Interview and photo by Florence Noble.
With a penchant for a great blazer and pair of sunglasses, the store manager at Karen Walker is someone we’d trust for fashion advice.
Are you from Auckland?
No, I’m from Sydney, but I moved to Auckland from Dubai last year.
What were you doing in Dubai?
I was working for Emirates as a flight attendant.
And now a change of career?
I started out doing design and fashion when I was in Sydney and then took a break to go and do that for a while. I had worked in retail before.
How do you get to Britomart?
My flatmate and I drive to Ponsonby early in the morning. Then I catch the inner city Link Bus from Ponsonby.
What do you do here?
I’m the store manager at Karen Walker. There’s a small team of four or five of us. I basically get paid to have conversations with people and make them look nice.
What do you say if someone doesn’t suit an outfit? Do you lie?
I wouldn’t lie. I think people know themselves if they look good or not. I’d probably just say “We can do better,” and find an alternative. I wouldn’t stop them buying it if they loved it though! I know it would take great convincing to talk me out of something I loved...
What’s your idea of fun?
I like to travel. Meeting friends in foreign places. Getting out and exploring New Zealand.
I enjoy going to fabric stores and looking at fabrics, making some shirts for myself.
If you could do any job in the world, what would it be?
I’d probably run my own label. Or work as a production manager.
What’s the best thing about working around here?
The people. It’s really cosmopolitan around here it keeps things interesting. And the community. And the food.
Where’s your favourite place to eat around here?
Is it boring if I say Amano? And I like going to the Store for lunch.
Where’s the best place for a beverage?
I go to The Chamberlain for after work drinks with the girls.
Whats your favourite thing to spend money on?
Jackets. I like a good coat. I like a blazer. I’ve got all these different jackets from different places. Like when I was flying and didn’t prepare for places that were cold. I still wear them all.
Have you got your eye on anything to buy at the moment?
There’s a billion Karen Walker sunglasses that I want… That’s probably going to be my next purchase.
