FASHION

Three of New Zealand’s heavyweight fashion brands are about to open stores at Britomart, cementing the precinct’s position as Auckland’s most exclusive shopping destination.

Zambesi, WORLD and Kate Sylvester are all relocating to Britomart from High Street and will shortly open flagship stores on Tyler Street, adjacent to Takutai Square.

The brands represent three of the longest-established names in New Zealand fashion, and over the last two decades have all helped put New Zealand firmly on the international fashion radar.

All three stores will be on the ground floor of the 1970s Seafarers Building, which has recently undergone a facelift and extensive street-level renovation. Their Tyler Street neighbours will include action sports apparel Co-Lab, popular Japanese restaurant Ebisu and bar Tyler Street Garage.

WORLD director Francis Hooper says they chose Britomart because they believe the precinct represents the future of boutique shopping in Auckland City.

Designer Kate Sylvester, who launched her own-name label in 1993, says her company was drawn to Cooper and Company’s long-term vision for Britomart.

All three fashion houses say the Britomart parking offering, including the valet parking service, has been a key factor in the move to the precinct. The level of luxury, convenience and service offered by valet parking will make the shopping experience even more attractive for their customers.

All three stores are expected to be open by early March 2012. The three brands will come together to stage a joint fashion show at Britomart on Saturday 3 March as part of the third New Zealand Fashion Festival. The free catwalk show will be held at Atrium on Takutai and showcase the brands’ Winter 2012 collections.

Zambesi, WORLD and Kate Sylvester join established stores Curate, Made, Kathryn Wilson and Ted Baker at Britomart, rounding out a fashion offering supported by beauty businesses Jo Malone and the M.A.C Cosmetics PRO store.

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