Clothes make the man
Mandatory’s Clare Bowden and Fiona Edwards.
MANDATORY are perfect fit specialists.
The men’s clothing store on Cuba Street produces casual, work and occasion wear, and make suits to order in under three weeks.
“Local make is a no brainer. It is creative, cost efficient and eco,” says Mandatory owner Clare Bowden.
Bowden and Fiona Edwards started Mandatory in June 1997 with Jason Antonopoulos from Topline Tailors.
“Mandatory came about when guys consistently bailed us up at parties in the mid 90s bemoaning the lack of local and interesting men’s fashion. At the time Fiona and I were producing successful womenswear labels separately and hanging out a lot.”
Guys who shop at Mandatory work in politics, medicine, science, architecture, music... and the list goes on.
Q and A with Clare:
Where were you born, and what inspired you to start your own business?
I grew up north-east of Whangarei, on the Tutukaka Coast. Backing one’s own ideas is a lifestyle chosen by the self employed. Risk and Pride. As employers, bringing a team together is exciting, challenging and always rewarding.
What kind of kid were you?
A 70’s kid - exposed to lots of colour, music, freedom, art and nature. I was constantly making things; huts, tents, rafts, clothes, sculpture, craft.
What is one of the first things you remember buying?
An embroidered butterfly to appliqué onto an A line Maxi skirt my sister Helen made for me.
What was the first job that satisfied you?
I loved my first job. I sold organic fruit and vege at a roadside stall in Matapouri Bay - organic was radical back then. I was a great saleswoman aged 11 and gave out recipes with the more exotic produce to the holidaymakers.
Have you always been interested in fashion?
Yes, particularly the way garments are made. I was always experimenting.
Fashion training gave me a whole world of understanding of textiles and of tailoring techniques which are invaluable in our business now.
If you could dress anyone who would it be and why?
We are about to create a “Band Coat” for Riki Gooch (Trinity Roots), to conduct his Eru Dangerspiel super band in Auckland and Wellington’s Town Halls. It will be great to crew on his epic project. He is hugely talented, fearless, innovative, collaborative and damn handsome.
Is Mandatory doing anything special for Fathers’ Day?
Our young dad clients often appreciate a voucher and a licence to browse. We fell in love with some kooky fine gauge socks at a range showing a while back - a cliché?/classic gift?
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