On the edge of Myer’s Park in the heart of Auckland, sits a family-owned business that has been a powerhouse of style and artistry since 1919. Renowned for crafting ties and belts that stand the test of time, Parisian have proudly upheld this legacy for four generations. We caught up with John, the current torchbearer of the family business, to learn more about the brand’s heritage, diving deep into the journey so far and looking ahead at what’s to come.
Parisian's story begins with an adventurous spirit and a fortuitous encounter. John's great grandfather embarked on a voyage abroad in search of inspiration, and it was during a train ride that he stumbled upon the modern necktie, forever changing the course of the family's destiny. Captivated by this newfound accessory, he sketched its pattern on a napkin and tucked it away for safe keeping. Upon returning to New Zealand, he gave the design to his daughter Ruby, who sewed the first Parisian tie, laying the foundation for an enduring legacy.
In 2019, Parisian achieved a massive milestone – clocking in a century of business. And while the team at Parisian typically keep a humble profile, the occasion warranted celebration. Dusting off and delving into their treasure trove of archives, they unearthed a wealth of history and heritage laid down by their predecessors, “We dug out some fantastic archival material and relished the retrospective discoveries. It reminded us to respect the history laid down by the generations before us as we travel forward.”
Taking over a family business comes with its own set of lessons and insights. Reflecting on the wisdom imparted by his father, Digby, who always stressed the importance of keeping an open door, John recalls: “In my youth, I probably took this too literally. A few years on, learning to keep my ‘door’ open has been more about taking care not to pre-judge, not making assumptions about people or opportunities.” This mindset has led Parisian to embark on new projects and collaborate with some pretty remarkable partners, Barkers being one of them (if we do say so ourselves), with both teams working together to make and develop a collab collection of leather goods we were proud to stock on our shelves.
For John, the allure of Parisian and its craftsmanship was forged during his formative years, “Growing up, we helped out in the factory in school holidays. The smells of leather and materials, and sounds of whirring machines are the same now as they were then, so there is a long-standing sensory connection to both place and product.” However, the path to joining Parisian was not an instantaneous revelation but a tug of war. After completing his university education, he ventured abroad to London and Italy, eager to carve out his independent path. Yet, it was a summer spent in New Zealand that unveiled the importance of preserving a cherished legacy—a profound tug that beckoned him back home.
No two days are the same at Parisian; with an array of customers keeping them on their toes, best laid plans often find themselves reshuffled by unexpected interactions. John emphasizes their commitment to be present and responsive to whatever the day throws at them, “It’s never predictable and the variety certainly adds the proverbial spice.”
When it comes to conquering the workday, John relies on three indispensable elements that set the tone for a day’s success. First, a brisk walk up the steps of St Kevin’s Arcade, a coffee on K’ Road and an even brisker walk back down to Myer’s Park, where Parisian stands visible through the trees.
John believes that the magic at Parisian lies in the shared love of their craft, “We come from quite varied backgrounds, yet together at work there is a sense of real belief in what we do that binds us. There is a shared passion for making locally and this is reflected in an incredibly long-serving team who have a genuine sense of loyalty and care.”
So what’s next for Parisian?
John puts it this way: “We play a pretty long game. The generational nature of the business gives you a perspective that recognises the changes that have gone before you and projects a little further into the future, beyond your own tenure of custody.” Their commitment to local production in New Zealand defies popular opinion and economic pressures. It's a decision that looks beyond short-term gains, with a vision that stretches far into the future. Challenges may arise along the way, but John remains steadfast in the desire to create a legacy of skill and craftsmanship that will be passed down to future generations. “My daughters are still young, so who knows, but it would be great if one day they have the passion to lead a 5th generation of Parisian. But for now at least, it’s helping out in the school holidays.”
