Costume ball

Costume designer Nicola Newman. Photo / Babiche Martens

If you're a Shortland Street fan, you would have seen Nicola Newman's work - she is head of wardrobe for the show, deciding what the stars of the show get to wear each episode. Her sartorial talents will also be on show in the new play Station to Station, which stars Shortland Street star Michael Galvin, Outrageous Fortune's Antonia Prebble, and Mark Ruka and Ilona Rodgers. Galvin wrote the darkly funny play, which examines the idea that "life cannot be squeezed in to a set of rules without harm being done". As costume designer for the play, which starts today at the Herald Theatre, Newman will dress Galvin as a "television presenter turned religious zealot" and Prebble as his beautiful sidekick - expect lots of suave suits and pretty dresses. The costume designer talks us through her favourite things right now.

10 FAVOURITE THINGS

1 Antique Queen Anne chairs

I bought these chairs about 10 years ago and have only just started repairing and painting them. I love the beautifully crafted shape of the legs.

2 Dyrberg Kern jewellery

They are Scandinavian and every season's jewellery is so unique. I have three of their necklaces that I love and wear whenever possible.

3 Interior design books

The Way we Live with Colour and The Way we live in the City - my husband bought me these books for Christmas as I am currently doing an interior design course part time. They're very inspiring for colour, design and architecture.

4 Kimono magazine from Japan

When I went to Japan I fell in love with Kimonos and Kimono fabric. The Japanese are very clever with mixing colour and pattern.

5 Shoes

I have a wardrobe full of them. I love shoes as I think they are such an art form and a great way of self expression.

6 Dolce & Gabbana

My favourite designers. They are always flamboyant and fun, and not afraid to play with clashing colours, prints and textures.

7 French antique furniture

I love the romantic style of French antique furniture, and I am about to make my first purchase of a beautiful French armchair for my
daughter's room.

8 Pottery mugs

I visited my sister last year in Koh Samui in Thailand, and she had a
great collection of pottery. I bought a couple of mugs there and have been addicted ever since. I love the amazing texture and colours that you find in pottery.

9 Gustav Klimt print

It's called Der Kuss, which means The Kiss. I bought it when
I went to Italy for my sister's wedding; I love it as it reminds me of the amazing time we had in Tuscany.

10 Victorian Gilt

One of my favourite antique shops. I can spend hours just rummaging through their vintage jewellery, fabrics and beaded pieces.

Station to Station, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Edge, July 1-11. For tickets to the show, ph (09) 357 3355 or visit www.buytickets.co.nz.