Sabatini designer has high standards to meet

Knitwear label Sabatini White staged one of the knockout shows of last year's Fashion Week so anticipation is high for designer Emma Grogan to reveal her new collection next week. The talented designer took over design for Sabatini and its sister label Sabatini White last year, two years after joining the company.


Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Matthew Williamson for his beautiful and sexy feminine style. I love his adventurous use of colour and quirky embellishment that is never garish or overdone. His garments are so striking yet very wearable...

Which trend won't you be wearing this season?

Over-the-top frills, flounces and embellishment. After designing three summer collections full of the above and then seeing it again at retail, I'm sick of it.

Which trend do you think endures?

Wearing something that suits and fits you well is always better than wearing the latest trends that look wrong on you.

What do you wear to work?

I'm active at work and the atmosphere is fairly casual, so in summer it's jeans and camisoles; in winter, ditto with a chunky cable or textured Sabatini knit.

What are the staple pieces for a good wardrobe?

I don't think you can have enough pairs of great-fitting jeans. Then you need a good mix of well-cut items that suit your shape, and fun little pieces full of pattern and the colours and fabrics you love, with a dash of vintage.

What is your failsafe look when you simply have nothing to wear?

My most flattering pair of jeans and a printed camisole in my favourite colour.

What do you wear when relaxing at home?

My dressing gown. (I'm serious. Hey, I live by myself.)

What do you wear at the weekend?

Painting clothes. I'm renovating.

What was your biggest fashion indulgence?

A gorgeous State of Grace knee-length, black, heavy, lace cutout coat that I bought while I was an assistant in their workroom. It's highly impractical with cutout lace bits all over it and, when you wear it, the wind goes straight through it.

What is the biggest fashion mistake you have made?

Thinking that I look okay at 5 ft 3 wearing slouchy man-style trousers.

Who is your favourite jeweller?

I'm loving jewellery by Jen Smith (La Source). Her use of gorgeous materials and the way she combines them in such unusual ways is really exciting.

Who makes the best jeans, and why?

New York label Joe's Jeans. The cuts are so right for my body shape.

What is your beauty routine?

Embarrassingly simple. Light exfoliating cleanser and a non-greasy moisturiser.

What is your biggest beauty extravagance?

I have fine hair and it just won't behave unless I use Kerastase Ciment Anti-wear shampoo and condition with Kerastase Masquintense at once a day.

Herald Feature: Fashion Week

NZ Fashion Week