Whitney Port showcased her Whitney Eve and WE by Whitney Port collections, during an installation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. The multi-tasking designer took five to chat to InStyle:

What made you decide to show your label, Whitney Eve & WE by Whitney Port, Down Under this season?
"I am so excited to be showing in Australia because I believe the style aesthetic here really mirrors the Whitney Eve girl. It is so cool for me to be diving into such far places and sharing what I do worldwide."

What's the inspiration behind the pieces you're showing at Australian Fashion Week?
"It comes from the vision of a girl who wants to step outside the lines a little with her fashion, and wants to use her style as an expression of her personality. It is filled with pastel florals and neutral metallics to make any girl feel whimsical and feminine, but still be able to feel edgy and funky."

What's on your to-do list while you're in Australia?
"The last time I was here I was taken on an unbelievable tour by boat on the harbour. It was so amazing to be on the water and see the whole city from that view. I love the vibe of a beach city and exploring the cute beaches like Bondi."

Can you tell us about your design process?
"It's quite hectic for me! With all the different forms of media we have to see what and where the trends stand; I always want to do a little bit of everything. I tend to get my inspiration from natural forms like flowers, rocks, stones, earthy elements and develop prints from those. I then utilise my sisters and friends and do some market research meetings where we all bring in our favorite articles of clothing and [talk about] what we feel like we are missing from our wardrobes. I want every girl to feel comfortable and confident in what they're wearing, so it is important for me to get a feel from 'real' girls about what they love."

Fashion PR Kelly Cutrone has been a big supporter of yours. What's it like having a friend such as her?
"She has been such a mentor and visionary for me. She has given me the strength to take risks and really go for it. She is such a smart businesswoman and has given me the knowledge to know how to balance all the different realms of this industry. Dian von Furstenberg has also taken time to give me little bits of empowering information in order for me to learn how to design for every woman and how to own all of my decisions."

What has been your career highlight to date?
"My career highlight was definitely showing my line at Mercedez Benz Fashion Week this past fall in NYC."

What do you have coming up over the next 12 months?
"After Australian Fashion Week, I go to Norway to launch my line with a store called Bik Bok. I have just launched a jewellery line called Bits and Bobs by Whitney Eve and am designing my spring 2013 collection at the moment."

Whitney Port is a guest of NW magazine

- Emma Ciufo