Style statement: It's in the bag

Saben designer Roanne Jacobson in her workshop. Photo / Babiche Martens

Roanne Jacobson is obsessed with handbags. As director of local accessories label Saben, she gets to channel her passion for bags into design, something she has been doing since launching the label in 1999.

"I have been known to stalk people down the street to get a closer look," says Jacobson, who counts her curly mane as her personal style quirk. Saben's latest collection for spring/summer, called Bizarre Bazaar, draws inspiration from the juxtaposition of two cultures - Jacobson tells us what inspires her own wardrobe.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A pair of pointy toe black boots by some obscure Spanish label.

What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?

Art - doing it and buying it.

Your favourite shop?

Ripe Deli have the best salads in town.

Your favourite shop elsewhere?

Lane Crawford, the most inspiring store in Hong Kong.

Who or what inspires you?

Art and artists like John Walsh, Liz Maw, John Pule, Michael Parekowhai, Callum Innes, Yvonne Todd and Michael Hight.

What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?

A Saben bag, a good pair of shoes and a great pair of jeans.

What do you really want this coming season?

The Saben Queen Antoinette bag in Bumblebee.

Your best beauty tip?

Snowberry Instant Deep Cleanser makes your skin feel like new again.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Lou Doillon, the daughter of Jane Birkin, who optimises the French mantra of "do your own thing".

What do you wear to work?

Layers, because it's freezing in our office.

What is the biggest fashion/beauty/hair mistake you have ever made?

When I was 14 I let my best friend cut my hair into a bob!

The one fashion rule you always break ... or that you think should never have been a rule in the first place?

Wearing navy and black or red and pink together.

Best music for getting dressed by?

Phoenix.

Best sartorial advice you were ever given?

A great bag and a great pair of shoes will take you anywhere.

Most cherished item?

My engagement ring and wedding band created by Christine Haffermalz-Wheeler.

Favorite fashion-y movie?

Gossip Girl - I know it's a TV serial, but its great.

Most underrated item in fashion?

Jackets. A great one will transform any outfit.

Most stylish city?

New York - I love the diversity.

Best T-shirt slogan you ever saw?

Don't worry be happy.

Best trend of this season?

Vests and long cardis. I can't get enough of them.