The Shelter

There’s a new way of doing business here in Auckland, a collaborative shared space drill that seems to save on risk, worry and premature closures; friends and foes unite with the similar goal of success. And, just like a model student, The Shelter perfectly executes this new style of shopping.

Situated just off Ponsonby Road, The Shelter brings to New Zealand forward-thinking international designers like Maison Margelia side-by-side with our very own wonders such as Jimmy D, a homewares section of a similar ethos, and then all tied off with their very own café, Eat at The Shelter.

From the staff, to the decor, the clothes and the coffee, everything has a collaborative purpose and sense of being to it. The duo from BMD painted the café’s feature wall with their signature doodles, while the coffee cups and saucers are available for sale in the homewares area. Enjoy a Best Ugly Bagel or some of the Midnight Baker’s Freedom Loaf with wholesome toppings like cumin pumpkin mash and goats feta, or one of their house made salads.

Creative Director, Vicki Taylor (from Taylor Boutique) wanted to create a space that allowed the shopper a full experience, as well as introducing to the New Zealand market a luxurious and minimalist fashion destination. “I had seen stores (like this) in places like France, and we didn’t have anything like it here,” she says of the space, “we are giving New Zealand designers a chance to sit next to some of the best labels in the world.”