KEY POINTS:
They may have been feeling calm so far but Nicola Bainbridge and the women she works with will soon be swept up in the hysterical, hilarious maelstrom of Air New Zealand Fashion Week.
Bainbridge - the manager for Kate Sylvester's Auckland stores - and all Sylvester's shop assistants
will be in action behind the scenes at tonight's eagerly anticipated Kate Sylvester show.
"It's really fun," Bainbridge says. "We do things like stuff the goodie bags, help with the VIP lists and get drinks for people. It's also nice to put names to the faces of the people I've been talking to on the phone all year - all the stylists and fashion editors. It's so fantastic, all the hubbub and the crazy busyness!"
Bainbridge and co also enjoy seeing the clothes they will eventually sell, on the Auckland runway. "It's quite different seeing the clothes on models - it's a real buzz. But then it always seems so long to wait until we actually get to see them again."
Who are your favourite designers?
Kate Sylvester. I'd always had a crush on the label so when I started working there I was very overexcited. Also, Chloe - love the little dresses - and Marc Jacobs.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A totally hot, black Kate Sylvester dress. It has toggles on the collar to puff it up around the neck which is my new favourite look. Super, super cute.
Who or what inspires you?
My mother has totally inspired my taste in clothes. She was a sewing machine child of the 60s and I was the best dressed kid in primary school. Velour tracksuits, maroon corduroy, I had them all!
Is there anything you'd never wear?
I can't bear trainers or sneakers for some reason. I know many lovely, stylish people who have had a life-long love affair with them, but I just can't understand the appeal. They scream traumatising school netball games.
What is the biggest fashion mistake you have ever made?
Going to a 60s fancy dress party and having to cobble an outfit together at the last minute. Terrible flares and a big-collared pink shirt with a matching headband the same colour as my face. My boyfriend later admitted he thought I looked like a boy. And unfortunately there are many photos in circulation to prove it.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Zooey Deschanel's. I think she just has the most fantastic style. I sold her a Kate Sylvester jacket a couple of years ago and was absolutely star-struck.
