KEY POINTS:
Thinking about having to present, then sell, her fashion ideas to other designers was, Krystal Higgison says, "a little daunting". So instead of finding stores in which she and her partner could sell the menswear line they're planning to launch in the next few months, Higgison started her own shop.
Little Black Crown has been open for the past six months in St Kevin's Arcade on K Rd, and stocks the likes of local labels, Cybele, Salasai and Deborah Sweeney, as well as hard-to-find accessories. This means, Higgison explains, that when they do launch their menswear line with a capsule collection later this year, they won't need to solicit stockists, they can just put the clothing into their own boutique.
Who are your favourite designers?
I like Cybele. She's quirky and bold and pushes the boundaries a little. And I love whoever dresses Bjork and Cate Blanchett.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A World jacket for the shop opening last September. It is like a safari jacket, lined with silk and World written in gold. I guess that's what I was sold on! Not that anyone is going to see the inside really.
Who inspires you?
I'm a huge fan of Bjork. She's one of the most creative people on the planet. I also love Andre 3000 from Outkast. He embraces his femininity which I think all boys should do. Where I come from also inspires me. Being part Maori and Dutch means there's a lot to learn about.
Your favourite accessory?
Necklaces.
Best fashion bargain?
Probably my first pair of Chuck Taylors, they were $2 from an op-shop in Wellington.
Who does the best shoes?
I'm loving Kathryn Wilson's sneakers at the moment. They're casual but elegant.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A killer pair of heels - the kind that even the boys notice.
What endures throughout the seasons?
I think just about anything can endure throughout the seasons. It only depends on whether the person wearing pieces cares what other people think.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
I recently went to Bathing Ape in Hong Kong. Their stores are amazing.
Your best beauty tip?
Be natural, take care of your skin and remember that makeup - especially too much - doesn't always make you look better.
What can't you live without?
Music.
What does fashionable mean to you?
Someone who is a leader. Fashionable means that you don't need approval from magazines or people that say "this is so hot right now". I get a little frustrated sometimes in the shop because we have some awesome accessory labels and people still get scared to wear them because they haven't seen many others wearing them yet. Classic example: recently Nooka, our watch label, threw a party for Kanye West so now there are photos of Snoop Dog and other celebrities wearing the watches. And I'm sure that when people see those photos, they're going to be all over the watches!
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
John Galliano's. It might not be very functional but it would certainly be interesting.
Is there anything you'd never wear?
Sorry, I know this is in at the moment, but I can't stand PVC.
You feel best wearing?
Nail polish.
What is the biggest beauty mistake you have ever made?
When I was younger, I had a haircut like my dad's. It was a flat top, spikes on the top and long at the back. Everyone has a laugh about that one.
The one rule you always dress by?
Don't wear things that are too tight. Sometimes people don't realise it's better to leave something to the imagination.
Favourite fashion movie?
Curse of the Golden Flower.
Most cherished item?
Greenstone that was given to me by my mum. It's really petite and beautiful and I've put it on to a gold chain and worn it lots.
Best trend of the season?
Parkas and the long, hooded, silk capes that some designers are doing. They are great because pretty much anyone can wear them, any shape or size.
Best way to recycle your old clothes?
Fall in love with them again, mix them up with new things, maybe even make alterations so that they feel new and give you a different look.
