Cool, calm and collected

Aria Campbell. Photo / Babiche Martens

Aria Campbell is one half of the design duo behind new local label Hopetown, alongside Ruth Ellison. Campbell, who studied fashion design at AUT before working as a design assistant for Catalyst, describes the label as conceptual, effortless and structured, something that informs her personal sartorial style as well.

"I like seeing people that look effortlessly cool and comfortable in their clothes whether they be designer, chain store or thrift shop," says Campbell, who was creative right from a young age. "I've always been into making and creating things; I started making clothes for me and my friends in intermediate school and haven't stopped since."

Who are your favourite designers?

Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney and menswear designer Miharayasuhiro. There are heaps more but these guys continue to be my favourites.

What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?

I love Japanese food and sake, back rubs, sleeping in and Kohu Road chocolate ice-cream.

Your favourite accessory?

Shoes.

Who does the best shoes?

Barbara Bui from Mei Mei - they are super-beautiful and super-unattainable...

What endures throughout the seasons?

I'm big on sharp tailoring and well-made designs like jeans and leather jackets that you can hoard forever and never throw away.

What do you really want this coming season?

A black leather satchel from Deadly Ponies, vintage studded zip booties, leather shorts, oversized colourful knitwear, a wristwatch... the list goes on.

Your favourite shop?

Tea Culture, upstairs on K Rd, and I love Hard to Find Books in Onehunga.

Your best beauty tip?

M.A.C liquid eyeliner for going out at night and a good pair of sunnies for the day that follows.

Your fashion obsession?

At the moment it's fashion blogs and websites like So Much To Tell You, Knight Cat, Refinery29 and The Sartorialist... I love the endless links to creative people's work and thoughts. My eyes are going square from spending hours on the internet.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Chloe Sevigny, she does it well; very charming, alternative and intelligent in her style. I also can't help but notice Alexa Chung with her laidback London look.

Is there anything you'd never wear?

Fashion moves too fast to count anything out!

What do you wear to work?

Usually jeans, sneakers and T-shirts... I'm always running around like a maniac so I need to wear sensible clothes. I know, lame!

If money were no option?

I'd wear Barbara Bui to work and pay someone else to be the maniac.

Favourite fashion-y movie?

Almost Famous. I adore Penny Lane in all of her band aid glory. The Stillwater boys are cute too.

Style icons?

Michael Jackson. I've been cranking his old music videos; he was so brave and crazy with his fashion sense. I heart MJ forever!

Which music makes you feel like dressing up?

Hands down Prince, I'm a total die-hard fan.