Eclectic style with global statement

Associate editor, Viva·NZ Herald·

23 May, 2012 05:30 PM2 mins to read

Jennifer Zea. Photo / Babiche Martens

Venezuelan singer Jennifer Zea's worldwide travels have expanded her wardrobe repertoire.

A life well travelled has influenced the style and sound of singer Jennifer Zea, who will celebrate the release of her album The Latin Soul with a launch party at The Nathan Club in Auckland (tickets available from eventfinder.co.nz). From Venezuela, Zea settled in New Zealand four years ago and has worked with a range of local acts including The Shogun Orchestra, Batucada Sound Machine, Latinaotearoa, and Nathan Haines, who produced her album. Her eclectic style favours colour and lots of statement jewellery, including pieces she has collected on her travels.

I'm at my happiest when I do things on inspiration.

My approach to beauty is that beauty comes from within. Healthy eating habits do wonders that no cream or cosmetics on the market can surpass.

My favourite designers are Yamila Guedez jewellery, Zora Bell Boyd jewellery for Wunderkammer, and Turet Knuefermann's designs for TK.

If I wasn't performing, well, that's a hard one. When I'm not singing or performing I'm painting and writing, so I guess I would be doing more of that.

When I'm performing I love to wear jewellery. Heaps of it. And insanely high heels.

I love fashion because it's a form of art.

My style is eclectic, ethnic, Shamanist.

How does travel influence your style? It makes me more eclectic, more open-minded on what to throw together; it definitely makes me collect more accessories.

The most stylish city in the world is Paris. There is an innate sense of harmony and composition in a Parisian's everyday dress code, they own the true savoir-faire.

The most cherished item in my wardrobe is a Bedouin silver filigrain hand piece bought in Essaouira, Morocco. It was a gift from my husband and it has become a statement amulet every time I perform.

I collect stones and rare stone jewellery.