Sharon Oriquo from Working Style. Image supplied.
There’s something powerful about a well-tailored suit, even more so if it was made just for you, which is what leading menswear brand Working Style are now offering to New Zealand women with their new W by Working Style range. Working Style have been New Zealand’s leading menswear brand for 34 years and are well known for their immaculate suiting. They’ve taken that expertise and creating an impeccably tailored collection of suiting for women that features over 30 styles that will be made to order.
W by Working Style is designed by Sharon Orquejo, who has been with the Working Style brand for over 15 years, and has been integral to the introduction of the new range. Sharon has an incredible knowledge of suiting and understands the Working Style brand intuitively, so she had a strong vision for what was needed to make W by Working Style an outstanding womenswear offering that also stayed true to the brand.
The elegant suiting is made in Portugal by one of the world’s leading ateliers Davion, using premium fabrications. W by Working Style also includes a New Zealand made suit that has a softer and looser silhouette than the Portuguese make and fit. Sharon has designed subtly different W by Working Style collections for each of the company’s stores too, reflecting the individuality of each region.
Working Style pride themselves on their exceptional customer service as well as their impeccable suiting and customers can expect a friendly and considered service to guide them through the process of suit creation. They want every customer to love their perfect new suit and are delighted to be able to offer that service to New Zealand women too.
We caught up with Sharon Oriquo from Working Style on the process of creating a new suit, her tips for buying one and what inspires her?
How did the women’s suiting come about for Working Style and what has the response been like so far?
We have offered the Made to Measure service to our male clients for 34 years, and thought it was time to show our feminine side and offer it to women. Women are always on the hunt for something that is well tailored in good quality fabrics that they can’t find locally. The garments are made uniquely for you, and the personalisation of the garments are completely your choice. Our customers enjoy the exclusive service and being able to have the power to create their own tailored garments with the help of our W tailors. Since publicly launching our range, we have been busy and have had overwhelmingly positive feedback on our journey into womenswear.
What are your tips for buying a new suit?
The fit and the fabric of a garment really matters when it comes to overall functionality. It is important to consider where the garment is being worn, whether it is for everyday and you need movement and durability, or whether it is for a formal occasion and this opens the options of wearing fine fabrics and pieces that don’t require vigorous movement.
Many times people forget about the care and maintenance of a particular garment, and how often it will be worn before buying it – when a client purchases a suit to be worn on a daily basis, fabric durability is important and we often recommend them to buy an extra pair of trousers to extend the wearability.
How would you describe the Working Style customer and what do you think they’re looking for when they shop with you?
The Working Style customer is busy, a connoisseur, service focused, relationship strong, comfortable in their own skin. They come to us for service, care, and expertise.
W by Working Style suiting from their new womenswear collection.
What is the process like for getting a suit made with Working Style?
When you enter the world of W by Working Style, it is all about you.
We give you the tools and the power to create your own bespoke garments with the help of our talented W by Working Style tailors.
Choose from a double- or single-breasted jacket style with the option of various collar and lapel shapes, alongside pant widths and lengths that work perfectly for you. Pick your fabric and your fit and design it your way. The options really are endless with our Made to Order service.
1. Book an Appointment
Book a no-obligation appointment with one of our W tailors. Our collection and services are available in our Auckland and Christchurch stores. You are also more than welcome to pop into any of our stores at any time to view the collection and ask any questions you may have.
2. The Initial Fitting
During the initial fitting, our tailors will take the time to sit down with you and discuss your needs and preferences in order to guide you in the right direction. We have a wide range of fabrics and linings from some of the world’s most highly respected fabric mills to choose from, and our W tailors are here to guide you through the process. Select from the fit blocks displayed in store and we will then create your individual silhouette to ensure the perfect fit. Your measurements will be recorded in our system and relayed to our skilled ateliers in New Zealand and Portugal.
3. Review and Adjust
Your garments will be ready to be fitted around six weeks from your order date. You will be invited back in store to meet with your original tailor, who will help assess the fit and arrange for any further adjustments that need to be made. We appoint our own in-house tailors to complete the alterations to ensure these can be done promptly, and to our high standards.
4. The Finished Piece
Once all alterations are complete, your garments will be ready to be collected or delivered to your address. We love the opportunity to work with clients and allow them to experience the joy that comes from having bespoke garments created just for you. And now that we have your preferences and measurements on file, reordering is simply a matter of selecting your next design and cloth.
What inspires you?
My son and family, the team at Working Style, timeless fashion.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A well fitted blazer is always an item that will never go out of style.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Championing the women’s collection!
Images supplied.