Jazzy Manerva

Turns out the people of Gisborne have really great wardrobes. That’s our immediate impression anyway, after walking into this beautiful consignment shop giving the corner of Harris Street and Wainui Road a glow-up.

The beauty of Jazzy Manerva is in its flawless curation, the work of owner Sarah Buckley who has 11 years of retail experience as a stylist and window dresser. She has an incredible gift for picking out pre-loved treasures and creating a display to rival any world-class boutique. Unlike the clutter and chaos of everyday opshops, garments are all freshly cleaned and intentionally placed on racks in the company of complementary colours and patterns. Everything looks as good as new, it’s easy to forget you’re surrounded by second-hand. 

In between the floral dresses, polished shoes, leather bags and pure wool coats, Sarah makes the store her own with eccentric peacocks popping up in different pockets, thrifted antique furniture, retro decor and golden tasselled lampshades hanging over the changing rooms. They know how to have fun here.

Jazzy Manerva started out as a small market stall, which was so successful that Sarah felt confident to bring the consignment model to Gisborne in a more permanent retail space. This is the first place locals come when clearing out their closets, hoping that the pieces that no longer serve them (or were purchased on a whim) are worn and adored by someone else for years to come. There’s also the added bonus of making a few bob from each sale – whether you’ll pocket the change or put it towards that stunning second-hand dress that just happens to be your size, the jury’s still out.

It’s places like these that make us wonder why we’d ever need – or want – to shop new again. Jazzy Manerva shines a spotlight on the best of pre-loved fashion, inspiring us to make more conscious wardrobe choices without sacrificing our expression of style.