This'll twirl your skirt - KILT is here

Edgy design is a feature of KILT's clothing such as this Ida dress.

A new name in women's fashion is starting up in Whanganui, with KILT bringing its brand to the city.

KILT will open a "samples, seconds and sales" boutique at 59a Victoria Avenue at 9am tomorrow.

Lauren Hart, the company's business manager, said it was the first time KILT had opened a store focussing on these lines exclusively. "So we're testing the market with this."
Ms Hart said the store would initially open Thursday to Sunday but they would react to demand with longer opening hours if needed.

KILT was created by Melissa Williams who built the business by creating fashion at an affordable price. It currently has 12 stores nationwide and does business online as well. A Dunedin outlet will be the next to open.

This Willow coat typifies the KILT line up.

Ms Hart said they had already employed a store manager and a number of part-time staff for the Avenue shop.

She said opening in Whanganui was based on a number of things.

"We wanted an area that would be a great shopping destination for a sample, seconds, sale boutique. We felt with Whanganui being between both Palmerston North and New Plymouth, where we also have boutiques, would be great for those who want to go on a fun shopping expedition.

"Whanganui also has a great number of students and we have always done really well in student areas. That you have a design school in Whanganui was also a big tick in our books."

All KILT garments are designed and made in New Zealand and had reached a point where the company opened its own factory (Made It) last year.

"This was to ensure that we would always be "made in NZ", as more and more clothing is being made off shore and we are losing a lot of skills. We wanted to invest in keeping the industry alive.

"Our pricing is very accessible for NZ-made product. This Whanganui boutique just means that the pricing is even more of a bargain," Ms Hart said.
She said KILT always has its annual sales but the Whanganui shop was its first selling samples, seconds and ale items exclusively.
"It's a very exciting opportunity for us."