KEY POINTS:
Fashion Week is made up of a motley crew of local celebs, models, fashion victims, bar-flies and media (not to mention exhausted designers). But why does the crucial climax for our local fashion industry leave so many of us feeling jaded? Probably because the sizes 12-16 suddenly disappear from the English language.
The fashions sported on the catwalk are definitely not pitched at the average female, and most of us find it hard to imagine fitting any of the latest cutting-edge designs. But what about women who fall outside the size 16 range? It's hard enough for them to find clothes for their sizes, let alone those in the freshest styles. We caught up with a couple of trendsetters who make their own rules when it come to fashion.
HAYLEY J
This Auckland hip-hop sweetheart hosts the Drive show on Auckland's 95bFM radio station every Monday from 4pm-7pm. The rap and R&B know-it-all, who works at downtown record store Marbecks, will also release her independent EP You Are Not Who You Know later this year.
Who does the best jeans for your body shape?
Sadly at the moment, only the United States - you can get dope labels and stylish jeans for people of any size really. Here I have to depend on the middle-of-the-road places to get jeans that fit me well and still look cool.
Do you have any rules for dressing to suit your size? I wear colours that suit me and tend to wear darker colours on my lower half and brighter jackets and tops.
Would you consider dieting to get into a tight dress?
Nope. That doesn't mean I haven't liked something too small for me [but] I end up cursing the shop for not stocking my size rather than blaming myself.
Who do you dress to please?
This may sound cliched, but myself. And I love it if my friends pick up on my style.
Anything you wish you could wear?
Cool clothes in bigger sizes are more expensive and harder to find.
Your biggest indulgence?
Coats. I'll flip out over a puffer, designer trench coat, wool coat or sports jacket.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
My Rasta-striped adidas jacket. I love it.
Who or what inspires you?
I love music. It influences me more than any fashion magazine. I'd rather be inspired by good artists I respect, with an image and/or culture I can relate to.
Who does the best shoes?
Locally - Poynter. Overseas - adidas.
Do you have a beauty routine?
I cleanse/tone/moisturise every day. I believe in having a good foundation. Apart from that, I'll just wear a little mascara and some lipstick.
DENISE L'ESTRANGE-CORBET
Local fashion staple L'Estrange-Corbet co-founded now-international fashion label World with her husband Francis Hooper more than 18 years ago. She has been at the forefront of New Zealand fashion with her eccentric and unique style ever since.
Who does the best jeans for your body shape?
Dunno, don't wear jeans!
Do you have any rules for dressing your body size?
Yeah, makes sure it fits.
Would you consider dieting to get into a tight dress?
No - it's an obsession that insecure people have.
Who do you dress to please?
Myself.
Anything you wish you could wear?
Yep, a diamond-encrusted tiara that belongs to the Queen, I would wear it every day to the supermarket.
Your biggest indulgence?
I have many, so it depends on whatever I feel like doing or buying at the time.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
The Dune jacket and Easy Rider linen suit from World's new Rip It Up and Start Again Collection.
Who or what inspires you?
I am not inspired by any particular thing. I never know what inspires me, it can be a colour or a shape.
Who does the best shoes?
Chanel, Hermes, Pierre Hardy and All Stars.
Do you have a beauty routine?
I shower twice a day. I use only Aesop products on my face and body.
If money were no option?
I would buy a Concorde and use it as my personal plane as we travel so much.
The one fashion rule you always break?
I wear black with navy.
