25 YEARS OF TAYLOR | A NOTE FROM VICKI

"In March 1999, I opened the doors of my very first taylor store - a refitted turn of the century building, on Jervois Road, Ponsonby. Opening the doors to the 35m2 retail space with original hardwood floors, and black wooden racks, I ventured not only into my world of design, but also the world of fashion retail.

6 months earlier I had left my role as designer of a well-known commercial fashion house, I sold my house, and moved home to live with my parents. I drafted my first collection of patterns on my parents dining room table, imported fabrics from my Italian supplier and hand cut every garment on the floor as it was the only space wide enough to lay my fabrics flat.

I learnt so much in those early days, and forever thankful to our loyal taylor clients, many of whom I’ve dressed personally in those early days and many I still dress today.

15 years later with five taylor stores throughout New Zealand’s major cities, my husband Mark and I took on our next challenge and we opened a huge 300m2 retail site in Ponsonby, now days known as The Shelter. This next stage of our business opened our eyes to the international fashion industry, fabric sourcing in Italy turned into buying trips to some of the most renowned fashion brands during Milan and Paris Fashion weeks.

With some encouragement from our European suppliers we were inspired to start Symetria, taking the essence of taylor to the northern hemisphere. Here we entered the world of international designer fashion and have been stocked in stores I have admired for years. With international based sales agents and an Italian distributor we learnt so much, but most importantly how special our New Zealand design is and the curiosity it holds in the international market.

3 brands and almost 30 staff, I am honoured and humbled to celebrate 25 years in business.

We are forever thankful to those who took a gamble on a little New Zealand designer all those years ago. To my Italian textile agent who constantly inspires me with amazing textiles. My father who came in weekly in those early days to teach me the administrative side of business, and to my husband, Mark who transferred from menswear to womenswear and has been alongside me this entire journey. It could not have been possible without “The taylor team” past and present, who work with me to chase our visions - we have shared some amazing experiences together.

To our amazing New Zealand manufacturers, many of which I have worked with for most of my journey against the odds of a shrinking industry. Our network of specialists from pattern makers, cutters, machinists and finishers to the final stop at the presser. I am honoured to say our collections are predominantly made in New Zealand and for every Kiwi made piece it passes through 5 other local companies.

And finally, a thank you to all our clients. You continue to support our design season on season, and support our amazing local manufacturers.

To those I know personally, have met in-store, and those joining our journey now, I hope you feel empowered every time you wear a taylor garment.

Here’s to another 25 years of creating powerful stories through thoughtful design.

Enjoy these very old images of my first store."

- Vicki Taylor