Signature style: Rachel Hunt

Rachel Hunt says there's something special about wearing clothes you have designed yourself. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Rachel Hunt's childhood dream of owning her own shop has become a reality with the opening of Girl boutique in K Rd's historic St Kevin's Arcade.

"I adore spending time in the shop. I feel like when I'm away from it I'm missing out, and I love meeting our customers."

This is Girl's third year, stocking up-and-coming labels such as Deborah Sweeney, Lonely Hearts Club, Fashion City, and Juliette Hogan, as well as Penny Foggo accessories.

In the last few months Hunt has been taking time out to design clothes for her own brand, also called Girl.

Before launching Girl, Hunt completed a degree in graphic design, then worked in the film industry as an art department assistant, building sets for films, commercials and music video clips.

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Deborah Sweeney and Susien Chong, designer of Australian brand Lover. I'm quite a romantic when it comes to my clothes and I admire both designers for their intricate detailing and quirky aesthetics. I adore their easy-wearing yet feminine designs.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

My tattoos. Summer is about skin and I love that mine is unique.

What is your biggest fashion indulgence?

Opening my own fashion boutique.

What do you wear to work?

Deborah Sweeney, Lonely Hearts Club. I rarely leave the house not wearing a pair of stove-pipes and a vintage belt. I really am a jeans girl at heart.

What can't you live without?

Aesop's Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream.

What was the last CD you bought?

Pluto's Pipeline Under the Ocean. They are brilliant, a delight for the ears.

What was the last book you read?

Donna Tartt's The Secret History. It's great that a book can make you cry simply for the fact you have finished it. A great read.

What do you wear when you're relaxing at home?

At the moment I'm obsessed with a vintage silk dressing gown someone bought me. It's this amazing fuchsia floral print and I adore slinking around the house like a 1920s film star.

Who inspires you?

I'm inspired by people doing their own thing, merging their passions for film, music and fashion into a unique commodity.

Any style icons?

Patti Smith, Janis Joplin, Deborah Harry - I admire these women for being themselves. They didn't mimic trends but created original ones instead. Even today they are still an inspiration.

Favourite colour?

Deep purple - there is something seductive about it.

What's your idea of relaxation?

I'm a film addict. Catching a movie with a Burger Fuel vege burger secretly tucked under my arm ... bliss. My latest indulgence was Broken Flowers - I'm a Jim Jarmusch fan.

What's your favourite look?

Belted over-sized tank tops, vintage waistcoats and a great pair of stove-pipes with an assortment of necklaces. I usually dress to please myself.

Best outfit ever?

The day I walked out of the house wearing the first singlet I designed for the Girl brand. There is something special about wearing something you have designed yourself.

Best fashion bargain?

A pair of red vintage heels. They were in a wonderful op-shop in Soho, London, hidden at the bottom of a bargain bin ... they're my little rubies.