Modestly stylish

She may claim to be the least fashionable person in Auckland, but Angela Tiatia certainly has style and lots of it. The visual artist and co-host of TVNZ's Tagata Pasifika, who has also modelled and acted for 20 years, isn't interested in fashion in terms of trends and what's hot. "Don't get me wrong, I really love clothes and shoes - a lot. But my interest is personal: I like what I like and I don't care if everyone else thinks I look like a dork," explains Tiatia, who is currently also studying a Bachelor of Visual Art at AUT and has an upcoming show in New York. She gives Viva a peek in her wardrobe.

Who are your favourite designers?

Elisabeth Findlay for Zambesi - when I buy her clothes I want to keep them. I still have pieces I wear from 16 years ago. Her fabrics are amazing and her cuts are very structural. Most importantly the clothes are brilliant to wear. Generally I don't follow designers or collections - instead I tend to get really excited about individual pieces from all over the place.

What do you wear to work?

I'm an artist so I tend to wear old jeans and a T-shirt. I also have a presenting job with TVNZ's Tagata Pasifika - for that I have been wearing Salasai, mixed in with my own wardrobe.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

Two vintage snakeskin belts from Tatty's Recycle Boutique on Ponsonby Rd.

Who or what inspires you?

Authenticity, experimentation, originality, humour, intelligence and passion.

Your favourite accessory?

A pounamu key on a silver chain by artist Joe Sheehan.

Who does the best shoes?

Martin Margiela for continually pushing the boundaries of design.

The best jeans?

Skull jeans by An Alchemist. They are Japanese rock 'n' roll in a jean. The cut is great and the denim is amazing - they fade like a beautiful sunset - only blue.

What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?

Something handmade - whether it's made by your nana or by an artisan. It could be a pair of shoes, a jumper, a belt or a dress - basically something that's got a bit of love in it.

What do you really want this coming season?

I don't know anything about seasons in the fashion sense, as I don't look at fashion magazines ... but maybe replace my (husband's) pair of Skull jeans. I have worn them to pieces.

What is your beauty routine?

A big drink of water when I get up. Facecloth and water, then SPF30 daily moisturiser and pawpaw lip balm.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Kate Moss. So I could get into Hello magazine as the woman who burgled Kate Moss.

What is the biggest fashion/beauty/hair mistake you have ever made?

Chemically straightening my hair - it looked like a dirty broom with chewing gum stuck in it. The most embarrassing part is I stood by that hair for two years!

Best sartorial advice you ever had?

Marilyn Sainty: Don't save your best clothes for special occasions - just wear them every day.

Best sartorial advice to pass down to your own children?

Avoid synthetics.

You feel best wearing?

Winter clothes because I love jackets, coats and boots.

Personal style quirk?

Ugly silk ball dresses - I have a particular penchant for ones from the 80s (I wear them to the supermarket).

What are you never caught wearing?

A piece of clothing with the fashion label on the outside.