TANYA CARLSON, DESIGNER OF CARLSON, IS A HOLDEN AMBASSADOR
Tell us about the 2016 Holden Cascada you’re driving?
The Holden Cascada is auto and in phantom grey. It is seductive styling at its finest and German engineering at its best as it from Opel [part of the General Motors international lineup coming to New Zealand]. The new Cascada brings sophistication and exhilaration of a genuine four-seat convertible in a luxurious form. I have experienced Holden’s Insignia, Trax, Astra and SS-V Redline so I guess the main part of the job is driving around having fun. There’s also a bit of work involved with collaborating on some Carlson for Holden NZ products, like designing fashion items perfect for driving in the Cascada. As well as convertible styling tips, reviews and exclusive events.
As a fashion designer, what is the ideal clothing and footwear for driving?
If I have to drive in a heel, I do. But generally, I would take another pair of shoes like trainers to drive in. If I was going on a road trip, I’d wear something that wasn’t too restrictive, like shorts and a loose top. Chances are I’m probably going to the beach.
What about your hair when you’re driving a convertible?
Even though the Cascada is a convertible, there’s not a lot of wind. I’ve got long hair; sometimes, I have kind of crazy long hair and the last thing I want is to turn up to an event and have a Bridget Jones (think mini-break) hair moment. The car is designed in a way that makes the windscreen and windows sit high so there’s very little wind. But I love hats, so I’ll likely be wearing a cap or hat.
What do you always have in your car?
Sunscreen. I don’t want to get burned or look old and leathery. I do need an umbrella for Auckland’s rain. And a towel.
First car?
A yellow Holden Gemini in the mid-90s in Dunedin. It was bright and cheerful and I put blankets (that I brought back from Mexico) over the seats. I didn’t have my driver’s licence but I felt so bad always asking people for lifts that I would ask them if they wanted to go somewhere and then say they could drive my car. Perfect.
Dream car?
A Wolseley 690. In dove grey. It’s the classic car that my family had when I was a child and we all loved it. We all still talk about it.
Favourite car colour?
I had a 1975 Triumph 2500 in French blue. Amazing colour.
Who taught you to drive?
At age 15 it was probably my dad, a neighbour taught me as well, but before I sat my licence I went to Sydney, and didn’t need a car for seven years. By the time I came back, I had lost a lot of driving confidence. I finally got my licence in my mid-20s, but didn’t really embrace driving until I bought that Triumph.
Do you prefer manual or automatic?
Manual for long trips. Auto for inner-city driving.
Most memorable road trip?
Cross-country from San Diego to New York and back. I drove with my best friend, Kari, through New Mexico and Texas to Florida, up the coast. We were away about a month.
If you could go anywhere in any car with any fashion designer?
I’ve already had it. During iD Fashion Week in 2013, I took Stephen Jones in my 1980 Jag and drove him to Moeraki to see the yellow-eyed penguins.
Technology in cars … do you embrace it or prefer old school? I’ve always had classic cars but now I am a convert. Backing cameras, yes please. Bluetooth. Yes please. Keys. No thanks. I think I’m open to a driverless car.
Great day trip out of Auckland? The drive to Piha reminds me of the roads I learned to drive on. I love coming round the corner and seeing the water.
Auckland’s congestion … how would you help solve that?
Make all primary children join a walking school bus if they attend a local school. As told to Donna McIntyre