Where the ‘It-Girls’ shop at Commercial Bay
12 July 2023
By Fashion Quarterly
Stocked with local and international labels — 35 fashion brands to be exact — Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland precinct Commercial Bay is a mecca for discerning shoppers. Here, It-Girl's Laura Hadlow and Rebe Burgess share why it’s a hit with them, plus a few of their favourite things.
Laura Hadlow
Head of marketing, PR and sales at Caitlin Crisp
I find any excuse to head into the city, and Commercial Bay is the best destination. Both my husband and I can spend hours there shopping and dining — it’s one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon. I love the convenience of having so many amazing stores all in one place and its fabulous valet parking deal, which make everything so easy. My favourite stores at Commercial Bay are Aje, Calvin Klein, Cos, Maje, Mecca and Sandro — but the list goes on! As a true Sagittarius, I’m a spontaneous shopper, although in saying that, I do always consider the price and composition of a garment as I tend to justify purchases on a cost-per-wear basis, and if something’s well made from quality materials and I know I’ll wear it for years to come, it’s a yes from me. I like to think my personal style is chic, timeless and considered. I love how these two-tones jeans are a bit different to anything else I own. I teamed them with a ruffled blouse and a cropped tweed jacket for a feminine touch.
Get the look at Commercial Bay
Sandro ‘Tweed’ blazer, $980, ‘Ruffle’ shirt, $555, and ‘Double Waisted’ jeans, $480. Kate Spade bag, $540. Aje ‘Ether Whipstitch’ boots, $455.
Rebe Burgess
Founder/director of Rebe
When it comes to my style, I like to balance form and function. My wardrobe is mostly made up of pieces that I think are as practical as they are beautiful, pieces that I find sophisticated but can still wear every day and love season after season. I styled this outfit based on the boots; I often wear knee-high boots and love the sturdy lug sole of this pair from Scarpa at Commercial Bay — it’s perfect for the New Zealand winter. I’d say the essentials everyone should own right now are a good pair of boots and a black blazer. I love shopping at Commercial Bay because it’s basically a one stop shop that has everything covered — fashion, beauty, homeware, and so many great places to eat and drink. The calibre of brands is very impressive; some of my favourites are Elle & Riley and Wynn Hamlyn. When looking for something new, quality and wearability are probably my most important considerations. I like to keep updated via online shopping but it’s fun to visit stores and experience fantastic in-store customer service.
Get the look at Commercial Bay
Kate Sylvester ‘Marlene’ coat, $999. Wynn Hamlyn ‘Winona’ dress, $595. Celine ‘Baby Audrey’ sunglasses, $759, from Superette. Stuart Weitzman ‘Soho’ boots, $1790, from Scarpa.
