Anjali Burnett: a local guide to fashion

Brand twenty-seven names is one of the vibrant creatives in the city’s fashion scene. Founded in 2006 by Anjali Burnett and Rachel Easting, the brand makes whimsical womenswear. Anjali is equally passionate about fashion and her hometown. Wellington’s compact nature means shops and designers are never too far from each other, and they’ve built a strong sense of community as a result. She gives a rundown of the places to be on a fashion-inspired visit to Wellington. 

Catwalk your way to the shops 

Fashion boutique Sully’s is just across the road from the twenty-seven names flagship store on Ghuznee Street. Anjali says the brands stocked at Sully’s are mostly small, independent, and international in nature. “It’s got such a wonderfully eclectic mix of clothing, so different to what [twenty-seven names] stocks”. Around the corner on Cuba Street, Anjali highlights two vintage clothing stores that always transport her abroad. Hunters and Collectors and Ziggurat are on par with the specialist secondhand fashion stores she has visited internationally. “They have so much great stock — when I walk in, I don’t know where to look first.” 

A spot of coffee and a spot to people watch 

Both Ghuznee and Cuba Streets are rich sources of inspiration for Anjali. They are right on the doorstep of twenty-seven names. Both have high foot traffic, so there is ample opportunity to people-watch. For designers, it’s important to see how people are experimenting – it might spark an idea in your own practice. The perfect vantage point for Anjali is Coffee Supreme’s café, Customs. “It’s a neighbour, so we are there all the time for coffee”. With other fashion boutiques and Bowen Galleries sitting side-by-side, it’s a hotspot for stylish locals. “People layer vintage finds with high-end fashion. It’s such a fresh Wellington look”. 

Capital of cool 

Wellington is a discerning and fashion-conscious city. With a large corporate, bureaucratic, and student population, it’s no wonder it attracts a wide range of interesting designers. Without pausing for breath, Anjali lists three that she avidly follows, and who share a creative sensibility. “Jimmy D, J Palm, and James Bush are artists in the true sense of the word. They push boundaries with their creations and inspire.” All three have private studios in the central city that are appointment-based. Jimmy D is stocked at Bizarre Bazaar on Tory Street. 

A model for how to spend a day in the city   

There’s a lot for a fashionista to fit in when visiting Wellington. Anjali suggests an early start with a trip to The Oatery on the Left Bank. The café has extra seating outside under wide balconies so you and your spiced granola will remain sheltered, no matter the weather. Afterwards, walking down to the Old Bank Arcade is a must. The distinguished Edwardian heritage building sets the scene for premier national fashion brands. “There is such great quality in those boutiques, you could spend ages there. Don’t forget to visit Zambesi across the road.” For lunch, A Taste of Home on Vivian Street serves up authentic Chinese street food. It’s also a few steps away from Cuba Street and Anjali’s favourite vintage stores. 

Picture-perfect finish 

Before your day finishes, there are a couple of extra things on Anjali’s list, including a trip to Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā. For over 150 years, its 25 hectares have provided a playground for Wellingtonians. The gardens have provided a setting for many twenty-seven names photoshoots. “There are so many rich backdrops to explore, we keep finding new views to point a camera.” After all the walking around the city, you’ll need to treat yourself. “If you can fit it in, then take a sauna at Tory Urban Retreat” The inner-city sanctuary allows you to refresh your body with a multitude of restorative therapies. Then it’s a trip to Koji in the stylish suburb of Mount Victoria for dinner and then home.