Two years ago, Anna McRitchie realised her vision for a boutique dedicated to New Zealand fashion with the opening of her store Lily & Esther, in Clyde.

The Holloway Street store connects people with unique New Zealand designer fashion, eyewear, shoes and jewellery in one place.

“It was a dream come true to create Lily & Esther and as a fashion and shoe aficionado myself,  fun to bring many of my favourite designers together under one roof,” says Anna.

“My motivation was to work with key New Zealand designers that have an appealing brand aesthetic. It was hard to narrow down the choice, but as a small boutique, I wanted to focus on high-quality workmanship, design and finish and that has certainly resonated with customers.”

Lily & Esther are stockists of Juliette Hogan, Company of Strangers, Twenty-Seven Names, Kowtow, Standard Issue, Lela Jacobs, and Staple + Cloth. Shoes by Chaos & Harmony add to the exclusive kiwi design mix along with Yu Mei bags and eyewear by Age Eyewear and Karen Walker.

“So many people come into the store looking for a specific designer that they know are tried and true or exactly their style,” says Anna. “Certainly, Kowtow with its sustainability ethos and Twenty-Seven Names are very much in demand and Age Eyewear seems to be having a big fashion moment this season.”

Celebrating two years in business, Anna recently expanded with an online store that has been an immediate success.

“It’s great to extend the Lily & Esther experience to those who don’t live locally. We have a lot of overseas women and visitors to the region shopping here and it’s nice to be able to offer our designer collections to them when they get home. We have our full summer range online from shorts and skirts to tops, pants, dresses and shoes plus the eyewear and beautiful George & Edi candles made in Wanaka.”

“Locals are also choosing to shop both instore and online as often when time is limited it’s easier to order online and receive a package direct to the door.”

Anna says it’s hugely rewarding to be part of Clyde’s eclectic retail shopping mix.

“I have loved developing the business here. The village has a vibrant mix of shops, cafes, award-winning restaurants and boutique accommodation and is increasingly popular for day visits and weekend stays.”