Sparkling with life

Charlotte Penman comes from a background where creativity was encouraged. Picture / Babiche Martens

Charlotte Penman's interest in jewellery started when she bought some gemstones in India. Later, when she was living in Tokyo, a jeweller encouraged her to make her own jewellery.

When she returned to New Zealand to study fine arts at Elam she took part-time jewellery courses at Workshop 6.

It was almost inevitable that she should pursue a creative business. Her grandfather was an architect, her aunt a sculptor and uncle a glassblower. Another uncle joined her father to make jewellery in the 1980s.

That background may explain the varied people who inspired her work: architects Frank Gehry, Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, Frank Lloyd Wright and Gaudi; jewellers Faberge, and Cartier, and designers Elsa Schiaparelli, Jade Jagger, Issey Miyake and Vivienne Westwood.

She has worked on a younger, fun range of trinkets, charms and chains called Chamilian. Her jewellery can be found at Workshop, Tessuti and Macy Home.

Who are your favourite designers?

Jaimie and Miss Crabb have a fantastic fresh approach. Helen Cherry makes beautiful dresses. Adrian Hailwood always has fabulous pieces in his collections and I love Karen Walker's ability to give classic garments a quirky edge.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A gorgeous 1920s-style silver-grey cocktail dress from Adrian Hailwood. It's made from very slinky tactile fabric.

Your biggest indulgence?

Chocolate mousse from Pyrenees and passionfruit Heavenly Treats from the supermarket. Or, if I'm really lucky, a facial from East Day Spa.

Your favourite accessory?

It's very hard to pick just one. I love the large black scarf with colourful floral and paisley patterns I found at my grandma's place and my gold and chrysoprase gemstone hoops.

Who or what inspires you?

I am lucky to have many artists in the family that keep me aware of the possibilities. Friends and family are amazing and a constant source of inspiration. When designing, I'm inspired by gemstones, crown jewellery, African beading, the Pacific, modern art, urban culture and 20th-century glamour. And wild beaches, the New Zealand forest, music, film and travelling to exotic places are great for getting the creative juices flowing.

Best fashion bargain?

Summer frocks by Maharani (an occasional store with Made in India gear) are great. Kirsten Tweedie brings back a vast array of styles and it's always hard to choose. There's also a girl at Aotea Market that has a cute label, Bettie Munroe - I'm liking the polka-dot tailored sun dresses.

Any rules you dress by?

Feeling comfortable in your own skin is most important. Then the age-old classics - know your shape, don't be afraid of colour, and dress accordingly. I use these rules on a daily basis and dress to how I feel. To me, dressing up is one of life's true pleasures and freedoms and should be enjoyed.

Who does the best shoes?

I'm liking Olivia Morris' girlie shoes with a twist. The batik fabric heels with gold spider-webs are divine. Marc Jacobs and Costume National design beautiful shoes that I wish my wardrobe was full of. Traditional Spanish espadrilles are super comfy and well-priced. Sneakers are essential, Jill Sanders and Yamamoto rule. Also there's a guy at Byron Bay market that hand-makes suede moccasin boots - very authentic and I regret not ordering a pair.

The best jeans?

Chloe for a lovely tailored jean, True Religion for something more edgy. And Workshop has some great classic cuts.

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

A fabulous set of jewels, but not necessarily matching. I think they should be worn day and night, just as women have been doing for centuries. Jewellery transcends fashion and can accentuate or armour us.

Your favourite local shop?

Sabato. I love good food and the fact you can taste before you buy. The antique shop in Kaitaia is great too.

Your favourite shop elsewhere?

Shanghai Tang in Hong Kong because it brings back memories of being inspired by colour and detail as a kid. Also there is a great gemstone shop in Jaipur.

What can't you live without?

Sunshine, the ocean, music, flowers, cooking facilities - and love, of course.

What's your beauty routine?

I take barley or wheat grass in the morning, drink a lot of herbal tea - mate and green for stimulation, and chamomile at night - and try to keep my sugar intake down. I eat loads of vegetables and seldom eat red meat. Dancing, saunas and walking are great for keeping fit. I have discovered Nimue, a skincare range that caters to all kinds of skin types, from problematic to environmentally damaged. I find the cleanser, skin conditioner and moisturiser do the trick for me. I also love Doctor Hauschka and Weleda creams and always have fresh mascara and a variety of lip-glosses at hand.

Your best beauty tip?

True beauty undoubtedly comes from within, so being kind to yourself and others and developing a good personality is always a winner. Accentuate your best features, fall in love with life, find your passion, and eat good food so that healthy and happy glow doesn't just come from a bottle of luminous spheres.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Frida Kahlo, Marlene Dietrich and Elizabeth Taylor for jewellery. Sophia Loren and Iman for threads.