KEY POINTS:
As the curator of contemporary art at the Auckland Art Gallery, you'd assume Natasha Conland would prefer the artier of fashion labels - you know, the likes of Zambesi, Costume National, Akira Isogawa and Cybele.
But you'd be wrong. "I have quite independent tastes," Conland says. "I'd hate
to think that the work I was doing would impact on what I enjoy wearing. If I start to get a feeling that this is how art curators would be stereotyped, then my instinct is to go the other way."
Not that she'll be trading her entire wardrobe in for pastel pink, pearls and ruffles just to thwart someone else's stereotyping.
"I think the most important thing is to have fun with it. I like to do things you're not supposed to - like wear a suit when you don't actually have a meeting. I don't prescribe to [fashion] seasons and I think you have to play with the rules, rather than abide by them," Conland explains.
Who are your favourite designers?
My preference is for designers who focus on human form. I've never fancied myself as a clotheshanger. The combination of fabric and shapeliness in Chloe is a winner for me. And I'm always amazed by the sculpture in a dress by Lanvin, Martin Margiela or Miss Crabb.
What's your biggest indulgence?
Speculation about what might be possible. This is what gets your credit card in trouble.
Who or what inspires you?
Colour and fabric, rather than individual designers. Something amazing happens when you see a piece of fabric doing something impossible. And those people who forget the rules and have fun playing dress-ups.
Who does the best shoes?
Marc Jacobs. Quirky, sensual and stunning on the foot.
What's the one thing everyone should have in their wardrobe?
Underwear - for obvious reasons.
What endures throughout the seasons?
A scarf, but that's just me.
Your favourite shop?
Hepburn! Even if I'm just browsing, someone should be buying.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
Iris in Paris. Best shoe store ever.
Your best beauty tip?
Lipstick, lip gloss, lip colour - whatever you need, wear it.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Audrey Hepburn's.
If money were no option?
A little dress from Chloe.
Is there anything you think the fashion police should ban?
No. Just because I wouldn't wear it doesn't mean someone else shouldn't.
The one rule you always dress by?
Play. Clothes are the last bastion of play. And just as you're building something up, maybe it's time to undo it.
Most cherished item?
This definitely changes. Often it's things which represent particular times. At the moment, a small pair of Marc Jacobs patent leather slippers with a massive black plastic diamond.
Favourite fashion movie?
Il Conformista (The Conformist) by Bernardo Bertolucci.
When I was at high school I wore?
There's a very odd photo of me as a young teen on the props set for The Navigator, wearing bubblegum jeans, a knit jersey and a bob. Maybe it was a subconscious lesson not to let trends get the better of me.
