Stephanie Rumble, founder of BrightRed, is one of New Zealand’s leading fashion stylists. Fresh from judging the Fashion in the Field competition at Riccarton Park this year, the former Best Dressed Lady (Addington, 2006) talks to us about summer trends, orange jeans and her work as an accountability coach.

The last few weeks must be some of your busiest each year – how has it been? It has actually been really busy with people getting set up for the summer break and wanting advice and help with summer outfits. As soon as the weather gets warmer I get a flurry of people wanting appointments and panicking about their summer wardrobes. 

Did you enjoy your stint among the judges for Riccarton Park’s Fashion in the Field? It was honestly supreme fun. I totally appreciate Zane Tate and Riccarton Park for having me and the effort and thought that goes into the outfits that show up. It was lovely seeing some new faces and also some of the more regular competitors. 

You have been a race-day fashion winner yourself – does the judging spark memories of that? OMG – definitely – I could almost feel the butterflies, the holding of the smile when someone else’s name is announced and then the absolute surprise and delay in registering that they have called your name! We had the loveliest, heartfelt message from our winner and that makes it all worth it. 

What stood out for you from the outfits you saw this Cup and Show Week? What do they signal for summer? It’s always the colour in racewear and the attention to detail that is inspirational. We saw the main theme colours for summer showcased – yellow, strong blue and green. I saw a peek of these at New Zealand Fashion Week in August and it was lovely to see them reflected in the Fashion on the Field entrants. This summer is all about the sleeve (still!), tiered dresses, maxi skirts, relaxed silhouettes, matching sets and suits in all forms, and flat footwear. 

Tell us about your work as an accountability coach? After years of working with women who in some cases were not feeling great about who they are, I was talked into helping one lady get herself to a healthy place with her nutrition and activity and thus resulted in her feeling better about her image. This is not for everyone and I strongly advocate accepting yourself for who you are, where you are. However, sometimes we need help to get there and that’s where I offer a boutique, exclusive service that helps you achieve your fitness goals. I have worked in the fitness industry and a PT and group fitness instructor as a side hustle for 30 years so bring that expertise to this area. 

You are involved with Dress for Success, a charity that helps women in need prepare for job interviews. Tell us about that? Around 10 years ago I was a board member for Dress for Success. I also assisted with training their stylists so they could better help their clients. This is a charity that provides quality pre-loved clothes to women who need help to get back into the job market. DFS also provides interview and career support. An amazing charity. 

What’s the favourite item in your wardrobe? My orange Ganni Jeans that I picked up on sale at Seletti a few months ago. They fit well, feel great and I love the sunniness of orange. 

Name three essential things in your handbag? Phone, glasses and Two Faced Lip injection lip gloss from Mecca!

If you could give the world one style/fashion tip, what would it be? Let your clothes reflect who you are. 

What excites you about Christchurch in the summer? The beach and the amazing views over the Port Hills in the sunshine. Sumner beach and Godley Head walkway. Akaroa Harbour and the beach….

You’ve got friends coming from out of town. Where do you go and what would you do to show off the city in:

• two hours: Lunch at Riverside and car trip up the Port Hills to look at the view.
• a half-day: Tram ride around the city getting off at The Arts Centre, Cashel Mall, The Square and soaking in the atmosphere of the Art Gallery.
• 24 hours: Stay in The Observatory Hotel in The Arts Centre, dinner at 5^th Street, walk up Harry Ell track, visit the shops in the city, lunch at Riverside, do a yoga class at Hot Flow Yoga on Fitzgerald Ave. 

Where do you go to: 

• Wine and dine with friends: 5^th Street, King of Snake, Zodiac, Tutte Bene.
• Morning coffee: Dusk, Truffle and Coca Black. I’m a chai latté and cheese scone type of girl so these are my absolute picks!
• Blow off some steam: Run around Hagley Park a couple of times.
• Shop up a storm: For my clients – wherever suits their style and budget. For me – I’m eclectic and a big World fan but I honestly go wherever I see something that fits my aesthetic or need at the time. I never discount a store based on age, style or anything else. 
• Get away from it all: Run up the Port Hills for a couple of hours. 

brightred.co.nz