Peta Mathias MNZM needs little introduction. The prolific chef, author, speaker and host is instantly recognizable by her striking style and fiery hair.

In his new book, Couture Shed, Mathias advocates for food and fashion as bed companions.

“Cooking and fashion both require inventiveness and self-expression,” she says. “They both structure your day: breakfast and block print Indian pajamas, lunch and Marni pants, dinner and evening dress.

My favorite line from the book is the one that gets right to the point: “If we stop buying crappy clothes, companies will stop making them.” ”

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Couture Shed is the fascinating story of Mathias rediscovering the clothes stored in his garden shed and his accidental journey to sustainability.

She argues against over-adhering to fashion trends and celebrates the joy and constant companionship of beautiful, yet durable and well-made items. It’s a personal story that will resonate with fashion enthusiasts and collectors.

This week, she’s sharing a few of her favorite pieces from the shed, as well as some that are so precious that they are an integral part of her wardrobe.

Three objects I would like to own

Spring is coming and I love big square slip-ons – I can’t stand closed-toe shoes in the summer. These are from Mi Piaci.

I’m not a gadget type girl, but I do feel a bit competitive with my friend who makes really good potato latkes with her flash slicer. So now I want a Japanese Vogue Mandolin.

I recently moved into a new apartment in central Auckland. When moving furniture from an old house, it doesn’t always match the feel of a super modern home.

I would like this Matisse Pli side table for the living room. It is made of stainless steel and reflective of the light. I mean, hello?

Five things I own and love

This is a double Marni skirt, folded up on itself so that when walking it swells and looks like a happy ship at full sail.

Marni designs are loose, rounded, feminine and unrestricted. They are a real joy to wear because they can be mixed and matched with pieces from previous seasons.

I bought these powder blue Dr Martens in London in 1996 and wore them with my Zambesi folding dress.

I ended a relationship wearing them. I started another while wearing them. I always wear them, often with a floral Marni skirt. I love shoes and boots because they propel us into life, work and love.

I am a big fan of the fans and I have my drawers in France and here in Auckland.

They are beautiful, stylish and practical and really work to cool you down.

I use them for decoration, I give them as gifts and they are perfect for hiding behind to protect from the sun and the curious.

This is my debutante dress from 1967 and I still have it. Mom made it in silk organza with tiny daisies embossed all over it.

All along the hem she has attached handmade silk flowers with little rhinestones in the middle. She made him a pale pink satin petticoat, explaining that white would be obvious and vulgar.

My Folds please book is huge, thick and like an art book. Each page is divine and inspiring.

Issey Miyake developed his unique permanent polyester pleating system in 1993.

I first discovered these loose, sticky, silky, folded and sculpted garments at Scotties in Herne Bay when I was shooting Taste New Zealand for TVNZ. This is what I am wearing in the main photo.