Fashion plate: Cat Chapman

Cat Chapman's favourite colour is black and she always wears trainers. Picture / Babiche Martens

Cat Chapman spent a stint as a wedding photographer and as "a fairly average" English teacher in Japan before landing a job at one of Auckland's top design stores.

The store, Eon Design Centre, just happens to be owned by her sister Angela Roper. It was a natural fit for Chapman, who studied design before leaving for a working holiday in Japan two years ago.

At Eon, which acts as a showcase for New Zealand design, her job involves buying homeware and marketing.

"I love how varied my job is and getting to work alongside dozens of incredibly talented New Zealand designers."

In her spare time Chapman designs her own illustrated children's dinnerware ranges under the Youngster brand, and also designed a mobile of jumping farm animals cut from bright perspex. Both products are available at Eon.

"I've been hugely inspired by my two gorgeous nieces. Through them I've been given an insight into what delights small children."

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Any labels found in my wardrobe are either Miss Crabb, Huffer, Zambesi or Nom*D. I am a big fan of the people behind these clothing labels and love to support them by wearing their clothing.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

A silver and green enamel parrot cameo brooch by Octavia Cook. It's a few years old now but still looks magnificent.

What it the last item of clothing you bought?

One of my favourites - the Baroness silk shirt by Miss Crabb with matching belt. I love the exaggerated tails and the way it looks over-sized yet feminine. How does she do it?

What can't you live without?

My boyfriend Tim, otherwise known as the DJ Jizmatron, is quite special. Each morning also requires a strong long black and motivational pep-talk from the great team at Gloria [cafe] to get me prepared for the day.

What's your biggest indulgence?

Travel. I have spent most of my adult life in various stages of saving for new destinations. We have just arrived back from Egypt, so I am back at square one again, eyeing up a few new destinations for the future.

What was the last CD you bought?

My friend Etsuko gave me a CD of her rocking Japanese girl band The Pebbles, however our apartment seems to house three turntables, but no CD player or radio. The most recent record I bought was by Screaming Jay Hawkins.

What was the last book you read?

Reading is my favourite pastime, and I am at my happiest knowing I have a day off and a good book. I am reading Wicked, The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. Before that I was reading up on travel guides to Egypt teamed with a re-read of Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut - one of my favourite authors.

Who cuts your hair?

Nicky Smith, at the barber shop in St Kevin's Arcade is awesome. I get uncomfortable sitting in hair salons for too long, so it's great being able to pop in and have a quick trim and catch up with an old friend. Emma Miyanshi at Toni & Guy on Queen St has also done wonders restoring my hair to a manageable colour and condition after years of self-inflicted hair abuse.

Who inspires you?

I have an amazing family and circle of friends who are all doing things that make me want to be productive. My grandparents are a real inspiration and I hope to be travelling, gardening and fishing like them once I retire. They have just been photographed for the cover of the latest Huffer winter catalogue in front of their house bus.

The essential item for winter?

Paw paw ointment, so good for dry lips, and a Huffer Onna down jacket.

Favourite colour?

Black. I usually try to get dressed in the mornings without having to actually open my eyes, so an assortment of black clothes ensures things are going to look okay by the time I get to work.

Favourite store of the moment?

Drummond Antiques. I love rummaging around among all the stuff in there hoping to find extra Crown Lynn coffee cups for my sets. There is also a beautiful Crown Lynn deer vase I fancy that I have to check on regularly to make sure no one else has bought it.

Best outfit ever?

I don't know if I've ever had a best, but most loved outfit ever has to be a black cotton pleated Zambesi dress that I have worn to its near death. It was so beautiful and versatile. In its prime, women would always stop me to ask about it.

Best fashion bargain?

Three pairs of identical Number 1 Shoe Warehouse white sandshoes for the price of two ($14.95 I think). I am now down to my last pair.

The one rule you always dress by?

Not too tight.

The one fashion rule you always break?

I wear trainers with everything.