2022 is a year of expansion at Devál Boutique. Cityscape gets acquainted with the iconic Wānaka store and finds out what’s coming next.

Visiting Devál Boutique is like walking into a sleek Paris boutique. Racks of chic European apparel for the trying on, bubbles in hand. This is shopping with taste. Founder Debbie Lawson has effortless style and each curated piece in her collection tells that tale. Like a fashion genie, she manifests optimal outfits, dressing you top to bottom with the likes of Philippe Model shoes, Ivy Copenhagen Alice army pants, Anine Bing knits and a Zadig&Voltaire blazer. Devál can reinvent your wardrobe, one carefully selected piece at a time

I’m greeted at the door by boss dog Cooper, then Debbie and her style team immediately thrust me into a dressing room armed with Caitlin Crisp and Frame pieces, very much to my liking. All the incredible items on display could prove overwhelming, but thanks to the spontaneous shopping happy hour (a glass of bubbly is an iconic element of shopping at Devál), I’m soothed while being styled.

Devál is the definition of style in the South Island, with a curated collection of international and local designers. Now Wānaka based and ideally situated in The Precinct, Devál got its footing in Christchurch before moving to Central Otago (no fear Canterbury, the online shop is slick and easy to click).

After over 15 years in the business, Debbie and her Devál girls are going strong with big plans for expansion later this year. New additions will include a lush lounge, and more designer details to be revealed later in 2022.

Devál goes beyond the thread and brings in labels that aren’t seen just anywhere in New Zealand, boasting brands like Laing, By Charlotte, YSL and Smythe. And let’s not forget the resurgence of the namesake brand, Devál, with fresh New Zealand-designed women’s apparel dropping now.

I make the fashion pilgrimage to Devál whenever I’m in Wānaka, and know the team give open and honest feedback on what I’m trying on. At the end of my session, they approve one of my selections as the winner of the day.

Devál creates an exclusive shopping experience for men and women, offering complementary styling either at your home or hotel while visiting Wānaka. Savvy shoppers can also book after-hours appointments to get the ultimate exclusive style session. Ready to level-up your fashion game? Private styling appointments come with chauffeur service in your choice of a Land Rover original 110 Defender or P400 Defender.

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