For the love of fashion

Amongst ever-evolving trends and styles, fashion muse Josie Wiley brings class and colour to New Zealand fashion
as a womenswear buyer for designer clothing store Superette. Metropol writer Nina Tucker catches up with Josie about her journey in the industry and life as a buyer.

After developing a lust for fashion from New Zealand fashion icon Barbara Lee with whom her mother worked, Josie knew she belonged amongst elaborate and colourful clothes. “I have had a love affair with fashion for as long as I can remember.” While working in Auckland retail, Josie saw a position available at Superette. In a growing team, Josie was able to jump from department to department before developing a liking for buying.

Despite a successful career in New Zealand’s fierce fashion industry, Josie once struggled with what others thought of her and her outfits. After taking on board the nonchalance of the French following a Parisian buying trip, what matters now is how she feels in her clothes. “I trust my gut and my experience, and if it feels right then I go for it.”

When buying for Superette, Josie takes inspiration from all aspects of her daily life. Following the pandemic, she finds stimulation in simple things, from flowerbed colours to Instagram posts. “I remember in our first lockdown seeing a vivid, bright violet-coloured flower next to a dark red leaf and it was love at first sight. Funnily enough that colour combination was actually in the next season’s colour palette.” Josie then incorporates these collections into her wardrobe, building chic, sophisticated looks perfectly suited to each season.

Starting each day with a strong coffee, Josie can be found anywhere from her desk communicating with suppliers to showings, to the store sharing new styles. As a buyer, Josie’s intention is to “bring the world the best curation for all their daily needs.”

See below for Josie’s top winter wardrobe picks.
– A pair of chunky boots
– A long winter coat
– A classic, oversized blazer
– A blanket scarf in a vivid colour makes a tonal outfit pop