What does your job involve?
No two days are the same, but ultimately I’m always designing. The bags reflect my interpretation of trends, but my most important inspiration is the style of the women who wear Saben and the demands of their lives. I started out working in my parents’ garage and now Saben is celebrating 15 years, stocked by over 60 stores throughout New Zealand and growing in Australia!
Jacket by Saben, top by Storm, shorts by Taylor, glasses by Ksubi, earrings by J. Crew and heels by Stuart Weitzman.
How would you describe your style?
Statement dressing but not pretentious. And obsessive! I find something I love every season and thrash it till I destroy it or finally get sick of it. At the moment I’m loving draped jackets, Grecian-style dresses and voluminous shirts with bell-bottom trousers and tube skirts.
What would surprise people about your wardrobe?
I’m a really fast shopper and barely even try things on, apart from trousers and jeans. I think it’s because I do a lot of my shopping when I’m time-poor during overseas trips for work.
Dress by Taylor, boots by Céline, glasses by Gentle Monster, and earrings, clutch and bangle by Saben.
What’s your biggest fashion conundrum?
Is my wallet the size of my bag, or is my bag my wallet? It all started with the ultimate wallet/bag, Tilly. She was my everything until I started to carry glasses, so then I made a slightly bigger version, Tilly’s Big Sis, and she was my everything until I decided I needed to carry my iPad, so then along came an even larger version, Matilda. I seem to design them bigger and bigger as I run out of space. Recently I decided to downsize, so now I’m back at Tilly.
Jacket, earrings and bag by Saben, camisole by Seed Heritage, pants by Moochi and trainers by Adidas.
Who’s your style icon?
I love Iris Apfel. She’s a woman after my own heart – I can tell she understands obsession and accessories.
What does your beauty regime entail?
Sunblock every day, cleanser at night, and scented hair products rather than perfume.
Bomber by Maggie Marilyn, camisole by Seed Heritage, pants by Ellery, earrings “bought for me by my sister-in-law in New York” and ring (right hand) by Saben.
What’s your ultimate style advice?
Wear what you love and what makes you feel good – and, of course, accessorise. Accessories are everything – the easiest way to update your wardrobe and an effortless way to change your look. A great handbag will elevate any outfit and can be the key to organising life’s essentials.
As well as bags, I love glasses. When I found out I needed to wear them, I decided to embrace them as part of my wardrobe.
I really enjoy pushing the boundaries and playing with different shapes and sizes.
Shirt, $349, by Isaac & Lulu. Bag, $489, by Saben. Sandals, $329, by Chaos & Harmony. Jacket, $800, by Moochi. Bomber coat, $399, by Curate.
