Signature style: Laurinda Sutcliffe

Picture / Carolyn Robertson

As designer of the Catalyst and Obi labels, Laurinda Sutcliffe travels extensively to keep up with trends. Her wardrobe reflects her globetrotting - although one of her favourite pieces for summer is from one of her own ranges.

Sutcliffe, an Australian, came to New Zealand in 1989 and planned to stay for two years. But she fell in love with our country - and New Zealander Brent, now her husband, who also works in fashion.

After Catalyst and Obi showed at last year's New Zealand Fashion Week, the fashion bible Collezioni described Sutcliffe as having "exquisite personal taste and an attentive eye to what people want to wear".

What do you wear to work?

It changes depending on my mood and what I have to do that day, but more often that not it's designer jeans with cowboy boots or heels, a really interesting jacket, a sexy or feminine top, and lots of accessories. When I need to be more dressed up I swap the jeans for a full skirt in a gorgeous fabric.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

Having just come back from Paris, I'm already revelling in next winter, so I would have to say a gorgeous folkloric necklace with bronze and black beads, little crochet pompons and tassels that I found in a little boutique in St Germain de Pres. For summer it will be Indian-inspired beaded thongs bought in Bali.

What's your biggest fashion indulgence?

I'm usually fairly fickle with fashion as I love changing my look as much as possible. The one exception to this is a stunning Prada bowling bag which I bought as a treat after the birth of my little boy.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

Military is huge next winter. I picked up the most fantastic bone and black heavily detailed jacket from Zara in London. Zara interprets key catwalk trends at a high quality High Street level and is great way of accessing looks without blowing your bank balance.

Favourite hotels?

I really enjoy boutique hotels as I usually travel alone on business and they are far more personal and nurturing. The Establishment in Sydney is very hip but still manages to feel a little bit like home. The Met in London for its contemporary and large rooms - a rarity there. For a family holiday, the Conrad Bali Resort and Spa in Nusa Dua.

Who does the best handbags?

More recently I've loved Chloe bags, but the latest Mulberry range is also superb.

What item of makeup would you be lost without?

Chanel lipgloss for the best colours and Nars bronzer as an everyday necessity.

The essential item for summer?

A silk printed and beaded kaftan-style tunic from Catalyst. Perfect over your swimsuit or jeans. You can also wear it with a long, full skirt with a wide belt on the hip.

Your biggest indulgence?

Fresh flowers from Bhana Bros Saturday morning.

What's your favourite look?

My favourite look for this summer is a beautiful full skirt, heavily embellished at the hem, worn with a cute shrunken jacket, a tank-top and a chunky belt. The Catalyst summer range has some stunning pieces reflecting this look.

Best fashion bargain?

I'm not a sale shopper. For me, bargains are determined by how much wear you get out of a piece. There are a few things in my wardrobe that never let me down - the first pair of cowboy boots I ever owned, bought in Paris about 15 years ago, my Hudson jeans, and a range of Italian tank tops which I wear with absolutely everything.