London, Paris, Milan, New York . . . and now Waitati

Enjoying cups of tea at the official opening of Roadside Attraction's Waitati shop are (from left...
Enjoying cups of tea at the official opening of Roadside Attraction's Waitati shop are (from left) Nathan Parker, of Warrington, Patrick Moody, of Warrington and Sandra Miller, of Waitati. Photos by Peter McIntosh.
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei was among those who attended the official opening of Roadside...
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei was among those who attended the official opening of Roadside Attraction's Waitati shop.

iD Dunedin Fashion week was given a distinctly Waitati twist at yesterday's official opening of a new fashion outlet in the seaside village.

Guests at the ''Grand Official Opening Tea Party'' for Harvey St fashion shop Roadside Attraction - a joint venture between Waitati fashion designers Hilary Rowley and Alex Wilson - included Green Party co-leader and local fashionista Metiria Turei.

The shop opened in Waikouaiti in 2003, but moved to Waitati - to be closer to home - in January.

Ms Turei, who has been targeted by National MPs for her fashion choices, said she was a fan.

''I have shopped at Roadside Attraction for years and love their clothes.

''I remember when [Government minister] Judith Collins was trying to embarrass me in Parliament for wearing designer clothes and I was wondering what she would think of the main street in Waikouaiti and Roadside Attraction?''

It's hard to imagine a less fashionable location and a less fashion industry-like approach to business than these guys and now they're just down the street from me at home it's great.''

Ms Rowley said it was wonderful having the business closer to home.

''We love it here. Alex rides his bike to the shop and I can stay at home to make patterns and design my next range.''

The pair liked to keep it local and had resisted having their clothes offshore.

Their ethical approach included using a rescued 1952 knitting machine and powering the shop by w solar energy.

Yesterday's event featured cakes made by the local PTA and neighbouring businesses, members of the Waitati Militia serving tea, and music.

Mr Wilson said it was a ''great day'' with more than 100 people attending.

''Everybody seemed to have a lovely colourful time,'' he said.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement