Chris Langdon's style is influenced by travel - but she still thinks Auckland is the best shopping city in the world.
Chris Langdon's style has been shaped by her travels and a lifelong personal interest in fashion - but she doesn't care for fashion rules. "I just enjoy putting things together, more by eye rather than by following fashion rules. I do take note of what other people are wearing; it
may be a particular way of wearing something or an interesting combination and I will copy it because I hadn't thought of it," explains Langdon, who is also a passionate art collector.
Her approach to art is as casual as her approach to fashion. "My husband and I buy what we like to live with, not for investment. We also enjoy meeting the artists, who it transpires are just regular, albeit talented people." She tells us more about her unique style.
What are you wearing right now?
An Akira dress with neckpiece from Children of Vision, Henry Beguelin shoes, Vivienne Westwood orb earrings and Ksubi spectacle frames.
My most recent purchase ...
Was bought in November and delivered late January - a pair of Elie Tahari boots delivered by hairdresser Diana Moar, who is now working in London. I spied a girl wearing the boots at the Dover St Market, and tracked them down at Selfridges' Shoe Gallery. I knew I couldn't buy them and carry them back myself, as the other-half would have a fit - so Diana whisked them away to her place and brought them over when she was back here on a visit. She also cut and coloured my hair on both occasions: that's real service.
What is your biggest indulgence or guilty pleasure?
Shoes. Ever since I was taken shopping to the "outlet stores" (Sergio Rossi, Pollini, Moschino) by the Italian Imelda Marcos, the PA to a business associate of my husband, I've caught the disease. She had eight pairs of shoes and six bags shipped back to me, with the shoes still in their boxes. That was the first trip. She's done it again since.
Your favourite accessory?
An emerald-cut diamond ring that my husband bought for me in Dubai. It was a solitaire and I had it made up here to a design I had seen. It's special because it is totally out of character for my husband to buy me a diamond. I wear it all the time and there is some discussion between my daughters as to who claims it after I die.
Your favourite local boutique?
Children of Vision. Co-owner James Dobson has become my personal stylist. He knows what I like, what suits and is not a bully. He is good at cajoling me into something I'm unsure of. Sometimes he's wrong, but not often, and he is honest if the garment doesn't work for me.
Your favourite fragrance?
I mix and match perfumes according to my mood/occasion but my all-time favourite is still Paloma by Paloma Picasso.
Your fashion obsession?
For some time now it has been Vivienne Westwood jewellery, particularly earrings, possibly because I love her clothing but find it difficult to wear on my figure.
Is there anything that you would never wear?
Low rider jeans. Uncomfortable and not designed for the "mature" figure.
Best sartorial advice?
A girl can never have too many shoes, hats, gloves, scarves and handbags - Patsy Stone, Ab Fab.
Your personal style quirk?
Since I had cataract surgery a year or so ago and now have to wear glasses full-time, I have made glasses an extension of my wardrobe so I can co-ordinate them with whatever I'm wearing. I blame Gok Wan.
Dress to impress whom?
Myself. The other half thinks that a pair of jandals and a wash 'n' wear frock should take one anywhere.
Most stylish city?
I haven't been to New York so choose Paris or anywhere in France. The women, young and old, dress classically but stylishly, even when riding a bicycle. And they all use shopping trundlers. So sensible. I'm starting the trend here but I've only got a green tartan one. You can get some really stylish ones in Europe.
Best city for fashion shopping?
For me, it's Auckland.
Best way to recycle your old clothes?
Either phone a sister to come and distribute them among herself, her daughter and granddaughters or stuff them in a bag, carry them in the boot of the car for a time before remembering to stop at a clothing collection bin.
When I was at high school I wore ...
A new mini dress nearly every week for the Friday night disco. My mother was a self-taught dressmaker. I would make her sew me clothes taken from photos in a magazine (generally Petticoat from Britain). It was the 60s.
Who is your ultimate style icon?
Back in the day it was Twiggy. I wanted to be her.
What's in your handbag?
One of those handbag tidy thingies that can be quickly transferred from bag to bag. It has a place for everything - hairbrush, lip balm, tissues, mints, pens, notepad, wallet. In the phone pocket, an iPhone4 that I finally succumbed to. It really is as great as people say.
What is your favourite decade style-wise?
It is said that "women of a certain age" get stuck in the decade that we were most comfortable. So for me the 60s, not so much for the clothes, but for Vidal Sassoon and the geometric haircut. I couldn't even get a semblance of one in Tauranga in spite of proffering photos to the local hairdresser. I hung on to the dream and all these years later, the lovely Diana listened to me and has realised the dream. Now I won't let go.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
If it's a hair-washing, full make-up, have-to-be-somewhere day, I confess to an hour-and-a-half, an hour at a pinch. Sad I know, but maintenance takes a long time.
