A novel approach

Actress Michelle Langstone is starring in The Lover, a Harold Pinter play that explores sexuality and the nature of desire. Set in early 1960s London, it follows a bourgeois couple "fascinated with the world of fetish and fantasy" - so expect it to be rather saucy then.

Langstone's face will be familiar to many, having appeared on TV screens in roles in McLeod's Daughters, The Strip and Street Legal, as well as in recent films Separation City and I'm Not Harry Jenson. She talks us through her wardrobe and style.

Who or what inspires you?

Literature, chiefly. Characters that come alive on pages invariably affect the way I dress, for the duration of the time I am reading a novel. I'm very inspired by Sarah, the woman I play in The Lover. Especially her high heels.

What do you wear to work?

I have a succession of practice dresses appropriate to each scene of the play, so I chuck those on as we go. I also have two pairs of shoes. It's important for rehearsal clothes to accurately represent the freedom or restriction of movement you will have in the performance costumes.

Who are your favourite designers?

I love Juliette Hogan for her beautiful soft fabrics, and the way her clothes hang so expressively. I am more graceful when I wear her pieces. I have a large collection of Karen Walker dresses that I cherish, a growing supply of Lonely Hearts, and Kathryn Wilson shoes. I think Alexandra Owen's pieces are like art. Kate Sylvester makes me happy. I like Alice McCall and Lover in OZ. I like Stella McCartney too. Oh, and Vivienne Westwood - I got to wear one of her dresses for a photo shoot recently... swoon.

Your favourite accessory?

I've a white gold and sapphire necklace that I bought in Alaska last year that never leaves my neck. And a blue topaz ring that belonged to my adopted grandmother. She feels so close when I wear it.

Who does the best shoes?

Kathryn Wilson and Costume National. Stunning designs. Legs for Africa!

The best jeans?

Citizens Of Humanity. I had one pair that I wore till they were more holes than denim.

What do you really want for winter?

A new scarf please. I hope Mum is reading this - she is the best knitter. I'm trying to con her into knitting me a hoodie too.

Your favourite shop?

The Department Store in Takapuna. Every single thing about it works for me.

What is your beauty routine?

Cleanse, tone and moisturise with Mario Badescu. Face mask once a week. Eye cream. I also have an incredible Frankincense Hydrosol that is a miracle spritzer and makes me look radiant where a hundred creams cannot.

Your fashion obsession?

Probably cardigans. I've so many, it's slightly alarming.

How do you define the word "fashionable"?

I prefer not to. It's not in my vocabulary on a day-to-day basis, and unfortunately has negative connotations to me, implying items that you should be wearing, because somebody else says so.

Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?

Nah, that would be mean, and I'm not bothered by other people's clothing choices. Unless I can see too much of their bottoms. Or bosoms, for that matter.

Most cherished item?

A big Mimco bag I bought in Australia six years ago. The more beat-up it becomes, the better it gets. It is an old friend.

Favourite fashion-y movie, or fashion moment in film?

I loved The Royal Tenenbaums and The Darjeeling Ltd. I really get into Wes Anderson as an auteur, and the very particular stamp on design and art that his films have.

Most overrated item in fashion?

The whole It Bag thing does not float my boat.

Most underrated item in fashion?

Thermal underwear. It can be sexy. That's all I'm saying.

When I was at high school I wore?

A trapped expression. Four years of agony and poor skin.

* The Lover, February 3-13, The Basement Theatre, Auckland. Tickets $20 from iTicket (09) 361 1000.