We interview one of our New Zealand stockists this week, the gorgeous Tessa from Bambini in Wellington. Love our chat below and her insights into incredible NZ designers and shopping tips in Wellington! Check out her beautiful store online and hopefully soon, when this madness is over, we can get to New Zealand and visit her favourite haunts, and even bump into their amazing Prime Minister, Jacinda, who lives 7 minutes from the store!
Tell us a little bit about Bambini NZ in beautiful Wellington, it’s direction and how you started….
Bambini started out from a passion for children’s clothing, from a young age I knew it was the industry I wanted to be in. I was 18 when I started working in the store now known as Bambini, it was my first and only full time job! After 5 years working for the previous owner and in ways already treating it like it was my own baby, she offered to sell it to me. We are now a family run business, my mum, dad and brother all have different strengths which we bring together to make Bambini amazing. 3 years on and our values remain the same, bringing high quality, ethical clothing that kids love wearing. What makes us stand out in Wellington is our exceptional customer service, we have an amazing team who are so knowledgable and hugely committed to our carefully chosen brands, in fact half of our team started off as customers buying for their own kids.
We feel like New Zealand is always so forward in design and creativity, you have brought so many amazing talented designers to the world including Karen Walker and the amazing Maggie Marilyn, who is making a huge difference in sustainable and considered fashion. Are there any NZ childrenswear labels that you want to share that are on a similar path?
Yes we are proud to have so much talent coming from little NZ! We have some beautiful brands who specialise in merino garments, Merino Kids is one of our favourites known for their amazing baby sleeping bag and award winning swaddle wrap called The Cocooi. NZ made Lamington socks, these socks are famous in NZ for staying on babies feet, unlike most socks which they kick off! Therm designs Eco Friendly rain jackets made from 100% Recycled rPET Fabric - created from used plastic products. Another kiwi favourite is Nature Baby, they design the softest clothing for babies and toddlers made from certified organic cotton. It is important to us that the clothes we stock at Bambini are of the highest quality and can be passed down through generations.
You have an incredible collection of brands from clothing to books to toys. What have been the most popular items as the world has moved through the most recent changes?
Yes we like to think of ourselves as a one stop shop for kids in Wellington! We have sent out so many pairs of Crywolf gumboots, all over the country! That was our top selling item online, also Bobux shoes, organic pyjamas, newborn baby clothing and rain jackets! It sounds like kiwi kids have grown a lot over the last 2 months, we have been hearing that on a daily basis! Suddenly all their long trousers are up to their ankles and they have gone up a shoe size! Our weekends have been filled up with back to back shoe fittings.
Shopping local is becoming more and more important as we support small business and people shop differently. Tell us about your local area, your favourite shops, cafes and local tips in Wellington.
A staff treat is morning buns from The Goods cafe, which is a 10 min walk from our store, They do the best coffee, fresh sourdough and the most delicious pastries! Jacinda, our Prime Minister lives within 7 minutes walk from our store, I live on the same road as her and often spot her out walking with her family. Caughley is a stunning boutique in Guznee Street, they stock Maggie Marilyn, Whynn Hamlyn, Standard Issue and many other beautiful NZ labels. We are also big fans of KowTow, Wellington designed sustainable womenswear.
What are your favourite Peggy Winter pieces in store at the moment?
I have lots of favourites! The Eta Shirt in blue would have to be my absolute favourite, it has such beautiful embroidered detailing and the Harper Skirt in coral is stunning! I love how it flows and is made from such soft tulle. The Billie Dress is amazingly soft too and looks great with a merino long sleeve layered underneath and the Fifi tights in mustard.
