Cityscape is beyond excited that Harris Tapper will be stocked in the Contemporary Lounge at Ballantynes. We caught up with co-founder and co-director Sarah Harris Gould.
What prompted you to expand to the South Island? We have an online store that offers free shipping so we’ve always been available throughout the country but in terms of having a bricks-and-mortar retail presence in Christchurch, it was a case of getting the right retailers on board. Ballantynes is the perfect partner for Harris Tapper.
Singled out in Vogue Australia as one of the five brands to watch from New Zealand Fashion Week must have been a pivotal moment – what was going through your head when you saw that? It was amazing to be one of the five but the best thing about it was that we were among friends. The other four designers are very talented designers and people we know and admire in our industry.
The fashion industry is constantly evolving, how do you stay in the loop with what is trending? It’s like a sixth sense. There’s a constant accumulation of material that builds up in your subconscious and within that you start to see trends, both present and past that somehow make their way into your designs. Consciously, and from a business perspective, you have to ensure you’re aware of changes in all industries to stay ahead of the game.
You both have over two decades of experience in the fashion industry – when did you know that you wanted to pursue your own fashion label? After working in the industry for a number of years we noticed a gap in the market. We wanted to create a brand that went against industry norms with a ‘see-now buy-now’ business model as well as an inclusive and intelligent approach to fashion, without compromising aesthetics.
Fashion trends that you love. They are forever changing but we do believe that a classic shirt is something we’ll always love.
Fashion trends that need to go. They all have their place for someone, for a moment in time!
What is your favourite piece from the collection? The Kate Shirt. It’s the perfect oversized shirt shape and we always offer it in a range of colours and fabrics. Almost everyone who’s bought one has come back for another.
Rules to live by in terms of style? No rules. As long as you feel great then you’re dressing well.
If you could collab with any designer, who would that be and why? The Row. Their construction, silhouettes and fabrics are of the highest quality and they never fail to design the perfect collection, season after season.