Step out with elegance

Designer Amandine Barre. Photo / Babiche Martens

Originally from south-west France near Cognac, Amandine Barre moved to New Zealand almost two years ago. The jetsetter lived in Paris for five years where she studied fashion design and styled TV presenters; and also spent a year in Italy as a costume designer. She continues her connection to fashion with her job at model agency Nova, where she says the dress code is "pretty open ... I get to experiment with different looks every day. It's a great creative, high-fashion environment so the team is always trying out new things". Her own style now combines New Zealand casualness and French elegance.

What do you think is the secret to French style?

I think the French style is a mix between sophistication, femininity, elegance and fine taste ... I can honestly say I don't know many French women who would walk out of their house without being sure of their appearance.

What is the main difference between French and New Zealand fashion?

In my first months in New Zealand, the one thing I noticed about fashion was that here it's really laid-back and more relaxed. Casual seems to be the norm as opposed to French style, which is sophisticated and elegant but sometimes also slightly superficial.

Who are your favourite designers, and why?

Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Prada, Isabel Marant, Chloe, Stitch Ministry, Lucie Boshier, Nom*D. So many amazing designers that I admire, I can't choose.

Your favourite accessory?

I love this big necklace I bought at a market in Dakar, it's a man's necklace that is supposed to prove virility! It's quite heavy, made of bull horn with black and white beads assembled on a raffia rope. I like it because it's almost like a garment by itself, I cannot wear any other accessory with it and I need to wear a plain-coloured top. It gives a lot of style to a plain outfit.

Best fashion bargain?

I really like op-shopping and I think New Zealand is the best place for bargains. A prime example of my bargain-hunting is my gorgeous black boots from Sergio Rossi, bought for only $40 and they don't even have a scratch. I love to change often, so I have to find a way to buy a lot without spending too much!

Your favorite shop in New Zealand?

I love all the op shops, particularly Fast & Loose, the Recycle Boutique and everything in St Kevin's Arcade on K. Rd. I'm still getting to know some of the New Zealand designers and can't wait for Air NZ Fashion Week to see them come alive.

Your favourite shop elsewhere?

I miss H&M so much! Created in Sweden more than 50 years ago, H&M sells clothes, shoes and cosmetics. They're in 34 countries over the world, I still can't understand why they are not in New Zealand and Australia yet.

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

I don't think we can define it. Fashion changes all the time, every year, every season and every month. My taste changes also and I like to create my own style, so for me fashionable should mean the fashion you want to follow.

Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?

I have something important I want to say to all the women who are walking in the street dressed like they were going to the gym or to their garden - leggings with short tops (leggings are not pants!), sweat pants, dirty jeans - please go to the gym or to your garden!

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

I could easily raid Vanessa Paradis' wardrobe, she is mixing bohemian and chic style, keeping it casual and comfy without forgetting elegance. I also love Charlotte Gainsbourg's style, a little like Ralph Lauren, jean/shirt/boots, a gorgeous mix of masculine and feminine. And for something sexy, I'll steal Beyonce's dresses from her Deja Vu music video.

Best sartorial advice you ever had?

"You should try something white." I was 13 and [wore] black and dark colours. My aunt gave me this advice, it was summer and I bought a gorgeous little blouse, cotton with hand-embroidered details. I kept it for ages. Black is great, but nothing is better than a white cotton dress for summer, over the top of your bikini.