KEY POINTS:
As an interior designer the always-well-dressed Judi Bagust likes to create spaces in which her clients can immerse themselves. "I want people to feel wrapped around by their rooms," Bagust explains. "I think that, no matter whether the style is classical or more modern, my hallmarks are a
sense of space and symmetry - and there's always a twist. Essentially I'm after a space that's gorgeous to be in."
Bagust - yes, she is Petra's mother but in interior design circles Petra is introduced as "Judi's daughter" - feels the same about her clothes. "It's important to me just to feel comfortable in my clothes," says the woman who's often seen in more avant garde, local labels but who still also owns belts and accessories she had when she was young. "Fashion is like interiors, in that anything goes. But I don't think you have to be wearing the latest thing, you can still have these pieces that are essentially you, that depict your character. But you just have to be clever in the same way you can be clever with your house."
Who are your favourite designers?
Sharon Ng, Elisabeth Findlay of Zambesi and Margi Robertson of Nom*D. I also wear Helen Cherry and Trelise Cooper.
Who or what inspires you?
Ralph Hotere and the South Island.
Your favourite fashion accessory?
My jewellery, costume and otherwise. Currently a moonlight pearl bracelet and pink sapphire ring and earrings from my husband.
Best fashion bargain?
Comme des Garcons dinner jacket and shirt from Victoria Black [boutique] in Christchurch.
Who does the best shoes?
Actually I am a boot girl. I love Costume National because they are understated but quirky.
The best jeans and why?
Seven from overseas and Workshop in New Zealand. Both offer great cut and fit.
The one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Beautiful underwear.
What endures throughout the seasons?
Boots, boots and more boots!
Favourite shop?
It would have to be Trelise Cooper Kids for the glorious sense of fantasy. And Workshop for the jeans.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
Paul Smith in New York, with dark, uneven, wooden floors, beautiful wood and glass cabinets, walls painted deep shades of rich pinks and a seat for my friend to read while I find cashmere for my husband. I like it for the aesthetics and the gorgeous sense of timelessness.
Your beauty routine?
Pilates, beach walks, the gym and consistent skincare in the form of cleansing, moisturising and oils.
Your best beauty tip?
Be happy, take time to care for your whole self and concentrate on the positive in life.
What can't you live without?
Art, books, pleasing surroundings but, first, my family and friends.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
I raid my daughter's from time to time, but seriously, I would like to take a look into Diane von Furstenberg's.
Is there anything you would never wear?
Yes, lots! But honestly, I did them all in the 70s already.
Any style icons?
I love to see the way my daughter throws the unexpected together. Having a grown daughter definitely subconsciously influences one. I think Diane von Furstenberg has an amazing sense of style, not only with clothing but also in how she puts her houses together in such an eclectic way.
Best sartorial advice to pass down to your own children?
Be yourself, babe, who else would you be?
Most cherished item?
Nothing you can buy!
Your fashion obsession?
My must-haves are cashmere sweaters and cardis. Just cashmere really.
Personal style quirk?
A twist of the unexpected. Though that does change: last season it was armlets and footless tights which were perfect for me as I love very long sleeves and having feet and hands free. So with those, I had the best of both worlds.
Most stylish city?
Paris, and then in New Zealand, the Wellington streets.