With Bird based in Auckland and Knoll in Sydney, we have a pretty good idea of the best hot spots in both cities – where to get your coffee, sip your cocktail, get your retail therapy and buy your Bird and Knoll. One of our newest stockists in Auckland is fashion and lifestyle concept store, Maman. Co-founded by sisters Emma Main and Kate Boyden in 2015, we sat down with these very on-trend mamas for their insiders guide to Auckland and a few other great style tips.
Emma Main and Kate Boyden – sisters and co-founders of Maman
BK: Tell us about the inspiration behind the boutique. How was Maman born?
EM: We had long yearned for our own business and had often talked about setting up a boutique with our mum years ago. Sadly, we lost our dear mother to a rare illness 18 months ago but through this loss has come a new growth and we have gone on to fulfil our dream knowing that this is what she would have wanted. It feels like she is doing this with us – many of her friends and former clients pop in daily to say hello. It has been a very cathartic journey for us.
Mum was a very stylish woman – growing up we dressed up in her fantastic heels from America, leather jackets from Italy and accessories and beautiful bags from France. She has always been the driving force behind everything we have done. “Feel the fear and do it anyway” was a big mantra of hers – her lasting gift to us was the advice to follow your dreams and turn them into reality and so Maman was born.
“Feel the fear and do it anyway” was a big mantra of hers – her lasting gift to us was the advice to follow your dreams and turn them into reality and so Maman was born.
BK: How would you describe your style?
KB: Casual chic with a twist. Effortless style that is all about good quality basics layered with luxurious accessories. I truly believe in investing in quality fabrics such as good 100% cottons, cashmeres, silks, leather – predominantly natural fibres. A beautiful unique cut can also make the difference. An ideal outfit is to throw on a pair of HOT jeans, a beautiful quality cotton tee, a classic jacket, Bird and Knoll scarf and a killer pair of boots/heels and VOILA!
BK: What do you think typical Auckland/NZ style is?
EM: They seem to have their own specific style which means they would never be fighting over the same pair of shoes. There’s definitely an awareness and love for international labels and appreciation for design, unique styles, quality fabric. New Zealanders aren’t afraid to experiment and wear stand out pieces. Style with an inventive twist!
BK: What is your ideal capsule wardrobe?
EM: A beautiful pair of tailored pants from Matin, Frances Hendrie tee or a silk shirt by Equipment, Meandher oxfords, classic IRO jacket, jewellery By Charlotte and a Bird and Knoll scarf…my pick this season is MEXICO!
New Zealanders aren’t afraid to experiment and wear stand out pieces. Style with an inventive twist!
BK: Who are the new designers to watch out for?
KB: Ulla Johnson, Raquel Allegra, Meandher (all exclusive to Maman in Auckland), Frances Hendrie and Matin.
BK: Your favourite NZ designers?
KB: Marle – for amazing knitwear. This label is made up of wardrobe essentials with timeless yet unconventional deals for women with a discerning eye. Tolga Bay Cashmere – Superior cashmere, feather light and luxuriously warm!
BK: Give us your insiders guide to Auckland
BARS
EM: Our local bar – Laneway (Clonbern Road, Service Lane, Remuera, Auckland 1062 +64 9-520 2900) Al the bartender there makes a mean cocktail. Saan in Ponsonby – interior lust right there!
Saan in Ponsonby, Auckland
RESTAURANT
KB: Al Brown’s Depot – hands down!
Al Brown’s Depot
COFFEE SHOP
KB: The Remuera Local and 4&20 Bakery – amazing staff, delicious food and sensational coffee!
SHOPPING
EM:
- Design Quarter for the unique and luxurious
- Indie Home Collective for interior pieces – after a recent trip to South Africa I fell in love with their craftsmanship. Beautiful clay chandeliers, mud cloth cushion covers, skins, juju hats, beaded boxes…I’m huge on texture and unique patterns.
DAY TRIP
KB: Jump on a ferry and head over to Waiheke for a beautiful morning walk followed by a long, lazy afternoon lunch at Poderi Crisci.
BK: Ok, quickfire questions –
- Your must have pair of jeans –
- KB: Paige Margot (super high rise skinny) – so comfy and good for slender shapely bod.
- Your must have boots –
- KB: Anine Bing Bianca boot in black with silver studs
- Your must have jacket –
- EM: This season’s Ceren jacket by IRO
- Your must have dress –
- KB: Ulla Johnson Carissa dress in Jet
- Your must have jewels –
- EM: Flower of Life ring in gold – By Charlotte; Gold Star bracelet By Charlotte and Gold Knot necklace by Jaclyn Mayer
- Your must have bag –
- KB: Medium Ortensia bag in taupe by Meli Melo
- That little something special –
- EM: Bird and Knoll cashmere-blend scarf – Mexico – the hues are so gorgeous and j’adore cashmere!
That little something special – Bird and Knoll cashmere-blend scarf – Mexico – the hues are so gorgeous
