KEY POINTS:
At one stage Rachelle Pedersen's clothes were being sold in clothing boutiques. These days they're more likely to be exhibited in art galleries - indeed Pedersen has an exhibition of work starting at Objectspace this Friday.
"But the pieces are still wearable," Pedersen says of her upcoming exhibits.
"However, I think I'm heading more towards portraying an idea, or a concept, through my work rather than it being within the realms of clothing. I've found certain things about fashion - the trend thing and the target market thing - a bit restrictive."
For Pedersen, who wears a lot of vintage clothing or items her friends have made, it all comes down to her desire for individuality.
"One of the things I don't like about the fashion industry is how it treats everyone as one mass market and how people will buy things just because they're told to, or to fit in. There are not many people out there who'll say, I'm going to buy this crazy thing just because I love it and I don't care that it looks strange, or doesn't make me look super-sexy. For me, it's about portraying yourself as an individual through what you wear."
Who are your favourite designers?
Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and John Galliano for the fearless talent they assault the fashion world with every season. Irakli Nasidze because of his beautiful creativity, Who is Dead Martin - one-off pieces sold at Miss Crabb that never cease to surprise, she has such an amazing way with colour!
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A very funny looking little dress from a stall at Splore. Very borderline, it only just works, but I love pushing the line between good and bad taste.
Who or what inspires you?
I love recycled clothing, vintage materials and what most people would consider rubbish: the old and used qualities in objects that refer to a past life. I enjoy the way humans have used and worn these items and the stains they've left on them.
Your favourite accessory?
An oversized men's hat in beige made by my friend, Klaus Meiswinkle.
How do you define the word fashionable?
It means "to communicate with people who fit into a certain genre of society, that you are one of their kind". Fashionable can actually be quite boring - I'm certainly more interested in those who dress for themselves, as individuals.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
My boss, Antoinette Godkin, from the Vavasour Godkin Gallery. She has the most eclectic style, and shoes to die for!
What do you wear to work?
I'm wearing heaps of Dead Martin at the moment along with a few beautiful vintage dresses and some of my own jewellery (found at www.toggle.co.nz). Still loving my rock 'n' roll skirts with ankle socks and vintage high heels. In winter it will be vintage men's suits and hats with a ties, cufflinks and Marcel waves.
Favourite fashion movie?
I love period costume dramas: Elizabeth and Marie Antoinette in particular, both of which were pretty much made for the costumes.
Personal style quirk?
Perhaps experimental vintage with a twist? Or maybe just vintage gone slightly wrong! I'm still not quite sure.
Best way to recycle your old clothes?
Cutting them up, then sticking them all together again is a good option if the fabrics work together. But time constraints mean I mostly end up by taking things to the good old Sallies.
