Northern light: Scandinavian style

Anouk Treutiger Mangan. Photo / Babiche Martens

For me Scandinavian style means enduring sophistication - timeless both in quality and design - often called minimalism but really just common sense, highlighting the individual rather than the brand," says Anouk Treutiger Mangan, who moved to New Zealand from Lausanne in Switzerland in January.

Now based in Auckland, Treutiger Mangan, orginally from Sweden, launched Skandinavian Design House which imports Nordic fashion and accessories to Australasia, starting with jewellery label KumKum.

Her own style reflects her Scandinavian roots, with a penchant for subtle and classic shades and silhouettes.

Who are your favourite designers?

Some of the ones I really miss here in New Zealand are House of Dagmar, they are a young Swedish fashion company with an arty chic style. They combine exclusive quality, high fashion with sensuality. I also like FilippaK, another Swede, for timeless simplicity with a contemporary edge and Acne, who this season have reinvented their most popular dresses in unique Acne Denim. I fell in love with Maje, a cool Parisian label by designer Judith Milgrom, while we were living in Switzerland. She makes really pretty dresses and tops in natural fibres that look great with jeans.

What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?

It would have to be designer handbags, I love them! Not necessarily with big logos and brands all over, but I do love the quality and great style that comes with a really nice bag, although it's sometimes hard to justify spending thousands of dollars on a handbag. I like to think of it as an investment that will be used during many years to come.

Who or what inspires you?

I get my inspiration from all over the world, but I'm not a fashion slave. I don't follow trends vigorously, I take on parts here and there and add to what I've already got in my wardrobe. I do wish I was a little bit more daring sometimes though.

Your favourite accessory?

A Tiffany heart tag bracelet that I bought on a shopping trip to New York with my sister. We got one each and I'll never take mine off as it keeps her close. Also some of the KumKum jewellery - beautiful chunky bracelets or a cool cocktail ring can glam up any old outfit. I just love statement jewellery, it's here to stay.

Who does the best shoes?

Like everyone else I love Christian Louboutin for obvious reasons, although I'm not lucky enough to own a pair myself - not yet anyway. I also adore Pedro Garcia; they're ultra-feminine shoes, using signature frayed satin in many of their designs. I bought my first pair for a society wedding in London a few years ago and they look just as amazing with a pair of distressed jeans as they do with a beautiful dress.

The best jeans?

My favourite jeans are Sevens as they make great styles that fit my body shape. I also love Rock & Republic and James Jeans, again for great fit and quality. Nudie does some cool ones too. I think it's worth spending the money on a really good pair as you'll wear them for years. I wear mainly skinny or straight leg, as they are easy to dress up or down for any occasion.

What do you really want this coming season? I would love a pair of colourful ballerina flats and although I'm not big on patterns, dresses with new digital prints are looking quite cool.

Your favourite shop?

New Zealand has some great fashion designers and I'm still learning all about them. Karen Walker makes some amazing stuff and at Moochi I've got some great basics.

Your favourite shop elsewhere?

What I really miss here is the variety of good quality high street shops you find in Europe. I used to live in the Spanish chain store, Zara - they follow fashion trends and their clothes are good quality for affordable prices, without looking cheap. I don't own masses of designer clothes myself, but I think it's great to be able to mix and match designer items with good high street.