KEY POINTS:
Christine Kitching has a dream to attend all the big fashion weeks around the world, but for now she is content behind-the-scenes at our own local fashion week. The 24-year-old is the administrative assistant at the Air New Zealand Fashion Week head office, an ever-changing role that involves everything from accounts to organising meetings, and "pretty much making things happen".
Kitching is originally from South Africa, but has been in New Zealand for almost eight years, and involved with New Zealand Fashion Week in some way or another for five. She studied fashion design at Auckland University of Technology, but left half way through to take up a position in the Zambesi workroom. Now she has what she describes as her dream job, although it didn't happen without hesitation. "I've worked on fashion shows before, but this was way bigger than I ever envisioned 'big' to be. I was so nervous to begin with that I thought about quitting a couple of times before starting."
As for Fashion Week itself, Kitching is anticipating a fast-paced week. "I'll be pretty much flying around everywhere making sure it's all happening, and that everyone is happy!"
Who are your favourite designers?
Comme des Garcons, Undercover and ksubi.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A black DKNY jacket for winter.
Your favourite accessory?
White Miu Miu bag!
Best fashion bargain?
A pair of brown vintage leather heels from Tango by Christian Lacroix.
Who does the best shoes?
Jimmy Choo. I spent a month's wages on a pair but it was worth it.
The best jeans?
By far ksubi! I love them to death and I love how they are designed to die on you! But I have just gotten a hot pair of black Stolen Girlfriend Club jeans - high-waisted and tight-as with leather patches! A must-have for sure.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A good quality black slip.
What do you really want this winter?
Big black heavy duty heels.
Your favourite shop?
Fabric.
Your favourite shops elsewhere?
Tango, The White Room, Zambesi and me - I sew a lot of my clothes. I also love those The Warehouse singlets.
What is your beauty routine?
I'm an Environ lover, so Environ facewash, plus Decleor toner, Environ cream.
What can't you live without?
My eyeliner its practically tattooed on to my eyes.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
My girlfriend Juliet, the one who taught me not to pay bills, pay for new clothes instead.
What do you wear to work?
It depends - a dress and boots, or my jeans.
What is the biggest fashion/beauty/hair mistake you have ever made?
I peroxided my bangs at 14 and mum made me grow it out!
The one rule you always dress by?
Individual style - what I think works.
You feel best wearing?
Jeans and T-shirt, Nike velour jumpsuits at home.
Favourite fashion-y movie or TV show?
The Devil Wears Prada, and I love Ugly Betty! And an old time favourite, Sex and the City.
You dress to impress whom?
Myself mostly.
Most stylish city?
Totally Hong Kong.
When I was at high school I wore?
Before moving to New Zealand and maturing, I was a tomboy, so hail to Adidas trackies, bomber jackets and Boys of London jeans.
