My Home Town Auckland Interview with Stephanie King from Painted Bird
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The My Home Town guides love showcasing businesses that support and promote the sustainable economy. With the garment manufacturing industry being the second-biggest consumer of water, generating around 20 percent of the world’s wastewater, releasing half a million tons of synthetic microfibres into the ocean annually and being responsible for 8-10% of global carbon emissions, it's vital that shoppers start seeing vintage and 'new-to-you' clothing as an ethical and joyful alternative to the mainstream and making conscious fashion choices that don't harm people or the planet. Stephanie first began wearing vintage when she went hairdressing in the late 80s and as she says "When you are earning just over $4 an hour as an apprentice in the fashion industry - you get even more creative with your dollars when it comes to buying clothes!". Stephanie now owns the beautiful vintage boutique Painted Bird in Milford on Auckland's North Shore. Painted Bird’s range of genuine vintage clothing from across the decades, along with current on-trend ethically made accessories, offers timeless style that can be incorporated into existing wardrobes. Painted Bird offers an exquisite blend of gorgeous, uniquely authentic items - fashion for “good’ - that promises to change the way you shop. We had a chat with Steph to find out how you can shop and care for vintage (spoiler alert, it involves old pillowcases!), what its like owning a store in a post-lockdown environment, how you can take part in Slow Fashion Season 2020 and a few secret local #myhometown tips. |
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Hi Steph, can you please tell us a little about your background in vintage clothing
I first began wearing vintage when I went hairdressing in the late 80s. When you are earning just over $4 an hour as an apprentice in the fashion industry, you get even more creative with your dollars when it comes to buying clothes! You hunt for ‘style over trends’ and this is still the basic premise I try to teach my clients.
My hairdressing apprenticeship was a kickstart for me to embrace a wider world of styling, so getting into personal styling was a natural transition. Helping my clients to dress as their true self is part of my passion for original vintage. I love to help my clients both in the store and in private styling sessions to see, use and value what we already have. I don’t think we need more ‘new’ to be created. There’s more on why I opened a vintage boutique on my blog.
What led to you owning a vintage boutique and styling business?
I started a vintage boutique for many reasons. One of the main ones though, is this; the clothes of decades gone by were so often created with careful craftsmanship and fantastic fabrics. Together, they served as a way to teach style and taste between generations. I love that clothes were not just ‘clothes’ on your back. They were pieces of your grandmother's knowledge, your mother’s insights, or your auntie’s flair; as well as possibly being a part of another person's history, lives and loves. To me, all that provenance is important in a piece of clothing.
Everyone should be able to have wonderful clothing that suits them and things that make you smile when you open your wardrobe. Beautiful garments that are within personal budget and reflective of your personal style. As a Sustainable Stylist, I aim to offer my clients ‘the best of the best’ when it comes to unique looks that do not harm our environment. Finding those pièce de résistance items can be a hurdle, so I filled my store to make it easy to start us all off!
I first began wearing vintage when I went hairdressing in the late 80s. When you are earning just over $4 an hour as an apprentice in the fashion industry, you get even more creative with your dollars when it comes to buying clothes! You hunt for ‘style over trends’ and this is still the basic premise I try to teach my clients.
My hairdressing apprenticeship was a kickstart for me to embrace a wider world of styling, so getting into personal styling was a natural transition. Helping my clients to dress as their true self is part of my passion for original vintage. I love to help my clients both in the store and in private styling sessions to see, use and value what we already have. I don’t think we need more ‘new’ to be created. There’s more on why I opened a vintage boutique on my blog.
What led to you owning a vintage boutique and styling business?
I started a vintage boutique for many reasons. One of the main ones though, is this; the clothes of decades gone by were so often created with careful craftsmanship and fantastic fabrics. Together, they served as a way to teach style and taste between generations. I love that clothes were not just ‘clothes’ on your back. They were pieces of your grandmother's knowledge, your mother’s insights, or your auntie’s flair; as well as possibly being a part of another person's history, lives and loves. To me, all that provenance is important in a piece of clothing.
Everyone should be able to have wonderful clothing that suits them and things that make you smile when you open your wardrobe. Beautiful garments that are within personal budget and reflective of your personal style. As a Sustainable Stylist, I aim to offer my clients ‘the best of the best’ when it comes to unique looks that do not harm our environment. Finding those pièce de résistance items can be a hurdle, so I filled my store to make it easy to start us all off!
How long have you been in business and what’s changed over the years?
I have been a Sustainable Stylist for the last 15 years, helping people who want to shop more thoughtfully, with a view of garment longevity or cost per wear. While I don’t expect my clients to dress like me, I love to help them find their own unique look that showcases their own personality. I believe budget is truly irrelevant when it comes to style. I don’t always believe brand bashing shows YOU - I think it more often shows a trend. The result of trends is now waste. I focus on helping those who want to shop smarter and therefore I believe - better.
I opened Painted Bird four years ago to compliment my existing personal styling business. I found while taking clients shopping, that it was increasingly difficult to find ‘good’ vintage. By this I mean original pieces that are not ripped, torn, stained or too ‘out there’ for daily looks. Costume is not what I promote - my store offers clothing you could wear any day of the week and not look out of place. I believe what I offer is just a bit of an indication of personality or quirk!
Most of the trends and new clothes are based on the eras I stock in store. I go to Europe and handpick wearable pieces for my customers and inspect with an ‘eagle eye’ and a stylist’s perspective. I pick from vintage suppliers and even they will say the well is running dry for ‘good’ vintage. I bring only what I believe will sell, so as not to promote landfill or increase the footprint of my business. There are many differences between original vintage and secondhand - one of which is that vintage only increases in value over time and its burgeoning scarcity is a real issue. Twenty years ago this was certainly not the case!
What do you love about owning a vintage boutique?
Oh let me count the ways! The glee on my customers' faces when they come into my store which is awash with colour. The camaraderie that anyone who walks in feels; it’s a shop where everyone is your new friend. I love the offering of honest and genuine styling advice to help customers on their way to a new mode of shopping. The conversations around style, construction and fabrics that the store incites. The ‘safe’ haven I have for my customers to try things they have never tried and would never choose for themselves. The discussions about body shapes, colours and dress shapes and how to make it work for the individual. Every day I meet new and wonderful people opening up to the world of vintage and secondhand as their first fashion options, embracing change and the results of having visited my store.
I have been a Sustainable Stylist for the last 15 years, helping people who want to shop more thoughtfully, with a view of garment longevity or cost per wear. While I don’t expect my clients to dress like me, I love to help them find their own unique look that showcases their own personality. I believe budget is truly irrelevant when it comes to style. I don’t always believe brand bashing shows YOU - I think it more often shows a trend. The result of trends is now waste. I focus on helping those who want to shop smarter and therefore I believe - better.
I opened Painted Bird four years ago to compliment my existing personal styling business. I found while taking clients shopping, that it was increasingly difficult to find ‘good’ vintage. By this I mean original pieces that are not ripped, torn, stained or too ‘out there’ for daily looks. Costume is not what I promote - my store offers clothing you could wear any day of the week and not look out of place. I believe what I offer is just a bit of an indication of personality or quirk!
Most of the trends and new clothes are based on the eras I stock in store. I go to Europe and handpick wearable pieces for my customers and inspect with an ‘eagle eye’ and a stylist’s perspective. I pick from vintage suppliers and even they will say the well is running dry for ‘good’ vintage. I bring only what I believe will sell, so as not to promote landfill or increase the footprint of my business. There are many differences between original vintage and secondhand - one of which is that vintage only increases in value over time and its burgeoning scarcity is a real issue. Twenty years ago this was certainly not the case!
What do you love about owning a vintage boutique?
Oh let me count the ways! The glee on my customers' faces when they come into my store which is awash with colour. The camaraderie that anyone who walks in feels; it’s a shop where everyone is your new friend. I love the offering of honest and genuine styling advice to help customers on their way to a new mode of shopping. The conversations around style, construction and fabrics that the store incites. The ‘safe’ haven I have for my customers to try things they have never tried and would never choose for themselves. The discussions about body shapes, colours and dress shapes and how to make it work for the individual. Every day I meet new and wonderful people opening up to the world of vintage and secondhand as their first fashion options, embracing change and the results of having visited my store.
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Why should people consider shopping 'new to you' rather than new clothing?
I am a maximalist and feel no guilt in having a lot of clothes if they are ‘good’ fashion. Buy as much vintage and secondhand / new-to-you (some are still new!) as you like and hold on to the really good pieces forever. Shopping is a part of our world economy and keeps things turning but, it is WHAT you buy that I feel is a choice that can be adapted.
I believe we have created enough clothing to have a world amnesty on production. Let the designers go back to short runs and exclusive lines. Where designing goes back to art rather than ‘trend’ and fast, fast, fast. If you visit a vintage store, you will see ‘one-off’ pieces as you would have seen in designer ateliers in the past. This is one of the reasons I believe New Zealand’s vintage sellers could think about trying to raise the bar to meet the rest of the world's value proposition. If you visit a secondhand store or charity, you will see they are filled with fast fashion, both new and used. They are a haven for online mistakes, clearouts of store ‘overs’ and a mass of poorly constructed garments. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes there are ‘gems’ but you really have to ‘kiss’ a few toads to find the prince (or princess) of garments!
When people visit your store, either online or 'in real life', what can they expect to find?
Original, high quality, premium vintage clothing, accessories and some new ethically made accessories. I don’t have secondhand clothes and only offer a mere smattering of reproduction. A lot of pieces have never been worn. They were collected because they are beautiful and at least over fifty years old to qualify as vintage. My store is filled with a curation from around the world. Like a Ming vase is secondhand - you could call ‘original vintage’ secondhand. I guess how you value a Ming vase is how I look at these garments - exquisite.
I personally go to Europe and handpick from my suppliers. I additionally offer a number of private collectors’ pieces from overseas. I also provide a space for New Zealanders to bring their treasured vintage pieces for resale with me. It is my mission to try to save, to showcase, to raise the bar. I offer high-end premium vintage to anyone who wants to wear clothing that is timeless, sustainable, ethical and comes with a personal stylist tick of approval!
I am a maximalist and feel no guilt in having a lot of clothes if they are ‘good’ fashion. Buy as much vintage and secondhand / new-to-you (some are still new!) as you like and hold on to the really good pieces forever. Shopping is a part of our world economy and keeps things turning but, it is WHAT you buy that I feel is a choice that can be adapted.
I believe we have created enough clothing to have a world amnesty on production. Let the designers go back to short runs and exclusive lines. Where designing goes back to art rather than ‘trend’ and fast, fast, fast. If you visit a vintage store, you will see ‘one-off’ pieces as you would have seen in designer ateliers in the past. This is one of the reasons I believe New Zealand’s vintage sellers could think about trying to raise the bar to meet the rest of the world's value proposition. If you visit a secondhand store or charity, you will see they are filled with fast fashion, both new and used. They are a haven for online mistakes, clearouts of store ‘overs’ and a mass of poorly constructed garments. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes there are ‘gems’ but you really have to ‘kiss’ a few toads to find the prince (or princess) of garments!
When people visit your store, either online or 'in real life', what can they expect to find?
Original, high quality, premium vintage clothing, accessories and some new ethically made accessories. I don’t have secondhand clothes and only offer a mere smattering of reproduction. A lot of pieces have never been worn. They were collected because they are beautiful and at least over fifty years old to qualify as vintage. My store is filled with a curation from around the world. Like a Ming vase is secondhand - you could call ‘original vintage’ secondhand. I guess how you value a Ming vase is how I look at these garments - exquisite.
I personally go to Europe and handpick from my suppliers. I additionally offer a number of private collectors’ pieces from overseas. I also provide a space for New Zealanders to bring their treasured vintage pieces for resale with me. It is my mission to try to save, to showcase, to raise the bar. I offer high-end premium vintage to anyone who wants to wear clothing that is timeless, sustainable, ethical and comes with a personal stylist tick of approval!
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Lockdown had a massive impact on bricks and mortar stores like yours, how have you adapted throughout all the upheaval?
Five years ago, I debated whether to either offer an online option or open a store - chicken or an egg situation. I went with a physical store because I want people to try before they buy. Lockdown provided the perfect opportunity to create the online store to work in tandem. I had time to create what I had visualized so long ago; to put soul and a true reflection of my brand forward. I wanted to share with those who know my store, me and my passion for this to be involved. One of my fabulous customers creates websites, another is a writer/content manager, another a photographer and model, whereas another is a communications expert. When all these people come together you have an amazing team of wonderful people who keep you looking forward, positive and directed. Especially if you are a ‘creative’ without a big budget or backers! I am eternally grateful for their support during this state of flux we are all in. Now that people are allowed to shop in person again, what can people experience in store that they might not be able to online? Painted Bird really is a store like no other! When customers come in, I believe they get a sense of calm and a safe haven. If you have come to shop, I am able to tailor offerings to your unique needs. The store is not dictated by seasons or by trends. When a season finishes, the garments go into ‘hibernation’ until they are required again. If you are going somewhere special, overseas to another climate or your changing shape calls for new wardrobe staples, I have over 3000 items available to you. My store also offers ‘me’; an honest and sustainably minded stylist at your disposal - for free! So when you are shopping, buy with longevity and purpose in mind, specific to you as an individual. My targets are for education, community and personal happiness. I want my customers to be happy and return again and again. I create relationships and offer a beautiful space for them to flourish and grow. |
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For people who have never shopped vintage before, what advice would you give them?
Be open. I can not stress this enough. You will find things that you enjoy looking at as well as things you would wear. It is a hunt, a challenge and it should be fun! You will need to try things on and they will ‘fit’ you - skimming the sides and providing shape. The loose, blousant nature of a lot of current fashion (for the most part), does absolutely nothing to flatter form or figure. This will be a key difference when shopping for vintage.
Women are the same when it comes to shape and colouring - as we always have been. Numbers on garments are often just numbers and having someone at your disposal to direct you to a piece that will flatter your figure and fit, is an absolute bonus.Vintage is classic style and continually repeats. Wearing vintage can be absolutely ‘current’ when it comes to trends. All the frills, florals, sleeves and hemlines etc. are always similar to those found in original vintage. This is where designers take their cues! My advice is this: don’t think, “Oh, I don’t normally wear vintage, I am not a vintage person”. It isn’t really a particular ‘style’ - I believe it IS ‘style’ and that is why it is continually repeated. I am absolutely confident you will be delighted (and possibly addicted) once you start.
Have you got any handy vintage wardrobe hacks that you can share?
Don’t store anything in plastic! If you have anything dry cleaned or you want your treasured pieces protected - whatever you do, don’t put them/store them in plastic. Besides the odour it will create on the piece, the fabric will not breathe. I take an old cotton pillowcase and cut a hanger hole in the top and use that to cover and protect instead. It helps to keep the shoulders protected in a walk-in wardrobe and guards from light damage. If you don't have an old pillowcase, go secondhand shopping!
Be open. I can not stress this enough. You will find things that you enjoy looking at as well as things you would wear. It is a hunt, a challenge and it should be fun! You will need to try things on and they will ‘fit’ you - skimming the sides and providing shape. The loose, blousant nature of a lot of current fashion (for the most part), does absolutely nothing to flatter form or figure. This will be a key difference when shopping for vintage.
Women are the same when it comes to shape and colouring - as we always have been. Numbers on garments are often just numbers and having someone at your disposal to direct you to a piece that will flatter your figure and fit, is an absolute bonus.Vintage is classic style and continually repeats. Wearing vintage can be absolutely ‘current’ when it comes to trends. All the frills, florals, sleeves and hemlines etc. are always similar to those found in original vintage. This is where designers take their cues! My advice is this: don’t think, “Oh, I don’t normally wear vintage, I am not a vintage person”. It isn’t really a particular ‘style’ - I believe it IS ‘style’ and that is why it is continually repeated. I am absolutely confident you will be delighted (and possibly addicted) once you start.
Have you got any handy vintage wardrobe hacks that you can share?
Don’t store anything in plastic! If you have anything dry cleaned or you want your treasured pieces protected - whatever you do, don’t put them/store them in plastic. Besides the odour it will create on the piece, the fabric will not breathe. I take an old cotton pillowcase and cut a hanger hole in the top and use that to cover and protect instead. It helps to keep the shoulders protected in a walk-in wardrobe and guards from light damage. If you don't have an old pillowcase, go secondhand shopping!
You’re taking part in Slow Fashion Season as a Slow Fashion Ambassador. Could you please tell us more about this global movement and how people can take part? What does slow fashion mean to you?
Slow Fashion Season 2020 is an action to incite 25,000 people committing to making only conscious fashion choices from June 21st to September 21st. As our New Zealand Ambassador, I hope to encourage more people to take part in this movement. Last year the numbers reached 14,487 people across the globe. This year we want to grow our community to 25,000 people collectively.
Slow Fashion Season aims to raise awareness about the fashion industry and how consumers play a role in it, while providing concrete action that has real impact and brings participants into a community. If 25,000 people participate, we will save the equivalent of up to 750 million litres of water and 2.5 million kilograms of CO2 emissions* - best of all, the fashion industry will begin to take notice.
I love this initiative. I absolutely support any slow fashion movement that promotes making conscious fashion choices. While I have always done it (like a lot of vintage and secondhand wearers) this little ‘ripple for change’ is a commitment of action for a 3 month period. I think this is easy! Having come out of lockdown, there are many people who’ve had what I call ‘lockdown epiphanies’, reflecting on their actual needs. This movement promotes avoiding buying anything newly made. It promotes trading, upcycling or DIY clothing, It supports the purchasing of vintage and secondhand and vintage. The movement suggests supporting sustainable, local, small fashion labels who may be struggling due to COVID-19. This absolutely resonates with my personal view and my store brand. I talk to people every day in the store helping them to make a pledge. I’m also working with a nearby school’s eco students - hoping to ‘be the change’.
My store is also a brand signatory for the 2020 Circular Fashion Pledge - fashion brands committed to a mission to change the industry. I have pledged to provide options to resale, upcycle, repair, donate, or recycle items to give our treasured clothes new life and keep them out of landfill. At Painted Bird we aim to walk the talk, and talk the walk.
Slow Fashion Season 2020 is an action to incite 25,000 people committing to making only conscious fashion choices from June 21st to September 21st. As our New Zealand Ambassador, I hope to encourage more people to take part in this movement. Last year the numbers reached 14,487 people across the globe. This year we want to grow our community to 25,000 people collectively.
Slow Fashion Season aims to raise awareness about the fashion industry and how consumers play a role in it, while providing concrete action that has real impact and brings participants into a community. If 25,000 people participate, we will save the equivalent of up to 750 million litres of water and 2.5 million kilograms of CO2 emissions* - best of all, the fashion industry will begin to take notice.
I love this initiative. I absolutely support any slow fashion movement that promotes making conscious fashion choices. While I have always done it (like a lot of vintage and secondhand wearers) this little ‘ripple for change’ is a commitment of action for a 3 month period. I think this is easy! Having come out of lockdown, there are many people who’ve had what I call ‘lockdown epiphanies’, reflecting on their actual needs. This movement promotes avoiding buying anything newly made. It promotes trading, upcycling or DIY clothing, It supports the purchasing of vintage and secondhand and vintage. The movement suggests supporting sustainable, local, small fashion labels who may be struggling due to COVID-19. This absolutely resonates with my personal view and my store brand. I talk to people every day in the store helping them to make a pledge. I’m also working with a nearby school’s eco students - hoping to ‘be the change’.
My store is also a brand signatory for the 2020 Circular Fashion Pledge - fashion brands committed to a mission to change the industry. I have pledged to provide options to resale, upcycle, repair, donate, or recycle items to give our treasured clothes new life and keep them out of landfill. At Painted Bird we aim to walk the talk, and talk the walk.
We'd love to find out some of your #myhometown Auckland secrets Steph!
What does your perfect Auckland day include?
I love to be with my family outside on a walk or visiting one of our fabulous beaches on the North Shore.
Can you share a secret local spot with us?
I think the Okura Bush walk is spectacular. I used to take my kids there for a walk and picnic. We would take a bag to collect treasures along the way, different leaves etc. We would look up the names of the trees and make mini projects. I would get them to be silent, to be peaceful, to stop and sit with their eyes closed and to count how many birds they could hear. A wonderful place that now 10 years later, they remember vividly.
What's your favourite free thing to do?
You would think I wouldn’t want to look at clothing on my days off but sometimes, when I need a bit of re-centering, I go second hand shopping and visit my old mates from my charity volunteer days. I absolutely try not to buy anything but I do love a good thrift adventure!
Where's the best place to get a...
Coffee?
Altezano is my fav. It seems to bring a kind of chocolate undertone to my morning fix. It is a divine way to start the day
Piece of art?
Find an exceptional piece of vintage at Painted Bird - it is Fashion Art!
Piece of clothing?
Painted Bird of course!
Bite to eat?
Ripe Deli at Smales Farm.
What does your perfect Auckland day include?
I love to be with my family outside on a walk or visiting one of our fabulous beaches on the North Shore.
Can you share a secret local spot with us?
I think the Okura Bush walk is spectacular. I used to take my kids there for a walk and picnic. We would take a bag to collect treasures along the way, different leaves etc. We would look up the names of the trees and make mini projects. I would get them to be silent, to be peaceful, to stop and sit with their eyes closed and to count how many birds they could hear. A wonderful place that now 10 years later, they remember vividly.
What's your favourite free thing to do?
You would think I wouldn’t want to look at clothing on my days off but sometimes, when I need a bit of re-centering, I go second hand shopping and visit my old mates from my charity volunteer days. I absolutely try not to buy anything but I do love a good thrift adventure!
Where's the best place to get a...
Coffee?
Altezano is my fav. It seems to bring a kind of chocolate undertone to my morning fix. It is a divine way to start the day
Piece of art?
Find an exceptional piece of vintage at Painted Bird - it is Fashion Art!
Piece of clothing?
Painted Bird of course!
Bite to eat?
Ripe Deli at Smales Farm.
Are you ready to bring more vintage into your wardrobe and reduce your impact on the planet? Click here to visit Painted Bird online or pop in to Stephanie's store at 164 Kitchener Rd, Milford.
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Curious to discover more of Auckland? Grab one of our guides and start planning your adventures today!
