Fashion lover and WORLD store manager Jamie Branco says less is always more.
Where do you work?
I’m the store manager at WORLD Newmarket
Do you have to stop yourself buying everything in store?
I can’t. There’s always something incredible arriving and some purchases are on the spot. I’m currently addicted to Zora Bell Boyd Jewellery and I’m a Fornasetti collector).
Where do you like to shop for clothes?
At WORLD, of course. I was a customer before I joined the team and the relationship has only gotten stronger with time. My wardrobe, including casual and weekend wear, is made almost entirely of WORLD pieces purchased over time.
What are some fashion trends you’re embracing?
White sneakers, no matter what. It took me a long time to realize how cool they actually look with anything!
Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?
From a customer who comes to the store; from someone buying a coffee ahead of me; from places I visit; from books I read. Fashion is more present in our lives that you could possibly imagine.
Do you read any fashion magazines?
I stick to the old dogs; Vogue Italia, Paris. Instagram is a great source of inspiration and some private accounts are even better than some so-called fashion bloggers.
Is there anything you would you never wear?
I’ll probably be shot for this, but Crocs and hideous Ugg boots will never be on my feet!
Where do you shop for basic t-shirts, singlets etc?
Is there such a thing? Once you incorporate it into a look, it is no longer a basic tee. It’s a story you’re telling. But in answering the question, my tees are all WORLD.
What makes a good customer?
Someone who’s willing to learn something new. Someone who’s open to suggestions and not afraid of taking a risk, or standing out.
What’s an accessory or item of clothing that everyone needs in their wardrobe?
A blazer. Even if it’s an unlined linen piece or a full tailored dinner jacket. They are extremely handy for any occasion.
What’s the most memorable sale you’ve made?
A few years back, when I was working at Britomart, an Australian lady purchased almost the entire collection in one go. But because we are all about experiences and giving customers an experience, I’d say that the most memorable sales are the ones when customers say to you that you have just made their day – by either putting a smile on their faces, by making them feel empowered, by helping them find a special gift for a loved one or when they love what they bought so much that they leave the store wearing it out.
Whose style do you admire and why?
That’s an easy one. Benny Castles, of course, one of WORLD’s directors. Not many guys in New Zealand have the ability to wear up to four layers of garments (even in the summer) and always look sharp!
How would you define good style?
That less is more, but that the pieces you wear are a clear statement of who you are.
