Signature style: Pebbles Hooper

Pebbles Hooper is up with the play. Picture / Carolyn Robertson; Makeup / James Leuii

Auckland teenager Pebbles Hooper has a well-honed sense of style that is already creating ripples in international fashion magazines. The daughter of World designers Francis Hooper and Denise L'Estrange-Corbet has featured in the September issue of American magazine Teen Vogue discussing her personal style.

The 15-year-old has amassed an impressive wardrobe of local and international labels and, not surprisingly, a large collection of World pieces.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

My favourite designers at the moment are Phoebe Philo for Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Eley Kishimoto, World and United Bamboo. They are all creating exciting new designs for the fashion world. And I'm really excited about their new season ranges.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

A favourite accessory of mine is definitely giant sunglasses. I'm almost obsessed with finding bigger and better pairs. My latest pair was bought off my bus driver on the way to school. They were huge and I was determined not to step one foot off the bus without them. I've also started collecting vintage sunnies, starting with my mum's, which include some great original Mary Quants from the 1970s and some other bizarre pairs. But they are all huge and no matter how out of date they are, the bigger the better.

What are the staple pieces for a good wardrobe?

I can't really say that there is one particular staple piece for a good wardrobe. But I think the main pieces to have are a handbag for every occasion (at least five), a pair of shoes for every occasion (at least 10) and a great pair of sunglasses for every occasion (at least eight). They are the essentials.

What is your biggest fashion indulgence?

My biggest fashion indulgence would have to be my clothing. Since I usually get first hand for most samples and one-off pieces from my parents, the gradual build up of my wardrobe becomes the biggest fashion indulgence. I didn't really realise how much I had until I found that I could no longer fit any more into my wardrobe. So the rest of the wardrobe is on the chair, bed, desk and floor - my mother had a fit when she saw it.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

A gorgeous polka dot dress by P.A.M from Maw. It's the perfect summer dress to wear with a big hat and flipflops.

What can't you live without?

My friends. They are the ones who make everything fun. Without them I couldn't imagine having half as much fun with anything. Material things are much less important than friends.

Who does the best handbags?

Another tough one. My favourites are by Phoebe Philo for Chloe, Louis Vuitton and Fendi. They each have an amazing style which is timeless and the quality is outstanding. And since I'm the kind of person who keeps pretty much everything in my bag, they can hold almost anything without losing shape or looking like a suitcase.

Who cuts your hair?

My hairdresser is Tammy Reynolds from Durham Hair in Little High St. She's fantastic. And when I'm in Sydney Brent Lawler gives me a trim.

What item of makeup would you be lost without?

I would be lost without my Chanel eyeliner. I like the dark-eye look at the moment and it does a great job staying on and not making me look too evil or gothic. It's become a habit to put it on so now I feel naked without it.

Who inspires you?

I get great ideas when I'm around people who have created their own individual style through their artwork. I have collected works from artists such as Misery, Chris Davies, Yoshitomo Nara and Otis Frizzell. They are all very different in their styles but each has great new ideas which they put forward and inspire others.

Any style icons?

Jackie O with her giant sunglasses. My mum, who is definitely the most outgoing person I know. Kate Moss, who has always kept up her own style and always looks fantastic. Leigh Bowery for being the ultimate risk-taker and never failing to experiment with a wacky new idea. And Sarah Jessica Parker for her ability to successfully take the latest couture right off the catwalk and always look amazing.

The essential item for summer?

A sweet new smell is always the best complement for a new season. My favourites would be Blush by Marc Jacobs, Love Hurts by Comme des Garcons, and For Her by Narciso Rodriguez.

Favourite store of the moment?

Joyce in Hong Kong. It's in my favourite city and it stocks everything to occupy me for hours - shoes, clothes, handbags, jewellery, hats, glasses and cosmetics. And Evolution in New York is the most interesting store, with the largest collection of absolute oddities like nothing I have ever seen before.

What's your biggest indulgence?

My art collection. I get a new piece of art each year for my birthday. They are commissioned from artists and given to me by my parents. This started when I was born and will continue until I'm 21. It's another gradual build-up. The collection is not only from those I get on my birthday.

What do you wear when you're hanging out at home?

When I'm lounging around at home I'm usually dressed in old, oversized jumpers, trackpants and slippers - it's the best outfit to be a slob in.