Ponsonby central is getting a special temporary store with the collaboration of Manahan Menswear and Japanese homeware store, An Astute Assembly.
The two retailers, whose owners share a person connection, are not so much collaborating a collection as much as they are cohabiting their designs within the one space.
Manahan Menswear is a label that defines itself as inspired by travel and how it shapes them. The brand has an undeniable connection with the places designers source inspiration from – often using history and stories to help in the creation process.
An Astute Assembly, also known as AAA, is a curation of Japanese inspired homewares that come with both culture and quality.
A combination of Japanese and local pieces, the homeware store sources direct from the artisans themselves.
AAA Homeware
The involvement of the pop-up store comes from a previous established relationship between the owners and a like-minded sense of business.
Director of AAA, Yuka O’Shannessy, says the plans began two months prior, after designer Andrea Manahan expressed her plans for the pop-up.
“[We are hoping to] enhance each other’s brands and introduce our brands to a new group of people… She does such good work, so I’m really just supporting her.”
O’Shannessy says the menswear label shares the same values as them, which will help in the co-habitation of the two collections in the Ponsonby Central pop-up store.
“We’re honored to be asked by them. Manahan Men’s wear is very Avant-garde, tailoring clothes that are very timeless and high quality. We think it shares same value with us in that sense.”
AAA run workshops throughout the year, so are used to the pop-up Auckland obsession. The workshops aim to share culture and knowledge with those who attended.
AAA Homeware
O’Shannessy is expecting the pop-up store to be well received by the public, as the unique pieces and style translate well into the Ponsonby scene.
“Manahan Men’s clothing has similar quality, aesthetic as well as similar philosophy behind the brand. I’m sure the audience will appreciate the story and get to know us. The location – Ponsonby central is great, with a wide group of people coming through every day, I’m sure it’ll go really well.”
According to the Manahan official Instagram, the pop-up store is live from today until Sunday June 25. It will be the designers first pop-up store for the label with the collection due to be available online shortly after.
