Chris Sisarich - Judge

When did your interest in fashion start?
I don't remember a specific time. But I do remember thinking that my auntie was a very stylish woman, who had a great sense of design. She had amazing furniture, clothing etc. I also remember seeing photo's of my parents, when they would have been in their late 20's looking very stylish. So I suppose quite young

What inspired you to become part of the fashion industry?
I think when I first became a photographer I was obsessed with becoming a fashion photographer. There was this idealism about what the job was. You know, I was a young single guy, the fashion world was full of young beautiful woman. It seemed like the perfect job to me.

How did you become a model?
I was about 17, and a friend of Mum and Dad's came round one day who was a model and suggested I give it a go. So I did. This was in Wellington. The modelling scene was alright down there back then. TVNZ had a big studio out at Avalon. B&H were doing shows at the Wellington town hall.

Why did you decide to move behind the camera?
It wasn't like a conscious thought that I'll stop modelling and go 'behind' the camera. It was more that I was at a crossroads in my life at the age of 25. And after some thought, photography seemed like the right fit. Everything about it suited what I wanted out of life.

What is the best thing about working in the fashion industry?
I came to a point in my career where I decided that shooting fashion was getting boring. So now really my only involvement in the industry is indirectly through Top Model. I still have lots of friends that shoot fashion and love it. Friends that make clothes and love it. And I really appreciate what they all do. But I don't think of my self as working in the fashion industry.

If you could raid anyone's wardrobe - whose would it be and why?
I think some one like Paul Newman in his time. The guy is really a style icon. I love the way the guy wore clothes. And lot's of what he wore was and is so timeless. It'd still look really good now. He made what ever he wore look so easy and natural

Who is your favourite international designer?
It's not until you go somewhere like New York or London or Paris, that you really get to interact with great international designers on a big scale. There are lots of International designers that have pieces that I love. Comme des Garçons, Maison Martin Margiela, Burberry London do amazing jackets.... Only wish I could afford to buy them

Who is your favourite NZ designer?
For men, I think Crane Bros do beautiful suits, Workshop do great day to day wear, I love the T's by Commoners Alike, Jeans and Boots and T's by Stolen Girlfriends

What does every man need in his wardrobe?
I think every man should have a great bespoke suit

What fashion item can't you live without?
My Converse