As we head into spring, Shore stores have new ranges of style options reflecting the change of season and current trends. It’s more important than ever to support our local stores, designers and retailers. So, this month, we’ve been speaking to a range of stylish Shore trendsetters on what they love about what they wear, current and upcoming trend predictions, and where their personal style comes from.
Tendai Chitongo has a strong background in sport and a passion for all things style. The Devonport local now works in talent management after working in and playing cricket for many years – the former North Shore Cricket Club's spin bowling ace was Auckland Cricket Players’ Player of the year in 2022. Born in Zimbabwe, Tendai has lived in Cape Town, South Africa, and The Netherlands before settling in New Zealand. This means he approaches style and trends with an international lens and enjoys a range of global labels. Tendai shares his spring fashion predictions, including the rise of purple and denim.
What spring/summer trends do you foresee this year?
It looks like the baggy men’s trousers are bouncing back into fashion, as are suits with no shirt or a t-shirt underneath. And double denim.
Are there any colours that you see being big this season?
Shades of purple, definitely – all shades of purple, and emerald green.
What items do you have on your wish list this season?
Haha, it has to be a purple suit on the list for me. I am very specific on the shade of purple, too.
Who is your personal style inspiration? Why do they inspire you?
I love the boldness of Usher Raymond, in his fashion sense. Michael B Jordan is another one. Look him up.
Outside of fashion, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside of fashion, I love making cocktails. Especially after a relaxed day at the beach.
Where do you shop?
I like the variety of combining both international and local labels. I get a lot of clothing from Aussie and the UK.
Jude Turner is the proud owner of Crave, the expertly curated homewares and gift store in Birkenhead. Jude is married to Don and mother to Avery, David and their dog, Max. Family is a huge part of Jude’s life; Avery graduated from Otago in May and is back at home working in the city with her dream job, David is nearing the end of his second year of a BCom at Otago and her husband Don has a native tree nursery in Matakana, so life is pretty busy! With a background in marketing, PR and fundraising, Jude says she’s fortunate to be doing something she absolutely loves operating Crave. Jude talks to Channel about supporting local retail and her trend predictions for spring.
What do you currently have in store that you think will prove popular this season?
A lot of our summer collections are beginning to arrive, including our summer fashion, so we know that as soon as the weather warms up, every pretty dress we have will be flying out the door. Beyond fashion, we have also just taken delivery of our ever-popular chilly bins and are waiting on the arrival of a beautiful new collection of melamine serving ware, ideal for outdoor dining.
Are there any colours that you see being big this season?
Not so much, I think we’re less trend-driven these days. Using neutrals as a base and adding accent colours in cushions or glassware is a great way to bring in whatever colour is popular in terms of home style. But with fashion, I’ve seen fuchsia pink, cobalt blue, emerald green and orange sitting alongside tan, white and black. Go with whatever feels right to you.
Who is your personal style inspiration? Why do they inspire you?
On a truly aspirational level, I adore everything that Cate Blanchett wears. It’s always right, right now. She’s unafraid of different silhouettes and her red carpet outfits are flawless. In terms of a more attainable style, I get inspired through TikTok and making my wardrobe work in different ways.
Outside of fashion, what do you enjoy doing?
We have had some family babies arrive this year and I have dug out my crochet hook and made a couple of beautiful little blankets. I’m currently working on a large crochet patchwork blanket for Avery. We also love eating out, having fun with friends and getting away for the weekend.
How important is local support for retail right now?
It’s hugely important. As the country recovers from the Covid years, it’s clear that households are under incredible pressure with their finances. I know of a number of small businesses that are really struggling so I would just encourage people to support their local stores in whatever way they can. That might be through liking or sharing posts on Facebook or recommending their favourite stores to friends. We all value our customers and every sale helps us to continue doing what we love.
Visit Crave: 30 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626 or shop online at cravehome.co.nz
Trudi Bennett is an experienced stylist and personal shopper. She started her personal style consultancy, Wardrobe Flair, in 2005 after discovering a huge market of men and women unhappy with their personal and professional wardrobe. She offers styling services at Milford Mall and focuses on giving practical, down-to-earth advice and tools to help people make wise, logical shopping decisions based on their body, budget and lifestyle. Originally from Wellington, Trudi has a background as a fashion contributor, public speaker, and in tv and radio. She travelled the world during her 20s and came back to New Zealand to have her two children, now aged 19 and 21. She’s lived in Auckland for nine years and loves living and working on the North Shore. Trudi answers a range of spring style questions and tells Channel what’s on her wishlist.
What spring trends do you foresee this year?
There’s a bit of everything for everyone this spring, which is always refreshing. Long unstructured, lightweight dresses and flowing maxi skirts are going to remain a strong trend, as will loose-fitting wide-leg trousers. Flatter footwear – whether it’s platform sneakers, chunky strappy sandals or ballet slippers – keeps the focus towards comfort and ease-of-wear.
The ‘90s era remains an overall strong trend inspiration with cargo pants and slip dresses being popular. Denim with details will be in stores, with a mix of both longer style skirts and minis, plus shorts, denim jackets and shirts. Matching sets have been around for the last season and will continue with spring session versions. This can be suits, or unstructured matching top and bottoms. The juxtaposition trend of blending feminine with masculine, or delicate and floaty with chunky is key. Think of a frilly feminine skirt and black, chunky combat boots. Mix soft feminine silhouettes with bigger, oversized more structured pieces adding a twist of edginess is the perfect amount of contrast to make a statement.
Are there any colours you see being big this season?
We are still seeing ‘Barbie pink’ as a key colour this season, as well as kelly green. Expect to see more red and different types of greens, like apple, filtering down. You’ll also have a good base of neutrals this season with lots of creams, stone and grey.
What products or items do you have on your wish list this season?
I’ve got some chunky neutral sandals on my wish list, as well as a lightweight but longer style denim skirt and another couple of colourful long summer dresses. I also can’t get enough of wide leg trousers, which are so comfortable after the many years of
skinny jeans!
Who is your personal style inspiration? Why do they inspire you?
Iris Apfel is a style icon who I admire the most, she’s just turned 102! She proves that age doesn’t matter when it comes to style, and she inspires me because she is 100% authentic in her styling. She wears what makes her happy and that confidence is essentially why I became a stylist. I love to help men and women be the very best they can be, with what they have. It’s not ever about trying to be someone else or looking younger, it’s about being you, expressing yourself and feeling when you leave the house, you look great and feel confident.
Outside of fashion, what do you enjoy doing?
I love being outdoors. Nature is a complete balm for me, whether it’s reading in the sun, walking with friends, e-biking around the Shore, eating outside or swimming in the sea. I love to cook and enjoy eating out and exploring different foods and wines with friends and family. Music is also something I really love. I go to quite a few concerts. My next three are Post Malone, The Weekend and, in February, I’m off to Taylor Swift in Sydney with my daughter.
How important is local support for retail/labels right now?
A strong part of my styling ethos is to shop mindfully and support local. People are coming around to this way of thinking, that it’s better to buy considered quality pieces that you’ll wear, love and re-style for a long time, versus fast, cheap fashion. Covid had a huge impact on retail and New Zealand labels and so our support is very much needed.
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Fashion and beauty stylist Michiko Hylands is North Shore born and bred. She lives in Birkenhead with her husband, 11 year-old twins, 20 year-old stepson and their rescue puppy. With a background in tv, Michiko has worked in Sydney at Channel 10 and as style director at TVNZ, dressing presenters and running the make-up department. These days, Michiko works as a stylist and a make-up artist on various projects, often with New Zealand celebrities. She loves making people look and feel amazing! Michiko answers Channel’s questions about dressing for spring and where she finds inspiration.
What spring/summer trends do you foresee this year?
There is a plethora of spring trends to be inspired by! As always, you can never go wrong with spring florals. American Vogue editor Anna Wintour famously said, “Florals for spring? Ground-breaking!” However, florals always bring a fresh and feminine feeling and there’s always something for everyone. I love to wear florals and colour block with them. Bold colour always makes a statement and makes your outfit pop! The denim-on-denim trend remains strong. Double denim is often called the ‘Canadian Tuxedo’ and, when done right, it can look incredibly chic. Metallics are huge again this season and all-out silver pieces are bound to turn heads. If it’s all too much, try elements of metallic accessories to jazz up your wardrobe game. Transparent and semi-sheer looks abound – think boudoir style but always done in a chic and sophisticated way. The ‘90s silhouette continues its long reign with elongated lines, as well as looks to create Grecian goddess-style drapery.
Are there any colours that you see being big this season?
Fire engine red is a strong and powerful colour and is a great choice for the upcoming party season ahead! Get into the blue this spring with all sorts of sea tones ranging from aqua, ice blue and sapphire. This ties in nicely with the mermaid core trend – ocean colours and mermaid-inspired silhouettes.
Which items do you have on your wish list this season?
My wish list for this spring and must-haves are:
Who is your personal style inspiration? Why do they inspire you?
My personal style inspiration is my fabulous fashionista mum, Masako. She is quite well-known in Auckland for her incredible style. She always looks amazing and has a wonderful way of choosing colours and style and making her look unique. She also has a beautiful collection of vintage pieces that give me so much joy and never-ending inspiration. I adore vintage and pre-loved treasures. You’ll often find me in op-shops! It's the thrill of the find, finding something unique, plus it’s a great choice for the planet! I’m all for sustainable style.
Outside of fashion, what do you enjoy doing?
I love going for walks with my dog and enjoying nature. Whether it is at a local reserve, park or at the beach, this is my happy place where I can recharge my batteries and mentally decompress from a busy week.
How important is local support for retail/labels right now?
It is so important to support local retailers and New Zealand labels right now, more than ever before. After Covid, so many businesses suffered and it has been so tough for them. I try to choose local brands over those from overseas. It’s great to buy beautifully made, considered pieces that stand the test of time over fast fashion from chain stores.
