Style maven Dianne Ludwig pours her heart, soul and years of experience back into the fashion industry.
Dianne Ludwig retired at the end of 2007 to "slow down", but is now busier than ever consulting and mentoring several fashion and creative businesses. She also works with emerging designers and students, teaching them how to manage a business alongside the creative side. Her most recent project is as trustee of the New Zealand Fashion Museum, helping in fundraising efforts to get the project off the ground (you can help by visiting fashionmuseum.org.nz).
This fashion maven has a genuine interest in both the business and creative side to fashion. "There are three aspects to my interest in fashion: first, the details of a garment, even something as simple as a beautiful lining on a jacket which can make me ooh and aah. I also enjoy how fashion informs our social history, and how clothes often represent memories for each of us.
"And on a work front, I love the business challenges the fashion industry presents where you need to be astute at all aspects of business because it's such a tough industry."
How would you describe your style?
Unpredictable springs to mind, with a dash of quirky. There is too much to love about fashion, whether it be the fabric, cut, construction or a great accessory, to be pigeon-holed into one style.
Who are your favourite designers?
Cybele for her unique prints, Zambesi for their more tailored pieces, Vanessa Bruno and TK for their feminine simplicity and Karen Walker for her more quirky pieces.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A Zambesi woollen skirt with a basket weave as the front panel.
What item of clothing do you want to buy next?
I never plan ahead when it comes to clothes shopping, preferring to buy what inspires me once I am in-store. Of course it does make for a rather large and un-co-ordinated wardrobe.
Your favourite accessory?
At the moment that would be some clogs I bought in Melbourne.
What's one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Great shoes or boots.
Your favourite shop?
I can never drive past an op shop. I recently pulled up outside the Mt Maunganui Salvation Army shop, only to discover they were closing in five minutes. I scored a fantastic illustrated cook book from the 1950s and a carved wooden book end of a naked woman from the 1960s.
What can't you live without?
Tragically the answer to this is my mobile phone. My Blackberry recently blew up and within hours I had withdrawal symptoms.
How do you define the word "fashionable"?
Someone who is confident in what they wear, and who keeps it interesting.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
For dress-up heaven I'd want to raid the contemporary fashion collections of the V&A Museum in London, Musee Galliera and Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris.
What do you wear to work?
I'm more comfortable if I wear clothes that help me fit in to the culture I'm working with - maybe jeans and sneakers one day, or something more fashionable on another.
Any style icons?
Bianca Jagger in her Mick Jagger years, sexy and chic. Kate Moss - she makes fashion look easy. Vivienne Westwood for her anti-fashion take on fashion.
The one rule you always dress by?
Don't wear it if you aren't quite sure; it will haunt you all day long.
Best sartorial advice you've ever had?
Buy for fit. As I'm small it can be a hard rule to follow because I can be tempted into wearing bigger styles, but they don't really suit me.
Most cherished item?
Any of the matching Elle Macpherson bra and knicker sets my elderly mum buys me every birthday and Christmas.
What are you wearing right now, as you answer these questions?
A Marni grey wool dress, black tights and black Chuck Taylor's.
Who is your ultimate fashion plate?
Fashion blogger Tavi, she is amazing, and still only 13.
Describe the best outfit you're ever worn.
A cute Kate Spade summer dress my husband bought me in San Francisco.
What's in your handbag?
Sunglasses, wallet, phone, Dr Hauschka moisturiser, lipstick, diary, togs, goggles and conditioner.
What's your favourite decade style-wise?
Probably the 1920s for its liberated elegance and the 1960s when social changes freed up fashion again.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
10 minutes can do it if it's a jeans and sneakers day, but some mornings it turns into a 30-minute marathon.
