The delight of finding a city’s under-the-radar spots needn’t be reserved for those passing through. When it comes to shopping experiences that are different from the norm, Auckland is home to a plethora of local fashion labels, but some are easier to find than others. Meadowlark’s jewellery studio, Georgia Jay’s handbag atelier and the new showroom and store from That Looks are all tucked away in unexpected places around the city, and worth seeking out.

Georgia Jay
Since 2015, designer Georgia Davison has won fans with her line of practical yet playful leather handbags, pouches and wallets made from butter-soft dead stock leather.

Through a door in the central Auckland suburb of Eden Terrace, then up a staircase (part of the same building as the almost 100-year-old repair shop Gemmell’s), is an open studio with high ceilings and large windows overlooking the street. The Georgia Jay pieces on display are all handmade by Davison and her team (which includes her sister Ruby) in the adjacent workroom.

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The space is peaceful and, according to Davison, it’s the only place where you can see the entire range in person. You might even find a one-off piece in an experimental colour or shape that hasn’t made it online or into production. Slight alterations are offered for customers that visit the studio – nothing too drastic, but if you wanted a different lining or a special bag for a wedding, this serene studio is the place to inquire.
Address: Upstairs 191b Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010

Hours: Tue to Fri, 10am–5pm, Sat 10am–2pm

That Looks
Becca Haeger opened a bricks-and-mortar showroom in February, after four years running her multi-label fashion store, That Looks, online. Haeger began That Looks as a side project, she says, because she loved styling and putting outfits together.

Initially, she stocked many of her friends’ fashion labels – including Frisson Knits and Mars – before expanding the roster to include a range of exciting up-and-coming independent designers, mostly from New Zealand. Haeger’s showroom, just off Karangahape Road, also doubles as her apartment. Measuring a total of 70 square metres, it’s tiny – but somehow, it doesn’t feel either poky or like you’ve just walked into someone’s bedroom.

Haeger and her friendly labradoodle, Willa, provide a warm welcome, and custom fittings by local metal fabricator Saint Leo are slick additions to the space. Haeger describes the physical manifestation of That Looks as “half showroom, half shop”, with some pieces made to order.

It’s important to Haeger that she’s able to offer exclusives from the labels she stocks, and she often collaborates with New Zealand and Australian designers to create special edition garments and accessories you won’t find anywhere else. “I don’t like buying something and knowing I’ll bump into someone at a party wearing it,” she tells us. This ethos certainly carries through to That Looks’ own collection, with the kind of pieces you won’t find in many wardrobes.
Address: 312D Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Hours: Fri & Sat, 10am–6pm

Meadowlark
Meadowlark founders Claire Hammon and Greg Fromont have been designing some of Aotearoa’s most beloved jewellery pieces since 2006. Press the buzzer to gain entry to their showroom, located above a scooter shop on busy Newton Road. Marked only by a red door and low-key Meadowlark signage beside it, from the outside it could be mistaken for just another office.

Inside, the showroom is testament to Hammon’s interest in design more broadly; it’s filled with iconic furniture pieces and a couple of striking works by local artists. Try on a necklace while gazing at your reflection in a wavy, illuminated Ultrafragola mirror – the famous 1970s design by Italian architect Ettore Sottsass. Take a seat on the genre-defying (and unexpectedly comfortable) Ekstrem chair by Norwegian designer Terje Ekstrom. And admire a painting by New Zealand-born, LA-based artist Emma McIntyre. Even the custom counter is impressive – a limestone creation by Melbourne-based brand Den Holm.

People come to Meadowlark’s showroom to take their time and have a more in-depth experience, says Hammon. She wants it to feel like it’s a welcoming, comfortable space for everyone, no matter your reason for being there – whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or just having a browse. “Our motto is there [are] no rules when it comes to jewellery.”
Address: Level 1, 5 Newton Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Hours: Tue to Sat, 11am–4pm

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