KEY POINTS:
Set to front a new TV3 series, What's Really In Our Food, Petra Bagust will examine where our food comes from and how it's really made. Could be scary watching for some, but keep an eye out for her very unscary wardrobe by Kate Sylvester on the show.
"It's a factual documentary series and we wanted something intelligent looking and edgy. Kate had it all," says Bagust.
A staunch supporter of local fashion, Bagust is a favourite of several New Zealand designers and a regular front-row guest at Air New Zealand Fashion Week. Her style is a mish-mash of designer wares and cheaper finds - her last two buys being a pair of Kate Sylvester high-heeled grey leather boots and a $5 T-shirt from a Bangkok market. Check out What's Really In Our Food, on TV3 at 8pm on June 24.
Who are your favourite designers?
Kate Sylvester, Helen Cherry, Trelise Cooper, Nom*D's Margarita Robertson, Martin Margiela and Miucca Prada for Miu Miu.
What's your biggest indulgence or guilty pleasure?
Trying to work as little as possible and hang with the kids as much as possible. I also love accessories and have a healthy/unhealthy habit of buying lots of trinkets, especially if I'm out of town.
Who or what inspires you?
My family and friends and people who are brave enough to tread their own path, whether that's in fashion, attitude or action.
Your favourite accessory?
The scarf. I love them. I have a collection from around the world. Some of them are blankets and others diaphanous wee things. I have a chiffon skull and a stuffed dog scarf by Who is Dead Martin? and an electric blue wool blanket by Martin Margiela. The last one I bought was a black pleated scarf from Alphaville in Melbourne.
Best fashion bargain?
A tiny flesh pink Jil Sander evening bag from an outlet store in Florence about six years ago. It cost next to nothing and has proven very useful. I also bought a super cheap Prada handbag that I never use - turns out it wasn't such a bargain!
Who does the best jeans?
Workshop Denim. They fit me so well, are very well priced and there are plenty to choose from. I'm also loving my super skinny denims and Italian velvet stretch jeans this winter.
What do you really want this coming season?
A beautiful long-sleeved pleated chiffon shirt that I forgot to order from Helen Cherry.
What is the biggest fashion mistake you have ever made?
I would say most of the clothes I wore in the 80s (think Madonna's Like a Virgin and you won't be far off ). However, most of that has made a bit of a comeback and doesn't seem so bad reinterpreted.
Any style icons?
Cate Blanchett.
Best sartorial advice to pass down to your own daughter/son?
Trust yourself, if you like it, wear it.
Most cherished item?
The most cherished items in my wardrobe all have good memories attached to them: off-white boots by Michel Perry that I wore at my wedding (still worn occasionally); a Nom*D cable knit cardi that my husband Hamish bought for my birthday. Stuff like that.
Personal style quirk?
I do like to mess with what should and shouldn't go together. I don't always pluck up enough courage to leave the house in my most adventurous pairings.
Favourite place to hang out and people watch?
The Auckland Viaduct during New Zealand Fashion Week.
Silliest trend you ever heard of?
One I saw in Italy - wearing lilac from top to toe. One particular lady was literally covered in lilac - clothes, shoes, bag, accessories, and to top it off, lilac eyeshadow.
Best trend of this season?
The long cardigan coat - it's warm and comforting and very wearable inside and out.
When I was at high school I wore?
Too much blue and green eyeshadow!
