Back in 1987, a young but forward-thinking Chris Dobbs knew that men in suits needed shirts – a wardrobe of well-fitting shirts, and enough of them to have a fresh one every day.
Eight years ago, the brand threw open the doors of their stylish Ponsonby Road store which, despite retail’s fluctuating climate, has endured and developed its own USP as a response to the local market. That point of difference is its role spearheading the brand’s more flexible clothing options, which reflect the overall ‘casualisation’ of menswear over the past few years.
The trend was seen early on in Europe at the likes of Brunello Cucinelli, where the label’s creator hit exactly the right note by mixing body-conscious tailored jackets and casual pants. Both were given the washed-out effect that expressed the spirit of a moment when sharp dressing still needs to have a certain softness if it is to remain relevant. Today’s men also expect their wardrobes to include far more than a traditional suit or two and a wardrobe of ties. A man wants to find garments in his closet that he can wear for any occasion, during the day or at night. Modern menswear has to reflect those needs by making garments elegant and easy to style, but also functional, and this is where Chris and his design team have most definitely stepped up.
Chris says that the current Working Style collection is perhaps their strongest ever, and it includes progressive takes on traditional styles that are really taking off with their growing customer base. “We’re working really hard on the recent wave of ‘casualisation’,” he explains, “and on creating softer pieces that can work well both in a meeting and looking after the kids.” He adds that clothing in 2019 “has to work for you, and just defaulting to a suit like our fathers and grandfathers did, just doesn’t cut it with the majority of our customers anymore.”
He says the Ponsonby store is the perfect place to trial new styles as it’s a softer market than the inner city suit-wearing brigade. “If you were wearing a tie on the floor in Ponsonby, you wouldn’t be very relevant,” he explains, “and it definitely wouldn’t reflect the range of customers that we get through the door there.”
Some of Chris’s key picks from the winter collection include many of their more casual, adaptable styles, like the Basketweave Overcoat that has joined their more classic styles on the rack. Shorter styles come with zips and also with a more technical vibe, all impeccably crafted no matter what your preference is.
“We’ve done things like styled a soft denim shirt under overcoats as opposed to a more traditional style,” says Chris, “which makes the whole look suitable for work, after work or at the rugby on
a Friday night. It’s contemporary and easy to wear, and just so incredibly versatile.” Other casual-but-cool options include a tailored, wool drawstring pant and a great collection of footwear. Shoe styles run from a classic black lace up to a seriously cool sneaker, as well as Chelsea boots and a butter-soft suede loafer. “Some of the most popular styles have been the Cobain lace-up boot for lending a rock n’ roll edge and the Marr leather sneaker, which looks fantastic when it’s paired with our tailored drawstring pant.”
Also new to the Ponsonby store is Director Maxum Alexander, who took over recently after his predecessor left to move into property development. “Roderick Singh had been with us for 10 years but it was his time to move on to something new,” says Chris. “We miss him a lot but Maxum has fitted right in and has been fantastic for the store. We also have Luke Sinkinson there as our tailoring consultant, who also does a brilliant job and inspires a lot of trust in our regulars.”
Above the store, you’ll also find Ponsonby Alterations, who take care of all tailoring requirements for Working Style and also welcome walk-ins from locals needing any kind of help with altering or mending garments. I’ve popped in there myself to have dresses hemmed and have found the work to be impeccable, and being able to support a local business is an added bonus. “Having Ponsonby Alterations upstairs makes things so easy for our customers who need alterations completed as quickly as possible,” says Chris, “and we run it as a joint venture with a wonderful family who really do incredible work.
“Ponsonby is such a village and we love being a part of that, and aim to be for many years to come.” (HELENE RAVLICH)
WORKING STYLE, 186A Ponsonby Road, T: 09 376 3840, www.workingstyle.co.nz