THE SATURDAY SHOP

Ruth Spencer takes a short walk in Parnell Village

It’s a gorgeous day in 1980s Parnell Village, with flowers in bloom and a certain Spex appeal. The hanging sign promises “provisions and merchandise provided for your delectation”. For your ocular delectation, on the right, is as fine a set of walk shorts and socks as you’d ever wish to see.

Walk shorts had been popular summer attire for white-collar workers and the smartly dressed man since the 1950s. The style is thought to have its origins in the drill shorts worn in the Middle East by New Zealanders serving in World War II. Tailored and practical, they were so favoured that the Public Service Association petitioned the State Services Commission to allow them as workwear.

At first they were only permitted in warmer cities, only in back-offices — and only in white, as if the Public Service was a particularly strict boys’ school. Eventually, grey or fawn shorts were allowed throughout New Zealand and it wasn’t long before shorts in every pattern and colour took over men’s office attire.

Worn with high socks and brogues or roman sandals; topped with suit jackets or cardigans, they were ubiquitous until the early 90s. It’s now rare to spot a pair in the wild; possibly modern fabrics allow a little more breeze to compensate for covered knees.

Walk shorts now seem part of a quaint Olde Worlde, like Parnell Village itself. The picturesque Victorian enclave we know today was created by picturesque local millionaire Les Harvey in the 1970s. He bought and restored a number of old shops with recycled materials and laid the brick crazy-paving himself.

At first bohemian and crafty, Parnell now houses more exclusive boutiques. It’s ideal for a day out browsing, and of course, perfect for a short walk in walk shorts.