Europe is Natalie Evans-Freke's fashion playground, where she's able to indulge her eclectic tastes.
Natalie Evans-Freke's travels around the world have proved a big influence on her quirky style, from her time as a singer in an electro-clash band in Amsterdam to her current role styling one-off pieces for a new menswear designer in Paris. She describes her style as, "Euro fruit salad meets
Scottish clan warrior". While in New Zealand, Evans-Freke worked with Georgie Scarlett Jewellery and started The Cardashian Line; unique jewellery made from recycled car parts. She'll continue to make pieces for the line while in Europe, as well as shopping in German markets and quirky back-alley boutiques. She tells us more about her global style.
Who are your favourite designers or labels?
Right now I'm loving all these fashion grads with small shops in dingy back-alley European streets. I've picked up Pocahontas-inspired dresses and loads of long patterned tees.
What was the last item of clothing you bought?
A second-hand pair of German Salamander boots from a flea market in Berlin. The masculine-German style makes me feel a bit like Marlene Dietrich.
What item of clothing or accessory do you want to buy next?
I need a belt. These European discos are affecting my waistline.
What fashion item would you be lost without?
My Cardashian Speedometer necklace. Even when I'm sleeping I'm going 140km/h.
Your favourite shop, locally?
Sergeant Pretty in Grey Lynn - such eclectic and beautiful pieces. It was a dream to find a place like this in Auckland.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
Miaow Pop-Up shop in Amsterdam. Loads of cool things from around Northern Europe. It's constantly changing its look and has lots of patterned wool clothes, which I love.
What's your fragrance?
Artemisia by Penhaligon's of London.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Wardrobes of deceased estates - where the past owners never threw their clothes away. I love things that old people have worn through the decades.
What do you wear to work?
I never differentiate between work and free time. I always dress how I feel at the time.
Most cherished item?
My kauri wardrobe which my great-grandfather built. It's a huge, ceiling to floor, art-nouveau detailed hunk of perfection, and home to all the things my friends think I'm crazy to wear.
Favourite fashion-y movie, or fashion moment in film?
I love Lola's outfit in Run Lola Run. That mini singlet matched with those green pants and black boots is so hot.
Your personal style quirk?
Tartan and checkers.
Most overrated item in fashion?
Babies and tiny dogs.
Most underrated item in fashion?
Kung Fu flats from the shop on K Rd that sells plastic body parts.
Most stylish city?
Copenhagen.
Never caught wearing?
A uniform. I got a job once as an airport host in Amsterdam. When I arrived they made me put on a hideous little outfit with a matching neck-scarf. I took it off immediately and quit the job on the spot.
Who is your ultimate fashion plate?
Marianne Faithfull during the 60s and early 70s. She was hard and soft at the same time, something I like in a look.
What's in your handbag?
Half of the Chanel cosmetics counter, an impractical wallet, a notebook filled with random scribbles and a bottle of Amaretto.
What is your favourite decade, style-wise?
The 80s. Not all the exercise stuff, more the hardcore patterns and over-the-top anti-fashion. Just the kind of colourful rebellion I'd like to see more of, except re-styled for now.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
Quite a while. I spend about an hour recovering from spaced-out dreams before I even make it in the shower.
Clogs: yes or no?
I have a blue pair made from felt. So yes.
Where do you buy your underwear?
Japanese vending machines.
Your favourite stylish place?
Berlin metro at 3am. Das is gut, ja!
Describe the best outfit you've ever worn.
Tomorrow's one.
