Fashion plate: Patricia Burgetsmaier

Patricia Burgetsmaier says her style secret is high attention to detail. Picture / Babiche Martens

Chance brought Patricia Burgetsmaier to New Zealand two years ago but the lifestyle she discovered here made her want to stay. While visiting a friend from Germany, she fell in love with the beauty of New Zealand.

"I love the bright light here, the closeness to nature and the sea. Then I discovered opportunities to work and study, which allowed me to stay."

She grew up in southern Germany, the melting-pot area between the French, Swiss and Austrian borders. Now she is studying a masters in art and design at Auckland University of Technology, and working part-time at Ponsonby boutique Widdess.

"My academic study and the contact I have with people in the shop complement each other. It's all about communication, visually and with people. I've found that studying and working here has been the best way to learn about the New Zealand culture."

What is your approach to fashion and style?

High attention to detail.

Who is your favourite fashion designer?

Yvonna van Hulzen [Widdess designer]. I love her way of combining well-chosen fabric and classic design, and her virtuostic play with colours and textures.

What is your favourite accessory of the moment?

A ring I found in a flea-market in Germany. It is silver and looks like a pagoda. I've never seen a similar piece.

What is the last item of clothing you bought?

A pair of possum gloves for winter.

What item from your wardrobe can't you live without?

My little red bag. I bought it about four years in Germany. It's by Samobie, a German fashion label. Its design is very well thought out - it's the perfect size for holding everything you need in a handbag and it's very comfortable to carry as well.

What item of makeup would you be lost without?

I can live without makeup but perfume is very important.

What's your biggest indulgence?

My perfume. I always wear Mat, which is by a Japanese fashion designer. It's not sold in New Zealand so I buy it online.

Who inspires you?

I came across a book titled You Can Find Inspiration Everywhere and If You Can't, Look Again - I think this is very true.

Favourite colour in your wardrobe?

Red, because it is a warm, but strong, colour. It puts me in a good mood, especially on grey winter days.

Favourite shop of the moment?

Benediction cafe. I often go there to read a book because I love the atmosphere, the architecture of the building, and watching the people come and go. I find it quite inspiring.

Any fashion disasters you'd care to mention?

An 80s American prom party. I wore a terrible fairy tutu dress. It was a great night.

What is your beauty routine?

I would like this routine to stay in my bathroom.

What's your favourite look?

Casual urban chic.

Worst beauty mistake?

When I decided I wanted a short haircut like a model in the hairdresser's portfolio, but it did not end up looking like hers. My hair has never grown so slowly.

Best fashion bargain?

A red summer dress I bought eight years ago in France. It's a timeless classic that will never go out of fashion.

The one rule you always dress by?

Daily mood and mindset.

The one fashion rule you always break?

Long, thick socks in winter.

What is the one key item everyone should have in their wardrobe?

A sense of humour.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Those of my two best friends. Unfortunately both are in Germany.