GINETTE CHITTICK, 33, DESIGN LECTURER AT LASALLE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS, FOUNDER OF FASHION LABEL FRUFRU & TIGERLILY AND RESIDENT DJ AT LOCAL HOTSPOT HOME CLUB

This petite style-meister may be garbed in edgy designs most of the time and was even named one of Singapore's best-dressed people in local fashion magazine Her World last year. But she positively shudders at being called a fashionista.

She says: 'The term sounds facetious to me, like someone who takes himself and fashion too seriously. Fashion is supposed to be fun.'

She still remembers the first time she fell in love with clothes. She recalls putting on a halter dress while on a beach holiday at the age of five.

'I thought I looked really cute,' she says.

Looking back at her school days, she claims that she had a very late start in being fashionable. Her style haunts back then were thrift stores which were not exactly 'brimming with stylish clothes'.

She counts wearing an oversized T-shirt over bicycle tights and pairing that with neon pink Reebok sneakers as one of her fashion faux pas in the 1990s.

She said: 'I have no regrets about what I wore back then. One always needs some old snaps to look back on. I do wish that I washed my jeans more often, but I was a grunge kid.'

These days, the fashion savvy lass prefers clothes that have a more rock 'n' roll influence and counts Natalie Wood, designer of Australian label SomethingElse, as one of her favourite designers.

'She marries graphic design and fashion. What's there not to like?'

Tell me about the look in this photograph. How would you wear this look today?

This was taken in 1996 and I was still an art student at Lasalle at the time. So comfort was everything.

And besides, I never had much money, so I wore that top to death. I believe the white colour became greyish eventually.

How would I wear that look today? How about never?

Describe your sense of style today.

I like drapey outfits now. My clothes tend to be a little bit on the edgy side with a touch of rock influence.

What other fashion crimes have you committed in the past?

Bicycle tights. They seem to say 'I'm sporty' when I really am not. But hey, some are trying to rock that look now.

Which era do you think had the most faux pas?

The 1980s, of course. But boy, do I love the 1980s. Updated, many of the faux pas can be worn today. Save for the mullet. Nothing can redeem that, sorry Lionel Richie.

Which faux pas is really not a faux pas to you?

Shoulder pads. As long as they aren't too high and boxy (no Frankenstein-on-speed look for me), they're awesome.

What are your top three fashion must-haves today?

Rock 'n' roll heels and a good leather jacket to rough up a girlie outfit. Amazing tights that'll help you look decent for work when you put on that shift that's a bit too short. After work, whip the tights off and you've got your party outfit.

Which Sex And The City character were you then? How about now?

Back then, I was Aidan (laughs). I was in jeans all the time and boots even. I would never wear skirts.

Now, every girl wants to be Carrie. Who'd want to be Miranda? I've never met anyone who wanted to be Miranda.

>> Bold and beautiful - Leroy Diong

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.