Boh Runga has just launched her latest jewellery collection - Tiger. Inspired by her Chinese heritage and interest in the zodiac, Boh has designed six unique sterling silver pieces, each one representing the Year of the Tiger. Boh believes that there is a little bit of tiger in us all. “Of course the collection is not only for those who are born under the sign. The tiger is a great totem to wear as it is a symbol of courage and adventure. " The collection is available now at selected New Zealand Mint jewellery retailers and online at www.nzmintjewellery.com.

FashioNZ talks to Boh about her best buys for Autumn and her biggest fashion mistakes

Describe your personal style.
I was a bit of a baby goth back in the ‘80s so I guess that’s why black doesn’t feature much in my clothing choices. Accessory-wise I’m attracted to things a little tough-looking in the bag/shoe/belt and jewellery department. I have a fondness for a bit of theatre in dressing. If I’m performing I definitely like a showy outfit. I can only best describe myself as an ex-goth who likes pretty. And white V-neck mens t shirts.

Where do you shop?
I’m extremely lucky to be given the opportunity to order from many NZ designers pre-season. I was ecstatic that Kathryn Wilson re-released her Jimmy boots (a very wearable biker boot) because I have thrashed my black pair from years back. They still look great, well-loved and worn in. I ordered another pair in brown. She needs to do them for men as many of the guys I’m currently on tour with have asked me where they could get some for themselves.I’m an avid E-bay purchaser. I have some brilliant vintage pieces and jewellery that I love from religiously scouring the site.Being in LA for much of the time, I like to check out the local boutiques, vintage stores and of course the chain stores like H&M and Zara.

Who is your favourite New Zealand/Australian designer?
I’m not that au fait with Australian designers but some of my New Zealand faves are Kate Sylvester, Juliette Hogan, Storm, Jaimie, Miss Crabb, Workshop and Stolen Girlfriends Club.

What is your current favourite item of clothing?
My black cropped leather motorbike jacket. Masculine, but cute with it. I had a great distressed brown leather bike jacket when I used to be on bikes but who knows where that is now? Of all the clothing I have hoarded I don’t have that anymore. Sad.
I have to include my stage outfit at the moment, because I think it is HOT- a red striped bustier and vibrant red harem pants from Jaimie Boutique. Not just women but men love it, I’ve had so many positive comments!

What is your best buy for Autumn?
I can’t wait to get my feet into the new Kate Sylvester boots- the distressed bone coloured ones are beautiful.

What is your favourite fashion purchase/garment/outfit of all time?
Hard question to answer because I have some long-time loves in my wardrobe. But I think now, with the sad loss of Alexander McQueen, my McQ platforms take first place. They are the right mix of unusual and sexy. I’m so pleased to have something original by his brilliant design hand.

What has been your biggest fashion mistake?
I remember once bemoaning my cringeful fashion choices of the past to my hairdresser (as you do) Lucy Vincent Marr who has always been one of the most stylish yet down to Earth women I know. She shrugged her shoulders and said with a smile- “Everyone has a history, got to come from somewhere.” I have made some questionable choices for sure but no-one could say I wasn’t having the best time while doing so. I look back at some photos and videos of myself and yes, Anna Wintour would go even paler, but I remember those times in my life as some seriously good ones with some seriously brilliant company. So I was one lucky, happy, badly dressed b***h!

If you were invited to attend the Academy Awards, who would you ask to design a dress for you?
In my fantasy, if I was to walk that red carpet, I’d design my own dress. I’d find out what was the predicted seasonal colour and cut of celebrity choice then do a dress in something different in a jewel colour, more than likely. Something vampy slash classic with a twist. I would customise some of my own jewellery line for the New Zealand Mint to bring up the bling factor. Harry Winston, look out.
Ahhh, fantasies… they’re the best.

You would rather eat your own shirt than wear...
Something I didn’t like and felt didn’t suit me but was being pressured into wearing for a shoot or something. I’m adventurous so I think so I would give most things a go as long as I thought I still looked like myself. This sort of ‘pressured into wearing something’ situation wouldn’t happen, in reality, at least not anymore. I own my mistakes!