Housed on the ground level of an airy inner city building, PLUME, owned by Margarita and Chris Robertson, makes a strong case for the enduring value of a bespoke and compelling retail experience. 

The astute customer will find a curated line-up of international and local fashion labels to browse. Think Zambesi, Company of Strangers and Jimmy D alongside COMME des GARÇONS, Dries Van Noten and Rick Owens. Specialising in experimental textiles and tailoring, PLUME showcases the dark Antipodean aesthetic in all its glory, but not at the expense of the fantasy and joy of dressing up. The international designers express a sense of wit and a reverence for colour that balances NOM*d’s healthy dose of black. And of course, with weekly arrivals straight from its Dunedin workroom, the offering of NOM*d is undoubtedly unparalleled. 

The beautifully designed store is effortlessly cool. Polished concrete floors, ample changing rooms and vintage artefacts merge together harmoniously in this pared-back industrial space. The retail assistants – whose service is on point – impart a deep appreciation for the clothing they’re surrounded by, sharing insights about the designers and the background to their collections. 

Expect a heady mix of fragrances, shoes and jewellery on hand to be admired. Serge Thoraval’s jewellery creations live on posthumously thanks to his wife who continues to produce under his name using old workbooks and sketches. There’s also delights from artisanal Japanese jeweller Rusty Thought, and Melbourne-based Underground Sundae. 

PLUME puts timeless design and thoughtful production on a pedestal, and rightly so. These pieces will be cherished season upon season for a lifetime to come.