Fashion plate: Kate Megaw

Kate Megaw goes by the maxim that if you feel good you must look good. Picture / Babiche Martens

Kate Megaw finished her four-year fashion design degree at Wanganui's Universal College of Learning last year and already she has her label, Penny Sage, of mainly hand-knitted pieces in Ponsonby store Miss Crabb. And, as one thing leads to another, she is now Kristine Crabb's workroom and design assistant.

"I love designing because you can bring exactly what you want into existence."

Who are your favourite fashion designers?

Miss Crabb. Kristine is amazing and inspiring and the best. I'd be naked if she wasn't around. I'm also a fan of Vivienne Westwood, Swedish-born designer Ann-Sofie Back, and New York label Christian Joy.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

A necklace I made from a toy lion. He's from back when kids played with lead toys.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A pair of yellow suede heels from Vixen.

What can't you live without?

Black opaque stockings.

Who does the best handbags?

Deadly Ponies. They always use beautiful leather, and every bag is specially handcrafted with a point of difference.

Who inspires you?

My best friend Nicola, Kristine Crabb, Princess Di and my mum.

The essential item for summer?

A parasol.

Favourite colour and why?

Yellow because it makes me happy - and all the best things are yellow.

Favourite store of the moment?

Antique Alley. It's this tiny, cluttered second-hand store on Dominion Rd. It's full of exciting junk and treasure. They have really good cigarette cards.

Any fashion disasters you'd care to mention?

My high-school ball. That's all I'm saying.

What's your biggest indulgence?

Sleep.

Worst beauty mistake?

I have a recurring one. Every time I think it's a good idea to go to the supermarket and buy some permanent hair dye then try to dye my hair from black to blonde or blonde to black. It's very damaging and I've been all the colours of the rainbow that I never intended to be and which should never be seen on your head.

Best fashion bargain?

My red heels. They are a really good red and really hard to walk in. I got them from a second-hand shop in Wanganui for $3.

The one rule you always dress by?

If you feel good you must look good and if you don't, it doesn't matter because you feel good.

The one rule you always break?

I don't think I know the rules.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Karen O's from New York band the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I love her style.