One of New Zealand’s most established and successful high-end fashion labels Sills + Co is adding to its stable of boutiques with the opening of a concept store in Wanaka.

Recognised as a brand that skilfully blends timeless style and sophistication with decadent, high-quality fabrics Sills + Co is the overarching label created by award-winning fashion designer Caroline Sills nearly 40 years ago.

Marketing manager Rebecca Garcia Huston says that with five boutiques already located in premium locations around the country, expansion into Wanaka was not really on the radar.

“Originally Queenstown was the focus for a new store location as our clothing labels had not been represented there for several years. But while we undertook site visits, we were directed to the Wanaka area and fell in love.”

“Wanaka is such a beautiful, picturesque place so we were very mindful to design a store that the locals could be proud of,” she says. “Our other five outlets are also destination stores – slightly out of the way but worth the visit.”

Rebecca says the stores inspire people to invest in their wardrobe and home with everything from stunning cashmere jumpers and silk camisoles to crystal lamps and curated live potted plants.

“At the heart of the Sills + Co brand philosophy is authenticity, effortless style and easy-going living. Caroline Sills is the brand’s premium label, while the Sills aesthetic of timeless simplicity resonates perfectly with today’s casualisation of fashion. The powerhouse labels are perfectly complemented by ISAAC + LULU, the youngest range which is referred to in-house as the ‘playful younger sister.’”

The seasonal collections of the three distinct labels are designed in Auckland by head designer Ange Pascariu in collaboration with Caroline Sills. Most of the brand’s knitwear is made in New Zealand, with the balance produced offshore taking advantage of technologies not available locally.

The autumn 2020 collection includes exquisite pieces such as cashmere and merino knits, pure wool coats, exclusive prints from French mills, elegant trench coats and hand-woven pashmina scarves from Nepal.

Rebecca says exciting drops of fresh new garments – as well as homewares and ready-to-take-home plants – arrive in store every two or three weeks.

“We want to make sure that our regular customers always have something new to see and be inspired by. Our focus on service is also something that’s extremely important to us, from our loyalty scheme to our personalised styling service and VIP events by our Wanaka manager Nan Broughton and her team. We want to make sure that everyone who steps through our door comes away feeling so good about their experience that they want to spread the word.”