Yesterday morning, NZ cult-brand twenty-seven names opened the doors to their first store. An ex-gallery space on Vivian Street in Wellington, the shop's beautiful layout is an ode to the girls behind the brand, Rachel and Anjali's talent. With backgrounds in fine arts and fashion respectively, the result is a harmony of both arts; Rachel's graduate fine arts project of a ceramic lion and unicorn features as the centrepiece of the space, surrounded by framed sketches and embroidery pieces, graphic rugs and raw concrete floors. Not to mention the clothes.
The current range is separated by print, matched with pillows on the back wall - one of which I bought shortly after they opened (as their very first ever customer!).
This evening the designers stayed late, inviting anyone in to have a glass of wine and have a chat to celebrate the opening. I had a great chat to Rachel about the current industry, where the brand has came from and where it's going, and what inspires them to keep growing. Coming from a fine arts background, Rachel said she didn't specifically look for an ex-gallery when looking for a space for the store, but jumped at the chance when one came available. The opportunity to sell their clothes in an environment that gave the same experience as a gallery and truly showcased the clothes was an ideal.
MB xx
