Kiwi chic: Auckland's thriving boutique culture

By Tanya Jensen-Hawver
Travel + Leisure

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(Travel + Leisure) -- Once known mainly for wine and sailboats, Auckland has recently undergone a style makeover. Owing to financial support from the city and a vogue for renovating historic buildings, the town is now home to a lively boutique scene.

In its newly anointed style neighborhoods -- Newmarket and Ponsonby among them -- you'll find shop after shop offering everything from one-of-a-kind, design-driven clothes and furnishings to vintage time pieces, contemporary art and gourmet chocolates. The best news? Most won't give you couture sticker shock. Below, we spotlight the town's top addresses. (Auckland hotel guide)

Fashion

A former barrister-turned-fashion guru, Fenella Becroft's Hepburn boutique pays homage to Katharine Hepburn's style, or what it might be in the 21st century. Becroft's picks include knits from Tokyo-based cult label Sacai (designed by a Comme des Garçons alum) as well as Yohji Yamamoto, Un-Demi, Antipast and Cacharel. 186A Ponsonby Rd., Ponsonby; 64-9/361-5387.

Don't be fooled by World's civilized ambience: inside a 1920s concert hall, you'll find high-drama tailored club wear. Not your style? Look for rare vintage accessories, like Chanel fur cuffs and Prada coin purses. 57 High St., Center; 64-9/373-3034; www.worldbrand.co.nz.

Business is booming for Karen Walker, the country's most famous designer, who recently revamped her boutiques around town. But it's at her Newmarket flagship that celebs and fashion addicts swoop up her high-waisted pants, sweater dresses and tailored jackets in offbeat colors. Check out her menswear, only available here, as well as Swanndri, a venerable, countrified Kiwi label that got a stylish update from Walker. 6 Balm St., Newmarket; 64-9/522-4286; www.karenwalker.com.

Dapper designer Murray Crane of Crane Brothers houses his smartly tailored suits and shirts, vintage shades and cuff links, and bespoke services in a setting worthy of an old-world gentleman -- hardwood ûoors, antique glass cabinets and leather club chairs. De Bretts Hotel, 2--4 High St., Center; 64-9/377-5333; www.crane-brothers.com.

Interior design

Lighten up your look with Eon Design Centre's hypermodern lighting by native David Trubridge, luxe linens and outdoor furniture -- with international shipping to boot. 20 Beaumont St., Freemans Bay; 64-9/368-4860; www.eon.co.nz.

Art

Gow Langsford Gallery in Auckland's arts district showcases emerging and established contemporary artists -- New Zealanders Colin McCahon, Karl Maughan and Shane Cotton, as well as Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly. St. James Bldg., Kitchener and Wellesley Sts., Center; 64-9/303-4290; www.gowlangsfordgallery.com.

Accessories

Founded by artisans, Fingers represents over 40 New Zealand jewelry designers and carries everything from wedding bands to quirky sculptural pendants. Look for Roy Mason's ornate rings in pink gold. 2 Kitchener St., Center; 64-9/373-3974; www.fingers.co.nz.

Vintage

Stephen Richardson's store, Cognoscenti, is a vintage treasure trove -- as the owner calls it, "a toy shop for the man who has everything." Pick up a 1950s Rolex, a 17th-century sea chart, or a present-day souvenir, such as a portrait painting by Kiwi native John Appleton. Don't miss the racks of menswear designed by Richardson's son (also named Stephen). 279 Parnell Rd., Parnell; 64-9/303-2186; www.cognoscenti.co.nz.

Sweets

Watch the team at Devonport Chocolates handcraft gourmet confections in their factory out back. There are dozens of varieties to choose from, but locals swear by the chocolate trufûe log, which comes with one of sixteen centers -- brandy and ginger, port and prune and espresso among them. 17 Wynyard St., Devonport; 64-9/445-6001.

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