Chris Hales, designer and owner of Goodness.
Chris Hales is the woman behind the successful Goodness boutiques and has relished styling her customers in fabulous garments for the past decade. Aside from stocking some wonderful New Zealand and international brands including KowTow, Sabatini and Julian Danger, she also designs her own collections each season under the Goodness label.
We caught up with Chris to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collections in store?
As a multi brand store, it is always interesting and exciting to see what labels go well throughout the season at Goodness. Early in the Winter season KowTow always shines, with its lighter weights (all ethical, fair trade, organic cottons) and brighter prints, as the season progresses, Isaac + Lulu comes into its own with gorgeous print dresses, separates, knitwear and jackets. Nineteen//46 knits always fly out the door for us, their high fashion take on knitwear has a cult following – especially in Wellington. My own label Goodness features a mix of fabrications that suit the warmer, earlier part of the season and slightly weightier fabrics later for when things properly cool down. My great passion is for natural fabrics, wool especially, silks, linens and cotton also. Therefore I love Winter’s great textures – I'm always on the hunt for fabulous colour and print also, so you'll always see these in my collections, summer or winter.
What made you get into fashion?
I was a late starter in the fashion industry but have been fashion obsessed for as long as I remember. Every cent I made at various after school jobs went on clothing and if I was short on money I made it myself. I loved knitting as well – something I haven't done for a while but the urge is always there and getting stronger lately.
Before opening Goodness I had a homeware store and was a homewares buyer, moving into fashion seemed like a natural step. I opened Goodness 10 years ago, first in Petone, then in Wellington CBD, and now in Herne Bay, Auckland – and I have loved every day of it. No two days are ever the same, I've had to become a marketer, social media expert, accountant, IT manager, the list goes on. I started making my own label about five years ago and it is incredibly rewarding to see my own designs selling under the Goodness label – it's the thing/job I love most.
What inspires you?
I mentioned that I have a passion for textures and subtle colours and harmonious prints. I love to see the right textures put together in an outfit (something people don’t often pay enough attention to), and likewise, the right garment colours to create balance and harmony. I don’t stock a lot of black – I love colour and love to see my customers step out in something flattering and fitting from Goodness.
Looks from the A/W 2016 collection by Goodness.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your products and brand?
My own personal style is relaxed, even in formal occasions. You won’t see me in super tight fitting garments, rather I prefer the luxury of drape, gathering or pleating, letting the textures and colours do the talking. I unashamedly stock the store with what I like myself, selected from a dozen of the most gorgeous brands and my own collection – step into my stores and you’ll see what I like!
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
There have been many, it's a bit like trying to choose your favourite child. A standout is a gunmetal grey leather coat by Canadian label. I got it on Lexington Ave NYC, my first trip there. It was and still is the most expensive thing I've ever bought. It's a great, classic style and I'll keep it forever.
What wardrobe item should every woman invest in?
I have never been able to answer this question with a good practical answer. I believe it's an investment if you love it and it makes you feel great. I love the saying 'life's too short, buy the dress!'
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
Make sure the textures work! And if you wear black, only wear one colour of black!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
When you start a business you never know where it will take you and the highlight is to reflect on 10 years and consider just how many garments have been purchased by so many customers – and so many people have tried that first garment, then become regular customers and have shared our journey. Humbling.
What can’t you live without?
Wool! Cashmere, lambswool, and blends. It is the perfect fibre.
You would never catch me wearing…
Well, in fashion you can never say never, but I believe that fluoro should only be worn by construction workers and race marshals.
Look from the A/W 2016 collection by Goodness.
Images from Goodness