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Home / Lifestyle

Child's play

Zoe Walker
Associate editor, Viva·NZ Herald·
25 Nov, 2008 03:00 PM3 mins to read

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Fiona McDonald. Photo / Doug Sherring

Fiona McDonald. Photo / Doug Sherring

KEY POINTS:

Fiona McDonald will need no introduction to most New Zealanders. She's appeared on our television screens almost every night for years, as a judge on NZ Idol, the presenter of makeover show Ten Years Younger in Ten Days, and appearing in ads for everything from icecreams to Maggi Noodles. But McDonald will be returning to her musical roots on Friday night as she reunites with her Headless Chickens bandmates for their first gig since the 90s.

The band will also be bringing their signature flamboyant show to the Big Day Out stage on January 16.

McDonald is probably best known for her role as singer in the cult electro band, with which she had hits including Cruise Control and George. Friday's gig sees the return of fellow bandmates Chris Matthews, Bevan Sweeney, Michael Lawry, Anthony Nevison and Grant Fell (who is also the co-founder of Black magazine). McDonald talks about her current sartorial style, a far cry from her 90s wardrobe - remember the white glasses and red wig combination from the Cruise Control video?

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster & Real Groovy.

Who are your favourite designers?

Helen Cherry and Karen Walker.

When I'm on stage, I like to wear...

I always used to love wearing Caroline Church, but I will have to wait and see what I'll be wearing on stage these days.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A pair of jeans from Jeanswest that I can trash at Playcentre.

What is your beauty routine?

It's a great day if I have the energy to get the makeup off and remember to moisturise!

Your best beauty tip?

It's a new one for me, and that is Pure Fiji's sugar scrub. It exfoliates and then moisturises at the same time as the sugar melts and the oil gets rubbed in. It leaves your whole body feeling verrrrrrrry smooth. It does mean having to spend an extra five minutes in the shower, but hey, I can handle that.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Back in the day, Audrey Hepburn's.

What do you wear to work?

I work with my children (love that kind of work), so stuff that can get playdough and paint on. For all my other TV work, I tend to get styled and a huge cross-section of clothes is used. No playdough action then!

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

Look, it was the 80s okay? I blame Bananarama completely...and the fact I was only 16. A perm, never again by crikey.

Any style icons?

I love Nicole Kidman - I think she personifies elegance.

What is the one rule you always dress by?

Less is more. I feel very uncomfortable wearing more than one piece of jewellery, so I very rarely do it. I like the look on other people, but it just makes me feel cluttered.

Favorite fashion-y movie?

Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Hepburn: enough said!

What do you think is the best trend of the season?

Huge rhinestone rings. I love chunky jewellery.

Best music for getting dressed to?

Human League. Actually, any 80s pop will do.

What are you never caught wearing?

Crocs - I cannot abide them.

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