One of a kind

Emma Cruickshank. Photo / Babiche Martens

Emma Cruickshank launched fashion agency Public Library last year, after moving back to Auckland from Sydney. There she worked at Ksubi's head office, selling the cult label around Australasia. Now she represents several amazing Australian brands, including Ksubi, The Cassette Society and Therese Rawsthorne. Naturally then, her wardrobe is made up of pieces from her client's collections, as well as lots of Stolen Girlfriends Club (her fiance is Dan Gosling) and carefully edited vintage garments. "I can't even describe my style half the time, it's forever changing. I'm obsessed with vintage shopping and wearing a mixture of the old and new. People always say 'that's so Emma'... but I never know if that's a good or bad thing!" Her style is eclectic and unpretentious; when asked what she thinks is the silliest fashion trend, she says that she can't say - "because I will probably end up wearing it".

Who are your favourite designers?

Vivienne Westwood, Alexandra Wang, Alexandra McQueen, Junya Watanabe, Ann Demeulemeester, Rodarte, Jun Takahashi, Ksubi, Balmain, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Therese Rawsthorne... just to name a few.

You feel best wearing?

Something original that no one else has.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

My suede wedding shoes, to be DIY'd with studs and crystals.

What's your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure?

Leather jackets, boots and magazines.

Who or what inspires you?

My true love, and people who can play an instrument.

Your favourite accessory?

My studded leather bracelet. Originally bought for my dog as a collar but her neck was too big.

Best fashion bargain?

A Jean Paul Gaultier corset panelled dress on eBay for $60.

Who does the best shoes?

Ann Demeulemeester.

Who does the best jeans?

Ksubi and Stolen Girlfriends Club. Ksubi because of all the amazing colours and prints, and Stolen because I love the fit.

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

A Rick Owens leather jacket.

A good white T-Shirt.

What do you really want this coming season?

Some crazy knitwear pieces by Rodarte.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Vivienne Westwood, because I know for sure she would have the craziest wardrobe. I think Courtney Love was pretty cool back in her day too.

Your favourite shop locally?

I really like Novel on Jervois Rd. They sell the best books!

Your favourite shop elsewhere?

Maxfields in Los Angeles, and Colette in Paris.

Your best beauty tip?

Rosehip oil as a face moisturiser for morning and night.

Your fashion obsession?

Hosiery and bleached hair.

How do you define the word "fashionable", what does it mean to you?

Someone who is unique in their style and confident in the way they look. Who takes inspiration from a certain style but has their own take on it. And who understands that money definitely does not buy you taste.

Is there anything you'd never wear?

A "Team Aniston" or "Team Jolie" T-shirt.

What endures throughout the seasons?

A good white T-shirt.

What do you wear to work?

A bit of leather, a bit of denim, printed stockings and men's T-shirts.

Favourite fashion-y movie, or fashion moment in film?

Marie Antoinette was pure eye candy. I also loved the Jean Paul Gaultier costumes in The Fifth Element along with Leeloo's bright orange bob.

Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?

Kitten heels and bad fake tan application.

The one fashion rule you always break... or that you think should never have been a rule in the first place?

Less is more - I always break this one. And mascara on my bottom eyelashes. I don't understand why this is a no-no?

Most stylish city?

Tokyo - I have never actually been there but you have to give it to them. They definitely have something good going on. Their style is always so quirky.

Personal style quirk?

No matter what I do I can't break away from the 80s, apparently.

Dress to impress whom?

No one but yourself - and be confident about it.