The year is going by very fast and the temperature is certainly changing. In this issue of Channel we have a focus on Winter Fashion, so we asked people from four very different local fashion stores about their businesses and what they have ‘in-store' for our readers for Winter 2022.
Bruce Yarnton’s parents Bob and Beth started Yarntons in 1945. Bruce now runs the family business with his wife Karen. Bruce completed university and a training programme with Woolworths but says Yarntons is where he has stayed. While a lot has changed over the years, the Yarnton name for customer and community service remains as strong as ever. Bruce explains to Channel Mag what his iconic store has to offer this winter and his favourite fashion memory.
Channel Magazine: How are you responding to the trends in winter fashion for 2022?
Bruce Yarnton: We offer a great range of vibrant, happy printed shirts (as worn by Paul Ego on 7 Days comedy show). Our New Zealand knitwear ranges include some great new colours including tui and port. RM Williams introduces a range of new seasonal colours in their proven basic styles. Generally speaking, we offer bright and cosy!
CM: What's in store this winter that our readers should visit you for?
BY: As usual, we have a comprehensive size range RM Williams boots in the popular colours at unbeatable prices. Another crowd pleaser is the extensive range of quality Swanndri products. Glerup wool felted slippers are another popular item for us. Ladies always visit for the Vassalli and Bay Road range.
CM: Are there any tips or tricks for putting together an outfit that you follow yourself?
BY: Go for comfort and colour every time.
CM: What's your go-to outfit?
BY: RM Williams jeans, a colourful Berlin shirt topped off with a cosy Noble Wilde possum/merino jersey in one of the latest colours.
CM: What is the product in your store that you've got your eye on this winter?
BY: More Swanndri flannel shirts – you can’t have enough at $29.95!
CM: Best fashion memory and why?
BY: Starsky and Hutch cardigan.Legendary.
Visit Yarntons at Birkenhead – 18 Mokoia Road, or Devonport – 69 Victoria Road.
Debbie Grenfell is the owner of Cosi Fan Tutte, a Devonport store (or emporium of beautiful objects as they refer to it) with roots in Christchurch. Debbie’s background is actually in finance. Prior to purchasing Cosi Fan Tutte she spent many years in various CFO roles in New Zealand and Australia. About six years ago she decided the time was right to invest in something for herself so I started looking for a suitable business. She had always loved Cosi Fan Tutte and clearly the timing was right because not long after she’d begun the search the Christchurch store came on the market. A few years later, the wonderful Devonport store was for sale and whilst she hadn’t really ever considered owning two retail stores the opportunity was just too good to turn down, particularly with the lovely Lise at the helm. Debbie talks to Channel Magazine about the business, winter dressing and what her store has to offer.
Channel Magazine: What trends are you forecasting this season in winter fashion?
Debbie Grenfell: Through the Cosi Fan Tutte lens, we’re seeing gorgeous layers, tops and dresses with slightly fuller sleeves, longer lengths, timeless knitwear, beautiful natural fibres – wool, linen, silks, and viscose, darker moody hues interspersed with pops of colour like brilliant emerald! It’s cosy and it’s trans seasonal and it’s timeless.
CM: What's in store this winter that our readers should visit you for?
DG: Definitely our stunning Eribe knitwear as it’s such a timeless classic. Magnolia Pearl, our exquisitely artful highly coveted clothing range from Texas. The range is as diverse as it is beautiful and out of respect for its uniqueness, we only purchase single units and very rarely repeat so it’s best to pop in regularly or follow our socials to ensure you get in early! A little closer to home, we have our fabulous range from NZ designer, Jason Lingard, his styles, cuts and fabrics are so flattering. Jason really understands the female form so there is pretty much something for everyone in each of his collections.
CM: Are there any tips or tricks for putting together an outfit that you follow yourself?
DG: Wear what you love! Wear the colours you are drawn to and take some time to work out what styles and cuts suit you best. For example, v necks or round necks, shorter styles or longer styles, sleeves or sleeveless. Above all forget about what’s ‘fashionable’ and focus on items that you love.
CM: What's your go to outfit?
DG: Dresses and boots regardless of the season. That said, I also love jeans paired with a shirt or tee.
CM: What is the product in your store that you've got your eye on this winter?
DG: I love some of the new seasons Jason Lingard dresses! I have one already (the gorgeous Hue dress) but am very tempted to grab another couple. My other firm favourite is our Eribe knitwear. I purchased one of the Alpine Cardigans this season (I now have two in my wardrobe) but am really loving the new Kinross sweaters, they are so soft and in such beautiful colours!
CM: Best fashion memory and why?
DG: It would probably have to be the 80’s, but I’m not really sure why. Probably because of the outrageous outfits we used to wear and the hair! What were we thinking!
Visit Lise and the team at Cosi Fan Tutte, 73 Victoria Road, Devonport.
Ingrid Dawson is one of the team at Tango’s, a well-loved shoe store in Milford that stocks a wide range of shoes including beautiful boots perfect for the winter weather. Ingrid’s introduction to Tango's was in 2009 when she started on the shop floor in Whitianga. Fast forward 13 years and she now helps to run all aspects of the business from buying and processing the stock to marketing and managing the seven stores nationwide. Ingrid tells Channel Mag about the trends she’s seeing this winter and the military boots she has her eye on.
Channel Magazine: What trends are you forecasting this season in winter fashion?
Ingrid Dawson: Lots of grungy military-style boots in variations that will suit even our most refined ladies. European classic boots and shoes that never lose their chic style and of course an abundance of sports lux which is a staple for our wardrobes year-round.
CM: What's in store this winter that our readers should visit Tango's for?
ID: We have such unique and diverse collections that will enhance everyone's style. From high fashion from Italy to designer gumboots from Portugal, including our DeValvede range of Spanish slippers. What sets us apart though, is the abundance of colour in our handpicked collections like our exclusive ‘Tangos’ range from Turkey and our stunning leather handbag collection. And don’t forget about our amazing personal customer service.
CM: Are there any tips or tricks for putting together an outfit that you follow yourself?
ID: I love to experiment with contrasting colour and pattern of existing pieces in my wardrobe and see it all come together with seasonal boots or sandals that will complete a new vibe.
CM: What's your go-to outfit?
ID: It would have to be my apple green skirt! I team it with a shirt or tee depending on the occasion, belted, and finished with my favourite Spanish Felmini lace-up boots.
CM: What is the product in your store that you've got your eye on this winter?
ID: It will have to be the Spanish style Viguera Gabi in Mariano. This is a funky military boot that will be functional with any look
CM: Best fashion memory and why?
ID: Getting flashed up in a fancy dress and killer heels and feeling fantastic. It feels like a distant memory when going to a function was part of our everyday life. Bring back pre-covid!
Visit the Tango’s team located at 164 Kitchener Road, Milford.
Chantal Chilcott is the owner behind Takapuna boutique Chantal’s on The Promenade. She has lived her entire life in Milford, attending Carmel College and raising two children who attended Westlake. Chantal has worked in fashion for over a decade and says she loves the lifestyle of the Shore, with Takapuna beach just a very short walk from her store by the Bruce Mason Centre. Chantal's boutique is proud to be stocking an exclusive range of fashion from New Zealand, Australian, American and European designers. She tells Channel Mag about her passion for all things fashion and what’s on her wishlist this winter.
Channel Magazine: What trends are you forecasting this season in winter fashion?
Chantal Chilcott: I love the New Zealand designers for their winter vests, beautiful merino knitwear and gorgeous coats. There’s some lovely stuff to keep Shore people looking great and warm this winter.
CM: What's in store this winter that our readers should visit you for?
CC: Winter is all about feeling warm and cosy while looking stylish. New Zealand merino knitwear from Paula Ryan and Visage are winter staples, as is a pair of Vassalli pants. We have many leading brands in store that have some lovely options for winter 2022.
CM: Are there any tips or tricks for putting together an outfit that you follow yourself?
CC: I like to wear the latest Paula Ryan bootleg pants in winter white with a sweater, a Sabatini leather jacket, a nice scarf and Paula Ryan boots.
CM: What's your go-to outfit?
CC: A pair of Frank Lyman Jeans with a white shirt and a Loobies Story fur vest.
CM: What is the product in your store that you've got your eye on this winter?
CC: Loobies Story three quarter length wool coat.
CM: Best fashion memory and why?
CC: I have lots of fashion memories of making my ladies feel happy and stylish after their shopping experience.
Visit Chantals, 10 The Promenade, Takapuna Beach (opposite the Bruce Mason Centre entrance).
