We chat to James, our new Britomart Store Manager, about what he is looking forward to most in his new role, his most anticipated Collection 2022.FOUR pieces and his favourite Auckland spots.
TELL US 3 INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF…
- In my younger years I grew up in between the countryside and the city. My family owned a 60 acre farm with livestock which was an amazing experience, that I feel growing up in, helped shape who I am today.
- I moved to Melbourne at the end of 2017 for about two years, but moved back to NZ when Covid hit. Melbourne will always hold a special place in my heart, and is definitely still a place I call home.
- I have a degree in pattern and fashion design. I studied fashion design for four years at Auckland University of Technology, and have always wanted a career in fashion, whether that be me having my own brand, or working alongside a designer.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT HOW YOU CAME TO WORK AT JULIETTE HOGAN...
My best friend Corban had been working at the Juliette Hogan Ponsonby store for a while and told me that an Assistant Store Manager role had become available in the Newmarket store. I had known about Juliette Hogan for a while, as when studying fashion, I did an essay based on NZ designers. I gained respect for Juliette’s style and business ethic as one of New Zealand’s leading designers, and was excited for the opportunity to be a part of this brand. Thank you Corban.
WHAT PIECE OF COLLECTION 2022.FOUR ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR?
So far I’m in love with the Joy Shirt, in both black and white. Although, I am holding out for the Adelle Shirt and the Fantail Short in the blue spot. The Adelle Shirt is one of my favourite styles and the print looks really fun.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AS THE BRITOMART STORE MANAGER?
Britomart is such a lovely spot in the city, but when Covid hit it wasn’t as lively as it once was. Now with restrictions lifting up and summer right around the corner, the area is starting to get bustling again, and I cannot wait for Britomart to have its sparkle back and to get to know our amazing Britomart customers. As international travel continues to grow, I am excited to have new people come through to the store and introduce them to the brand.
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JAMES' FAVOURITE AUCKLAND SPOTS
FOOD
Azabu in Mission Bay.
The first time I went here was for my partners birthday and we fell in love! Azabu has a classy yet cosy atmosphere especially in Mission Bay, as it is pretty much on the beach.
CULTURE
Definitely the Auckland War Memorial Museum. I just recently visited the Ancient Greek exhibition and absolutely loved it! It amazes me how talented their craftsmanship was and how they were able to create such beautiful objects that have lasted thousands of years.
WELLBEING
I have been getting into running lately. It really helps clear the mind after a long day and helps keep me fit with summer right around the corner. I love running around the Domain, as I can easily keep count of my laps there.
ACCOMODATION
When it comes to international travel I have loved staying at the Park Hyatt hotels, as each hotel is designed based on location. Rather than just a place to stay, it's more of a destination experience.
My favourite local hotel would be the Hotel Britomart. I have always had a passion and appreciation for design, whether it's related to fashion or architecture. In 2021 The Hotel Britomart won the Environmental / Sustainable Business Award as it is New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel.
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Make sure to pop in to our Britomart store to say hi to James and the team and shop James' current season favourites here.
8 TE ARA TAHUHU STREET
AUCKLAND CBD
+64 9 377 3326
MON-FRI 10:00AM - 6:00PM
SAT 10:00AM - 5:00PM
SUN 11:00AM - 4:00PM
Britomart parking options can be found here.