Keeping up appearances

Pieter Stewart - Managing Director Air New Zealand Fashion Week. Photo / Supplied.

Pieter Stewart
The managing director of Fashion Week fronts up in seat A1 at every show, whether they start at 10am or 10pm, and knows the importance of looking her best whatever pressure she's under. The savvy businesswoman and former model with a pixie cut makes elegance look effortless.

For a big event like Fashion Week, without a lot of downtime for appearance touch-ups, how do you ensure you look good for the long day?
I whizz up to my hairdresser at Servilles each morning for a blow-wave, then down to the M.A.C/GHD Lounge to join Myken and the rest of our core team to have a meeting while we get our makeup done to set us up for the day. If there's time I may visit the GHD team to get "ironed out" before the evening shows, and usually try to find my makeup artist daughter Kristen, who will be working with M.A.C at Fashion Week, to touch up eyes and lips if necessary. For me, this is all a luxury and time to catch my breath while running around all day.

Do you follow any special beauty/haircare routines?

I have a Guinot facial every month which is just heaven, and regular hair cut and colour.

Do you plan out your wardrobe in advance?

I work with designers showing at ANZFW mostly, and many of them have suggestions and know what suits me. I wear NZ designers only - apart from shoes - and need to be comfortable, hopefully smart and able to go from morning till night. Many times I have thought I would change later in the day only to find I don't have the time.

Heels or flats?

Flats mostly. The only heels are those that I know I can run around in all day - and the distances are huge.

What beauty items are always in your handbag?

Lipgloss and comb.

What's your favourite trick for pepping up your appearance?

Touch of concealer where it's needed, a little cream blush and lipgloss usually does it for me in a hurry. In fact that, plus M.A.C Strobe moisturiser and a little eye pencil is the normal daily makeup regime for me. It takes a couple of minutes.


Sara Tetro
The host of New Zealand's Next Top Model and owner of 62 Models and Talent will supply upwards of 60 models to walk at Fashion Week, including finalists from the top-rating television show. Our answer to Tyra favours classic glamour and appealing accessories, heading out with celebrity clients like Dan Carter.

How do you look good for Fashion Week?

Being organised goes a long way to looking better. No one looks good stressed and rushed so I try to make sure my schedule is realistic. I have a lot of clients who are not involved in Fashion Week so I can't be at the venue all day, every day. It's very much a team effort for us, my bookers at work are amazing, they have the hardest job by far co-ordinating the girls, designers and stylists etc, so we have to be organised as early as possible. I make sure my haircut and colour are up to date and my eyebrows are tidy. I don't know if anyone else notices, but it makes me feel more together. I wear clothes that I want to wear not that I feel I should wear so I am comfortable at all times.

Do you have any special beauty/haircare routines?

Life can get a little hectic, so I try to stick to something safe that will see me through the long days. I get my hair blow-waved at Servilles in Ponsonby so often I can literally run in there with my hair dripping from home and leave 15 minutes later. It makes a huge difference getting your hair done professionally because for me it's actually quicker than doing it myself and it lasts so much longer. I'll get my nails done on the Sunday before the shows start and that will see me through the week. As far as makeup, I stick to fairly basic makeup and change my lipstick from light to dark as the day goes on. I'm currently obsessed with my eyebrows and use M.A.C Clear Brow Set. It's great for creating that slightly messed up, thicker look.

How do you plan your wardrobe?

I have a rough idea of what I'll wear in my head, but sometimes I wake up and I'm just not in the mood for something in particular. My wardrobe consists of a lot of things that mix and match and I'm big on comfort so I tend to run with what I feel like on the day. One year I planned everything down to shoes and bags but I couldn't find a handbag and got myself all stressed out so I won't be doing that again.

Heels or flats?

Primarily heels. I love heels and only wear comfortable ones I know I'll be happy in all day. I'm currently addicted to the Biology Boots I bought at Zambesi. They're comfortable and they have matching chaps I can attach so they go from ankle to knee high. Very clever design.

What beauty items do you carry?

I keep a gloss and red lipstick in my bag because I hate having dry lips and fresh lipstick or gloss makes me feel fresh. My favourite red at the moment is Lancome L'Absolu Rouge in Rouge Desir 130. A friend bought me some Hypnose Senses Perfume in Sydney and I love it, I'll keep that in my bag for sure. I also carry Shu Uemura Rose Mist Facial Spray. It's very refreshing.

What's your favourite pep-up trick?

A smile. No matter how tired you get and how much Clear Eyes you use, a happy face goes a long way to hiding the flaws.


Ricardo Simich
This year the events marketing man-about-town is looking after Fashion Week's VIPs, after several tours of duty seating the sometimes fractious front row, a tricky task he pulls off with stylish aplomb and impeccable manners.

How much of an issue is appearance in your Fashion Week preparation?

In the past I needed an authoritative look for front of house so I wore a suit and tie; this year I am the VIP ambassador so I will be smart casual with a cool twist so I can relax with VIPs throughout the week.

Do you follow any special appearance routines?

My mother cuts my hair, I do not trust anyone else. I put enough product in that, no matter what, it still looks good 14 hours into the day.

Do you plan what to wear?

Every outfit for every day is planned a week before. This year by Keith Matheson and Christian Audigier, so it is just shower, pamp, and go each morning.

What grooming items do you carry with you?

Kouros by YSL and a magic brush.

What's your favourite trick for pepping up your appearance?

I have two tricks: Garnier caffeine roll on, I discovered it last year in the States. And the new Thin Lizzy 3-in-1 mineral powder. I've been wearing it for three weeks and everyone thinks I've either been on holiday or had work done - the latter I would never do.


Caroline Mar
The owner and creative director of The Carpenter's Daughter which has stores in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch, has a healthy philosophy to ward off any perceptions that her label "for curvy women" is a misfit in the fashion world of sample sizes. She believes in making all women feel worthy of fashion.

As a plus-size woman is there added pressure on you?

Absolutely! As I take up more space than my peers, I need to present myself accordingly. The TCD three-piece layering technique and attention to details - accessories, particularly our range by Sharon Finn - and a positive attitude, all add to the overall impression.

How do you get ready?

A good night's sleep, healthy breakfast at The Fridge and TCD garments that don't need ironing.

Do you follow any special beauty/haircare routines?

I am using NZ-made skincare, Trilogy. A regular cut and colour and C}4u Curl Cure Shampoo, Conditioner, and weekly masque, plus facials with Leanne Dore at The Beauty Connection.

Do you plan your week's wardrobe?

Yes. Proper attention to dress is a sign of self-respect, and respect for the order of things.

Heels or flats?

Flats definitely. NZ designed by Minx.

What beauty items are always in your handbag?

Lipstick. Don't leave home without it! M.A.C or bareMinerals.

What's your favourite pep-up trick?

Hold yourself high. Looking in the mirror and giving myself a good pep talk, I am my own best cheerleader.


Tatum Savage
The communications manager for M.A.C, which is doing makeup for more than half the week's show, is also hosting guests in every lucky invitee's favourite hangout, the M.A.C/GHD lounge, where she'll be dressed in trademark black, the perfect backdrop for magic makeup.

How do you ensure you look good for the week?

The weekend before I book myself in for a manicure and pedicure. I also take myself along to Stephen Marr for an infusion treatment for my hair: with all the good stuff to keep my hair healthy and shiny for the week... and did I mention the 30-minute head massage? Absolute bliss! I'm also lucky to have the luxury of booking myself into the M.A.C/GHD VIP Lounge onsite for a makeover first thing every morning.

Do you follow any special beauty/haircare routines?

I never skip Creme de la Mer every evening on my face and decolletage to help slow ageing. And my hair routine is all about the GHD!

Is planning your wardrobe tricky politically?

Ha! It could be a nightmare given we're supporting 19 shows this year. I definitely do put thought into it. I have lots of favourite black pieces from each of our designers' latest collections that I have saved to wear over the week.

Heels or flats?

Heels. Always. Michael, Alexander, Vivienne and Kathryn will keep me on my toes!

What do you carry?

Jo Malone fragrance to keep me smelling sweet. M.A.C Brow Set to keep brows groomed. M.A.C Sculpting Powder for emphasising cheekbones.

What's your favourite pep-up?

Donning beautiful M.A.C lashes always makes me feel more glam. And a sip of Red Bull on the run is a great pep up.


Chris Lorimer
As a stylist/PR/producer, this is one busy boy. He's working on shows and representing his clients, such as designer Cybele, all week. He stands out from the crowd for his height, haircuts, and a grungy dress sense that isn't accidental.

How much of an issue is appearance as you prepare for Fashion Week?

I work pretty hard at Fashion Week time - and one of my treats just before the week kicks in is to simply go get a hair cut! Adele at Stephen Marr Ponsonby looks after me well and just sitting in the salon for an hour or so is respite from the intensity of it all, plus I feel so much better taking that small amount of time out for myself.

Do you follow any special beauty/haircare routines?

Nothing out of the ordinary - I just keep it simple as I don't have a lot of time to fuss in the mirror.

Do you plan out your what to wear in advance?

I wear a lot of black - and the best thing about that is that everything works together, so no plans, just what I'm feeling on the day. Most important is the shoes, I just got a new pair of Salvor Projects boots that I'm going to wear a lot.

What's your favourite pep-up ?

A spritz of M.A.C Studio Fix spray on my face and scent (currently Karl Lagerfeld Light), plus minty fresh breath (I always carry gum!).