'm a bit sick at the moment so I might not be coming back for other shows, I shouldn't really even be here now!

And even though we're seeing Autumn/Winter 2007 collections here at Fashion Week, thinking more in the short term, do you have any must-have buys for summer?

I love summer... I think in summer less is more. I love how you can chuck on a white sarong and a bikini and you have an outfit! But as for one item, I can't really choose one. I love accessories and I'm a shoe-a-holic. I think shoes can make or break an outfit. Pretty much I love fashion, I love clothes, I love to buy clothes. And I'm not afrait to admit it!