Christchurch's Dominic Ellett is a man with a plan when it comes to getting ready for the day.
Re-working workwear
When he gets dressed each morning, Christchurch retailer Dominic Ellett has a clear goal.
“If I leave the house looking like I'm going to work in an old-school workshop or lumber yard, I've nailed it,” he says.
Ellett, who has been working in fashion retailing since he was 15, opened streetwear store Indigo & Provisions when he returned to Aotearoa from London in 2018.
The store's ethos is ‘wear, tear, repair, repeat' and it stocks a selection of specialist denim, workwear and heritage brands that Ellett discovered on his travels in Europe.
“I was fortunate to visit so many incredible stores and soak up inspiration. That's where my love for selvedge denim, Americana and Japanese brands was born.”
On a personal level Ellett says he is “always refining” his style, but is drawn to “classic workwear pieces like chore coats, chambray shirts and blue jeans”.
“Pieces that were originally designed for function or work.”
“For me these garments are timeless and have always been made from hardwearing materials. They can also be taken out of a work context and made more ‘fashion' through unique fabrics and altering the fit in a way that is less traditional.”
This year, Ellett will be adding a trio of items to his repertoire: green corduroy double knee pants by Auckland brand Checks, an 1800s' reproduction ball cap by Japanese brand HW Dog and Co, and a pair of “awesome” suede loafers handmade in Spain by Wild Bunch.
To make clothes shopping more enjoyable, Ellett recommends seeking out small boutiques that are passionate about offering a more one-on-one service.
“If we are shopping sustainably, we shouldn't focus on trends as they come and go.
“I know what I like and think is cool, and hope my customers feel the same!”