French Connection Arrives in New Zealand

Whether their witty abbreviation "FCUK" makes you giggle or blush it certainly made you take notice and today New Zealanders can welcome French Connection into our fast expanding accumulation of fashion stores. Last night I had the pleasure of attending their Nuffield Store Opening.

French Connection Store Opening in Nuffield Street Auckland

I spent ten years living in London where I developed a fondness for this brand with it's big impressive store in Oxford Circus. It was one of my go to stores for years, featuring the right level of emphasis on quality and offering trend driven styles.

Since launching in London in 1972, French Connection has had a cult following both in the UK and abroad. Now with nearly 400 locations around the world, French Connection has become famous for its high quality, statement pieces and edgy marketing initiatives, celebrating the personal style of men and women around the globe and innovating in the fashion market by consistently pushing the boundaries. 

French Connection Mannequins

It's another big player arriving into New Zealand, alongside the recent opening of Seed Heritage Stores and Top Shop Last year. It's certainly confirming fashion's obsession with Global Brands, however we are reaping the benefit of their huge buying power, which means they can offer competitive prices.

FCUK Models in the Lastest Collection

I spoke with Katy King, French Connection's General Manager, she informs me that the range will be edited from the UK collection with changes and enhances made specifically for the New Zealand climate and customer. This is a big plus as some of the international brands may not have a chance to alter the product mix for us specifically. 

The store is opening with a 20% discount today and the range features some cosy textures, and layering pieces ideal for our current cold snap. The colour palette offered lashings of  and neutral grey marle, winter white, camel and black. Looking forward to see what they will inject into the mix for summer and hopefully seeing some use of brighter colours we all crave at the end of winter.  The prices are reasonable and the new staff chatty and pleasant ready for doors to open today.

 They also let me know the plans are underway and confirmed for a Riccarton Mall, Christchurch French Connection store opening in about 2-3 months. 

Looking forward to adding French Connection to my Shopping Circuit.