A new home for Vanessa Kelly Clothing...

Vanessa Kelly Clothing has been a fixture at vintage markets over the last few years. Today, Vanessa heads into a new adventure as proprietor of her first retail store. We had a chat with her about the excitement and terror that a change in direction can bring!

Hi Vanessa, how long have you been making clothing?
I have been making clothing forever but I have been making it sell for nearly 2 years

What got you interested in vintage style? 
I love the clean lines and how flattering the styles are to lots of different body shapes

What did you do before you started your own clothing company?
I worked as a music teacher in a primary school

You have decided to open your own store - are you excited or terrified? Or both! 
Totally both! I am excited at the possibilities of where this could take my brand but the unknown around that is terrifying.

What made you decide to move from doing markets to owning a bricks and mortar shop? 
I love doing the markets, meeting people and seeing my clothing bring joy to people but it I had a crazy summer season going to markets all over the North Island every weekend. I knew that I (and my family) couldn't get through another summer working that way. I discovered that people want to be able to touch, feel and try on garments before purchasing them so a shop is the perfect way to allow people to do that.

Are your clothes made in NZ? If so is this important to you and why?
My clothes are all made in NZ, mostly by me! I think the love and care that goes into creating each garment shows. We are not churning out thousands of garments that are all the same. I think it is important that people know where their clothing comes from and know that by purchasing my clothing they are supporting a mum who is trying to make a great life for her children (and husband, I suppose!) by creating pretty things that make people feel great.

We love your fabric choices - is it hard to source interesting fabrics?
I discovered quilting cottons and fell in love. The quality of the fabric is amazing, it is easy to wash and wear and best of all the prints are just cool. 

Do you think it's necessary to go full on pinup when wearing vintage or vintage style? 
Not at all. I say that because I never go full on pin up. I think you can pick and choose how much vintage you want to have in your outfit depending on what feels right for you. While I wear a dress most days some days call for jeans so I add a brooch and some bangles and then I still feel like me.

What can people expect when they come to visit the Vanessa Kelly Clothing store?
People can expect a warm environment with lots of colour on the racks, lots of one of a kind garments and a smiling face from me
 
Most importantly when is your opening party and is everyone invited?!
Absolutely, everyone is invited from Friday 5th August. I will be open from 10-6pm and the storewide opening specials will be available on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th August from 10-4pm

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Vanessa Kelly Clothing is located at Shop 14, Victoria Park Market, Victoria St, Auckland City. You can visit her website, follow her on Facebook and say you are 'going' to her event here!