Talking Fashion with LA stylist and buyer Marina Monroe

Each day this week Viva editor Amanda Linnell will talk fashion with key people at NZ Fashion Week.

Bringing an L.A. edge to New Zealand Fashion Week is stylist and creative director Marina Monroe who is in town to style Andrea Moore's show, last night. Monroe is also looking to take a little Auckland edge back to L.A, as she is also the CEO of Stylehaus - a membership only boutique and styling service - and the style director of The Grove which, she says, is the city's number one shopping centre.

"LA is the epicentre of where a lot of trends start," she explains. "We have a lot of clients and celebrities who are photographed by the paparazzi. At The Grove we pride ourselves on finding emerging designers and new labels that are unique. That is what our customers want."

Andrea Moore is the first and, so far, only New Zealand designer she stocks - following a showcase of her spring/summer 2013 collection to over 400 US media, celebrities and VIP Stylehaus members.

"My customers really responded to Andrea's use of colour and print. She's not scared to go for it but she combines it with a level of fit and understanding of the female body. Fashion shows are a great way for people to see visually how you can work different pieces. Andrea's autumn/winter 2014 collection, is made of great pieces that show you can introduce modern colour and still feel sophisticated in a classic way. For this week's show I added some LA vibe music with a rock'n'roll edge.

"Back in LA people know a lot about Australian designers - such as Sass & Bide - but not that much about those from New Zealand. So it's great to be down here looking at the different designers. I am definitely keen to pick up some new labels to take back to LA. Coop by Trelise Cooper was very edgy and fun - bold, colour, metallic - which is what LA is into. I am also keen to check out Zambesi, Salasai and Stolen Girlfriends Club."

As soon as Monroe gets back to LA, she'll be jumping on a plane to New York Fashion Week. "I've been pleasantly surprised with the level of professionalism here in New Zealand. The event is smaller but the venue and vibe is very similar to what happens at the Lincoln Centre in New York."

- VIVA