Welcome to the second of our Canvas series, Editor’s Pick. You may remember that our first pick was the boutique music festival St Jerome’s Laneway, which wrapped up its east and west coast Australian tour mid-February with much success.
This time we’re bringing you a boutique of another kind. We are very fortunate to be working in a medium that allows us to work with people on all sides of the globe. On our recent travels to Wellington, not too far internationally from our magazine’s base, we came across the wonderful concept store Good As Gold. Blending fashion, design and literature this is one of those boutique stores where you could lazily waste your hours devouring international brands and local design talent.
New Zealand is sometimes overlooked in terms of its fashion presence, aside from the standout Karen Walker, however just a little over four years ago saw Ruben Bryant hit Wellington with his “super shop experience”, Good as Gold. Although run and operated by Ruben and partner Ashlee, the boutique definitely hosts a range of influences from his creative upbringing; degree in graphic designer – check. Mother as a homegrown seamstress – check. Sister with her own label in the nineties – check. Father as an architect – check. We are, as they say, a product of our environment which is clearly evident in Ruben’s case.
The store consists of over 50 carefully handpicked labels, with preference given to those with something a bit special. To find these great brands takes a lot of time, effort and globetrotting, seeing Ruben and Ashlee visiting Tokyo, Berlin, Copenhagen, Paris, New York City and Vancouver to scout some of the best shops and brands around the world. All this international inspiration definitely gives credit to Wellington’s recent sense of style with, as Reuben quotes, “…Some very cool cats (about). It’s pretty relaxed here, but people are not afraid to try or push new styles”.
You’ll be glad to know that there are ideas for expansion with Ruben keen to open other stores. They’re even working on a new label called Thank Goodness which will have a great website with a web-shop for those who can’t make it to NZ in person. For now though, it’s important for Good as Gold to continue with their ideas for the Wellington boutique with Ruben aiming to improve the service, grab new brands and launch better parties.
You can find the store on 140 Victoria Street, Wellington, New Zealand.
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