KEY POINTS:
She can't stand going shopping. "Maybe it's my years working as a shop girl," explains Pieta Brenton, who now works as a graphic designer. "And secretly I'm a bit fussy too."
This is possibly because previously her main place of employment was high fashion boutique, Scotties, and one
of her best friends is designer Beth Ellery, whose clothes are sold through Scotties.
The last connection is particularly handy for someone who doesn't like meandering round the malls. "I wear a lot of her stuff," Brenton explains.
"And I love Beth's work because although she's working in an age where things are quickly produced, she's very thoughtful. She doesn't care about silly seasonal fashion, she's a designer of the highest order."
Along the same lines, Brenton herself really prefers the idea of "having fewer things - but of better quality. My theory is why have 10 things when you could have one really lovely thing. And," she laughs, "it also saves a lot of time."
Who are your favourite designers?
Locally Beth Ellery, Marilyn Sainty, Vanessa McCabe, who's a new designer, George Novac, the alter ego of friends at Scotties who have started putting stuff out in the store, and Vivienne Leung of Sophie Boxer. Elsewhere, Hussein Chalayan, Lanvin and Martin Grant.
What's your biggest indulgence?
My heavy old car. And spaghetti bolognese banquets.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
A coat big enough to hide in.
Your favourite shop?
Scotties. The Blake St store has an excellent recycle department.
Any style icons?
I like the look of Alber Elbaz from Lanvin who pops his head around the curtains at the end of the runway shows. He's always in funny suits and glasses.
The one rule you always dress by?
Dress up.
Best sartorial advice you ever had?
You don't work it out, you make it up.
Most cherished item?
A bright green scarf of my mother's that I've had ever since I can remember.
Favourite fashion-y movie?
Brideshead Revisited, the TV series made in 1981 with Jeremy Irons. Lots of great old cars, re-tailored dresses and suits.
Dress to impress whom?
The boys.
Most underrated item in fashion?
Striped pyjamas.
Best accessory?
Glasses. They are good for seeing and nearly always stylish too.
