Searching for the perfect wedding shoes? Next month our beautiful friends from Chaos & Harmony will be hosting their annual Bridal Trunk Show in Auckland. To celebrate we sat down with the team to share more about the inspiration behind their latest collection, the brand’s aesthetic, sustainability, and of course all the details about how you can book a spot for you and your bride tribe to find your dream wedding shoes at the Trunk Show. We also got the inside scoop on top picks for our summer and winter brides.
Firstly, for anyone who hasn’t heard of Chaos & Harmony, could you please tell us a little bit about who you are, where you started and your brand ethos…
Over 10 years ago Chaos & Harmony’s creative director Rebecca Anderson and her husband sold everything they owned, including their house, and moved to Italy so Rebecca could learn to design shoes at the Instituo Europeo di Design in Rome. She was taught by tutors who’d worked at Valentino and Fendi, among others, and learned how to infuse her lifelong love of texture, materials and leathers into comfortable, high-quality, hand-made shoes.
Twelve months later they returned to Mount Maunganui, New Zealand and created Chaos & Harmony – a market-leading, boutique shoe company. Rebecca wanted a name that would inspire creativity, growth and challenges, but also describe the brand’s aesthetic. The name Chaos & Harmony reflects our love of textures to create depth – it brings about a curious contradiction. It also subtly sums up a woman’s world! As a company, we’re all about efficiency and focus on clear communication, leadership and fresh ideas.
When we design shoes at Chaos & Harmony, we like each pair to be standalone – to have something distinct about them that makes people say ‘Where did you get those shoes?’. Our shoes are conversation-starters because we pay attention to every detail. We believe style is a powerful tool of self-expression. Chaos & Harmony shoes should make you feel good – our shoes are designed to enhance your style.
Does Rebecca draw inspiration from outside of NZ?
Yes of course! Bek is has drawn inspiration from multiple different locations around the world for previous collections, but because of covid we have been resourceful with the beauty in New Zealand. Our current collection was inspired by the Tongaririo crossing.
With a huge focus on sustainability in fashion could you please explain what sustainability means to C&H?
As a small business, we are passionate about creating beautiful shoes that empower women. We are also always working on ways to reduce our environmental footprint, from researching new and more environmentally friendly materials, to optimising our supply chain and shipping methods. We have provided a breakdown of our ethos behind each element that is involved in creating a shoe. That can be found here.
Where about are you based and where can customers purchase your beautiful pieces?
We are based in Mount Maunganui but we have wholesalers all over New Zealand and bridal wholesalers internationally too. You can find a list here.
What is the story behind the latest collection?
Inspired by the beauty of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, our Founder and
Creative Director Beks Anderson, walked this precious beauty in the summer
of January 2021. The National Park area was the first park in New Zealand to
be gifted by Māori and the fourth park in the world to become a World
Heritage area.
The spiritual connection when walking the land is a SACRED JOURNEY to be
walked in gratitude, humility and wonder.
Being surrounded by such natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscape
allowed Beks’ creative mind to be fully released into the colours, forms and
structures available to her. The essence of the Chaos & Harmony aesthetic is seen in mixes of tones and
textures, inspired by the land. There are rich hues of wines, browns, blacks
inspired from the volcanos, plus greys, tans and olives from the hills and
rocks, with a touch of off white and pink spread throughout the strong
collection.
You have an exciting Trunk Show coming up, can you tell us about this?
Our trunk shows are perfect for brides looking for their dream wedding shoes. You’ll have the chance to view our full bridal collection in a full 1 on 1 appointment. Try on different styles and let our experts help you find the perfect pair for your wedding day.
You can book an appointment here.
Where abouts will you be located throughout and how long is it running for?
Saturday 30 July, The Ever Room – La Gonda ArcadeLevel 2/203 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD but please book an appointment! Appointments will be 30 mins.
We are bringing with us a beautifully curated collection which you can pre-order on the day, orders will be shipped to you the following week. You can purchase using Visa and MasterCard Credit/Debit cards, Afterpay, Lay-by or Zip.
What would you recommend for bridal parties in order to ensure they receive their shoes in time for their weddings?
We always say the earlier better when purchasing your shoes to make sure you get your perfect pair.
What are your top picks for the Winter bride?
Our Divine boot and Dreamer boot are perfect for a winter wedding. Our brilliance heels also have a closed toe making them versatile for all seasons.
What are your top picks for a Summer bride?
Chichi and Eternal are fun heels for a summer wedding!
What care products would you recommend for all of our wardrobes?
A good leather protector! We have some here
Lastly what’s next for Chaos & Harmony?
We have some new bridal shoes coming in August that we are so excited about, and we are also currently working on an ivory edit of new bridal styles for a November delivery.
Catch up with the Chaos & Harmony team on the road for their 2022 Bridal Trunk Show on July 30th by booking your consultation HERE.
Not able to make it to Auckland? Chaos & Harmony also take Bridal bookings at their flagship store in Mount Maunganui and Virtual Appointments with an experienced bridal consultant HERE x
