In the first instalment of our new weekly feature, The Tuesday Interview, Auckland-based fashion designer Cybele Wiren reveals the benefits of working in the 'burbs, what she'd like to do for Grace Jones if given the chance and why growing up without The Smurfs was a good thing...In the first instalment of our new weekly feature, The Tuesday Interview, Auckland-based fashion designer Cybele Wiren reveals the benefits of working in the 'burbs, what she'd like to do for Grace Jones if given the chance and why growing up without The Smurfs was a good thing...Wiren is considered on of our finest emerging fashion talents, and her label Cybele has gone from strength to strength this year. She had a highly successful showing of her Summer 06/07 collection at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in Sydney, and a trip to China to show as an invited designer at the Shanghai International Young Designer Showcase. Locally, Cybele's last solo show at Air New Zealand Fashion Week for Winter 2006 saw her gain accolades from industry and media alike.

During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
I'm always most inspired after work hours when there are no distractions, phone calls or interruptions.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Sarita says: "graphic, sporty, flirtatious".

Who would you like to design something for?
Grace Jones

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
The time I spend designing and making new things is what I love the most but the biggest thrill is seeing the label grow each season. Taking on new challenges and achieving new levels is the most satisfying thing.

How do you think your environment affects your work?
I work in a quiet suburban setting. I love the fact that my workroom doesn't reflect 'fashion' in any sense of the word. The effect it has on me and on my work is that I am not distracted by my surroundings, which helps me stay focused.

What's your earliest memory of fabric?
A dark blue cotton dress with white polka dots and red stitched elasticised smocking on the front.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
I think both are equally important in every aspect of life and work. Details are meaningless without the bigger picture and the bigger picture does not exist without details. I would say I am more into the idea of balance.

Describe the ways in which your childhood play has influenced how you work as an adult.
My mother taught me to sew on a treadle machine and to knit when I was still at primary school. She used to supply me with fabric, paper patterns, hours of her time and endless patience. Having no TV or electricity meant that sewing and making things were pastimes I took for granted.

You did a visual arts degree rather than study fashion. How do you think this has affected your design methods?
My painting degree has informed my fashion career in a big way. It taught me a lot about design process, aesthetic decision making and discipline to be self-motivated.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
NZ Fashion Week 06 in September this year has been the biggest and most satisfying project in terms of outcomes. Shows are a highlight of every season where the complete vision for the collection comes together. This year it felt like we took it to another level with the biggest solo show I have done to date.

What is at the forefront of your mind when you start designing a new collection?
Colour, prints, textiles, silhouettes, interesting muses, themes, concepts and details. I have a very open mind at the beginning of the design process and anything that takes my fancy goes up on the workroom wall, whether it makes any sense or not. From there the collection evolves through the process of combining and distilling ideas.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Right now I can't imagine any other career, except maybe 'lady of leisure' - the idea of having some spare time on my hands definitely appeals!

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Colville on the Coromandel Peninsula.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
On headphones on a train where music is the soundtrack to your life.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A flag.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Get some sleep - it will all seem a lot better in the morning.

What's great about today?
Seven sleeps until Christmas.

Interview by Cass Hesom-Williams