Tentside chat: Vogue Nippon's Leeyong Soo

Leeyong Soo. Picture / Babiche Martens

What are you wearing today?

Today I'm wearing a dress that I found at a fleamarket in Melbourne but I had to cut it because it was too long, so I've made it more to my length. And just a little black top, black tights and shoes from Gap.

What has been your favourite outfit that you have worn this week?

I can't actually remember what I've been wearing… I suppose today's one. I make a lot of my own clothes.

When you wake up in the morning do you already have a set plan for what you're going to wear or is it more 'throw it together' at the last minute?

I go to bed thinking 'I might wear that tomorrow, I feel like wearing that' and then the next morning the weather, or my mood, changes so it can change depending on that.

This is your second year attending New Zealand Fashion Week… what was it that brought you back here for a second time?

It's such a small country but you actually put on such a good fashion week. And there's just … so many emerging designers I was pleased to see last year, so I just thought I'd see if I could make some similar discoveries this year.

What has been your favourite show so far this year?

I liked that one [Huffer] actually… Kate Sylvester for what I would actually wear, I really liked.

When you come here are you looking for a particular 'thing' that would suit your magazine or do you have more of an open mind?

I have an open mind… last year, I'd never heard of half of these brands - most of the brands - and I just really liked seeing what they've got.

And with one day left, is there anything you're still really looking forward to on the programme?

I have no idea, I haven't looked at the programme. Zambesi… that's about it really. And the [AUT] Rookie collection.

How does New Zealand's Fashion Week compare to other fashion weeks you have been to?

They're all good in their own ways but in New Zealand everyone looks after us, there's some really good shows… and considering the population is so tiny, I think it's amazing that you've got so much… it's actually disproportionate to the population I'd say!

So where do you hang out here in Auckland when you're not attending shows? Have you discovered any restaurants or bars that you particularly like?

The VIP lounge [at the Fashion Week venue]! We've been eating at a cafe just down the road at the venue, which is quite good.

What's on your playlist at the moment?

I quite like a French band called Phoenix.

What's your favourite summer accessory?

I'm big into bangles. I always buy bangles… even though they're not 'in' anymore really!

And winter?

You can't really do bangles in winter, so maybe earrings…

What are the four things you always have in your bag?

My mobile phone of course and lip gloss… I definitely have to have lip gloss or I'd die without it! My keys… I'm not very exciting!

What's your favourite shoe style?

I love the wedge, but I can't wear them all day… so I always wear boots.

And what are your survival tips for getting through Fashion Week?

The VIP lounge [laughs] and a good cup of tea… but they don't have tea at the VIP lounge sadly… only coffee.