Fashion plate: Sandra Gunn

Sandra Gunn's jewellery is a mixture of vintage and found objects. Photo / Babiche Martens

Georgie Scarlett loves cutie pies, tender hearts, quirky faces, ice princesses - and is the alter ego of Devonport-based jeweller Sandra Gunn. Together they create collections of precious metal jewellery with a hybrid mix of vintage and found objects.

"Every object has a story and as a jeweller I value all materials the same," explains Gunn. "Whether it is a flawless diamond or an uncut sheet of silver or gold, these things hold the same excitement as a beautifully illustrated children's book from the 60s or a key from a vintage cash register.

"My long-standing Trouve collection is based upon random assemblages of unconnected found objects resulting in witty and pretty conglomerations of cast silver and gold objects with accents of colour through gemstones and vintage plastics and glass."

Georgie Scarlett was established back in 2005 and the jewellery is sold throughout New Zealand and Europe. Locally, it is available from a store in Devonport which is renowned for its creative window displays and covetable packing such as handmade origami boxes fashioned from old encyclopedias and carry bags made from the pages of an old magazines.

Who are your favourite designers?
I love Orla Kiely, Vanilla Ink and my little boys, Felix and Miller, for their cutting-edge creations in Lego.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?
Yesterday, I surreptitiously snuck a pair of Kathryn Wilson slouchy boots into my wardrobe. They're so soft and forgiving and great for wintry clomping around.

Your favourite accessory?
I have recently discovered the joy of hair accessories and fascinators. They're the best way to deal with a bad hair day.

Best fashion bargain?
etsy.com for a plethora of emerging and established designers from around the world. Prices are in US dollars but it's still a steal as the money goes straight to the creative source. You can commission designs, request alterations and it's always nice to support handmade fashion.

Who does the best shoes?
Minnie Cooper and Adidas' old-school trainers.

What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Vintage. Great tailoring and obsolete fabrics are, of course, appealing, but so is the story of its acquisition - whether it is an heirloom piece from your mother or snaffled from a far-flung op shop while on a roadtrip.

What would you like to buy this coming season?
As well as an annual baggage purchase from the Orla Kiely online store, I am coveting a Smile ring from Margaux Lange - an American jeweller who does cool things with dismembered Barbie dolls and silver.

Your favourite shop?
I love a good local and here in Devonport we are blessed with a fantastic array of owner-operator shops with the added bonus of passionate and friendly service. A good day's shopping could include unsensible shoes from Heavenly Soles, frivolous headwear from Urban Turbans, a good rummage at Now 'n Then antiques and nice knickers from Devonport Lingerie.

Your fashion obsession?
Handcrafted jewellery. I just love it and constantly collect it. Despite the fact I am ensconced in the process of making and selling it daily, I love nothing better than to revel in another's creativity.

Is there anything you'd never wear?
Despite my love for vintage, too much polyester does no one any favours.

What's one fashion rule that's made to be broken?
I probably shouldn't wear horizontal stripes but I just love 'em and perhaps I shouldn't really wear my trainers with frocks but they're so comfy.

Dress to impress whom?
My customers. We have a steady stream of elegant, eclectic and fashionable ladies (and lads) filtering through our store - one can only hope to emulate them.

Most overrated item in fashion?
Botox.

Most underrated item in fashion?
A sewing machine - get behind one and bash out an outfit.

What did you wear at high school?
Kermit the Frog emblazoned trousers and an 80s bouffant hairdo. I also spent a lot of that time sporting braces and rather thick glasses.

Who is your ultimate fashion plate?
My assistant Natalie. She can rock a tartan jacket and denim mini while cutting out multiple pieces of silver without breaking a blade. She's not just a plate but the whole darned dinner set.

* Georgie Scarlett, Shop 6, The Arcade, 13 Victoria Rd, Devonport, ph (09) 446 6160 or georgiescarlett.com.