that was then, this is now.











Monday11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Tuesday10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Wednesday9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Thursday9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Friday9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Saturday9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Sunday11:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Walking through the doors of that was then, this is now feels a bit like stepping into a perfectly distilled version of Cuba Street’s spirit: textured, effortlessly cool, and a little bit punk rock. Every item here has been handpicked by the owners, who’ve poured their personal style, knowledge, and enthusiasm into every corner of the store. The result is a retail space that feels like an old friend’s flat, only cleaner, sharper, and with much better denim.
It’s a place of contrasts, and the team has made smart use of the layout to create a practical and versatile space. The textured, pitch-black storefront leads you seamlessly into a clean, well-organised clothing shop on the ground floor, with the white brick walls letting the racks, shelves, and cabinets take centre stage. Head on upstairs and you’ll find an entire barbershop because a good fade is often what takes an outfit to the next level.
Take your time perusing the hard-to-find, small-scale independent brands that celebrate craftsmanship and quality. Japanese denim heavyweights, such as Sugarcane and Samurai, sit alongside UK workwear icons, Universal Works, and Americana classics like 3sixteen and RGT. The carefully expanded womenswear range brings labels like Girls of Dust and W’menswear into the mix, delivering strong silhouettes and bold, wearable statements. Every piece has a story, and the team is always keen to share the background behind the fabrics and the makers.
From the socks on your feet to the product in your hair, the team at that was then, this is now is genuinely invested in making sure you leave feeling great. This isn’t just a shop, it’s a full-on Cuba precinct experience: curated, charismatic, and effortlessly Wellington.
Words by John Son & Photography by Anna Briggs
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
57 Ghuznee St, Te Aro, Wellington
Nearby Places
Monsoon Poon Wellington

Providing nourishment in abundance (as the name would suggest), Wellington’s Monsoon Poon has been a Blair Street fixture for a quarter of a century and counting.
Garage Project

Situated in an old petrol station in the Aro Valley, Garage Project’s vibe is all about producing experimental beers in a perfect, yet unexpected setting.
Bicycle Junction

Catching on to the retro cycles trend, the clever people behind Bicycle Junction's new neighbourhood bikery, describe themselves as “Urban Specialists.”
Preloved Charlies

Preloved Charlies on Wellington’s Victoria Street is a burst of glitter, nostalgia, and unapologetic fun, a place where Y2K dreams, sustainable style, and community...
Similar Places
Wonderland Chocolate

Evoking the spirit of a long-lost local amusement park, Wonderland Chocolate brings something truly magical to Wellington’s Lyall Bay and beyond: plant-based vegan...
Kai Tahi

Porirua is well-known as a proud harbour city, with its glistening waters an indelible part of its social and aesthetic identity.
Zelati

From the texture to the rich, bright flavours, their range of sorbet and gelato offerings are impressive on the palate and pleasing to the eye.
Deadly Ponies

Deadly Ponies have delivered collection after collection of iconic leather goods, each with its own personality.

