Nostalgia rules

New fashion designer Celine Chapman from Celine Rita. Photo / Babiche Martens

Pretty, feminine style is what Celine Chapman is all about. The 22-year-old designer launched her label Celine Rita last year, after graduating with a degree in fashion design from AUT University, and now stocks at several stores around the country. She also sells her designs at the Sale St markets and presented her spring/summer collection there earlier this month. The range is inspired by childhood summers.

"I want the range to take the wearer back on a nostalgic journey to summers past. There are some obvious aesthetics of this in the range - the jumpsuit, crop tops and bright, fun colour. But at the same time I wanted it to be subtle and more about how the garment makes you feel when you wear it this summer. I wanted to keep the feeling light and fun, and have named the pieces in the range after icecream flavours!" Think pretty check prints, pastel tones and girlish, full skirts. "There's nothing wrong with girls dressing like girls - and that's what I do!" She tells us more about her feminine style.

Who are your favourite designers?
I love what Nicolas Ghesquiere has done for Balenciaga, what Hannah MacGibbon is doing for Chloe; and Stella McCartney.

Best fashion bargain?
$5 baby blue high-waisted "skort" from The Salvation Army. It's so cute and I've never seen one remotely similar anywhere else.

Who does the best shoes?
Kathryn Wilson. Such fun, gorgeous designs for casual and dressy footwear. Love them.

Your favourite shop?
Vintage stores, especially in small town NZ. You never know what you will find and it's fun imagining the story behind your finds.

Your best beauty tip?
I get all my beauty tips from Kiri at M.A.C. Chancery, she is amazing.

Your fashion obsession?
Fashion books. I love them. Every time I look at one of mine I feel like it's the first time I've seen it - I always find new things.

How do you define the word "fashionable", what does it mean to you?
Making an outfit your own and wearing it with confidence, letting your personality shine through in what you wear.

What can't you live without?
My family, my friends, my boyfriend and my sketching book.

Anything you wouldn't wear?
Sneans! (Sports sneakers worn with jeans)

What is the biggest fashion/beauty/hair mistake you have ever made?
Red hair mascara. Ginger Spice was once my fashion icon, around 1996.

If money were no option?
I'd open up a beautiful little Celine Rita Boutique. My car is slowly falling apart, so also a new Mini Cooper, along with a spoodle puppy to sit in my passenger seat.

Best trend of this season?
Lace. It's so beautiful, I love seeing the different ways people have been wearing it.

Most cherished item?
My grandmother's signet ring, with her initials, I wear it every day.

What endures throughout the seasons?
Jandals and a great smile.

Most overrated item in fashion?
Chuck Taylors - I know 99 per cent of fashion-y people wear them, but they are not for me!

When I was at high school I wore...?
I went to St Mary's and the uniforms were very old-school - navy pinafore, blue and white striped shirt, red tie and blazer. We also had an awesome straw boater hat in summer, which I didn't appreciate until I left. I've worn it every summer since leaving school.