We hope you're ready to embrace the winter wonderland vibes because it's time to announce the Festival of Christmas in Greytown! And guess what? We're doing things the Southern Hemisphere way, so get ready for some frosty celebrations in the middle of winter. ❄️🎉
Now, mark your calendars for July 1st because that's when the Let It Snow! Festival of Christmas kicks off in Greytown. It's the perfect time to revel in the holiday spirit while cuddled up in your warmest coats and cozy socks. Who needs sweltering summer days when you can have a holly jolly winter festivity?
But hold on tight to your puffer jackets because we've got some seriously exciting stuff lined up for you:
🎁 Experience the whimsical snowfall extravaganza on Main Street: Courtesy of Showcase Workshop, every Friday and Saturday night in July from 6pm to 8pm, where you can capture the magic with a selfie while indulging in delectable bites from food trucks and savoring a taste of White Christmas.
🌟 Oh-So-Dazzling Light Displays: Brace yourself for a visual spectacle as the streets of Greytown come alive with dazzling lights. It's like stepping into a magical snow globe, with sparkling decorations that will make your heart skip a beat. Winter nights have never looked so enchanting!
🎵 Festive Tunes and Performances: We've curated a lineup of sensational musicians and performers who will serenade you with joyful melodies. From cheerful carolers to talented local artists, their music will warm your soul and transport you to a world of holiday cheer. It's the perfect soundtrack for your winter adventures!
🎅 Letterbox light-up adventure! Who says Christmas lights are only for December? In Greytown, we're keeping the magic alive all through July, so grab the kids and hop on a self-drive tour that's sure to dazzle. No need to wait until bedtime - we want everyone to experience the enchantment while they're wide awake! Get all the juicy details right here, and hey, locals, don't forget to register because we've got some seriously awesome prizes waiting for you. Big shout-out to Dave and Jennah at Property Brokers Greytown for making this luminous extravaganza possible. Let's make our letterboxes shine and create memories that'll light up our nights!
✨ Scratch & Win! With every purchase, you'll receive a Scratch & Win card, unlocking a host of exciting prizes waiting to be claimed. It's time to indulge in the thrill of shopping and unleash your lucky streak!
But wait, there's more (because we love surprises)! Get ready to spin your way to fabulous prizes with MFP during the festival, because with every purchase, you'll have the chance to spin the wheel and win! Where will it land? a lucky dip of goodies from our incredible designers and suppliers, discount vouchers, free shipping vouchers, and for a dash of whimsy, a hilarious/embarrassing booby prize that will have us busting out our finest interpretive dance moves to the beat of the music. It's our way of spreading some winter warmth and saying thank you for being part of our community.
So, grab your loved ones, embrace the chilly air, and join us in Greytown for the Let It Snow! Festival of Christmas. It may be unconventional to celebrate Christmas in winter, but who says we can't have our own unique brand of holiday cheer? Let's make merry in the frosty embrace of July!
And oh, by the way, brace yourselves for some cheeky sarcasm and playful puns along the way. We can't resist sprinkling a little extra fun into our winter festivities!
Wishing you a magical and delightfully wintry Christmas in July!
See you soon, Claire and the MFP Team
]]>See you soon!
xox MFP
]]>I feel honoured to be asked and to be part of your store!
MFP - We’d love to know more about your biz and how it came into being.
Coming from a background in the fashion industry and more recently creating bridalwear, I found I was struggling to create NZ made clothing with so much competition from off-shore suppliers so, I decided to come up with something new that combined my love of fabrics, colour, print and plants.
MFP - What is your favourite thing about what you do?
….that Moobee fits in with my family life and that I can be around after school, sports games and host playdates!
I love that Moobee is NZ made and I love being able to create whatever I want, whenever I want
MFP - What is the most important message you want to send out to others wanting to start a business?
You need to LOVE what you do! There are so many great things about owning your own business but it is hard work and success isn’t guaranteed nor does it come quickly!
MFP - Name a small biz that you admire?
I love Gerty Brown! I think it’s amazing how she creates pieces that not only look gorgeous but are zero waste too.
MFP - How has the last year been for you?
Like a roller-coaster! For many small businesses, covid was actually amazing (business-wise that is!). It meant retailers and NZ customers shopped locally on-line and discovered that we have some incredibly talented designers and creators here in NZ. Our eyes were opened to quality, locally made products that have been overlooked in the past.
MFP - Where do you source your inspiration?
I am mostly inspired by the beautiful prints that I find. I love getting together each collection of designs and then seeing how they come to life in the products I’ve created.
MFP - What does “me time” mean to you?
I do love taking time out and people watching at my local cafe with a nice coffee and my design sketchbook.
You can peep our MFP Moobee range here!
Pop over to Kelly's website here!
Photos used in this post are sourced from the Moobee Instagram here!
]]>SO, let's meet - Gabriel Maxwell of Maxwell Made.
SO, let's meet - Gabriel Maxwell of Maxwell Made.
MFP - Kia ora Gabriel! Thank you so much for chatting with us!
Thank YOU!
MFP - We’d love to know more about your biz and how it came to be!
WELL! I guess the short version of the story is - I’ve loved wearing interesting earrings for a long time, but I have sensitive ears, and trying to find earrings that didn't hurt my ears, turn green after one or two wears, or weigh a tone on my poor lobes, that were also fun as well, just wasn't easy. So I started making earrings for myself, and the rest is history I guess!
MFP - What is your favourite thing about what you do?
Oooh the creative process!! There is something extremely satisfying about turning an idea into a tangible item and then being able to see other people enjoy it too. It’s such a beautiful thing.
MFP - What is the most important message you want to send out to those starting a business?
Try it - you might surprise yourself! Even if it ends up not working the way you wanted it too you'll gain so much, you'll learn so much. I think it's always a good idea to try. And also, make sure you look after yourself #1 - that's when your best ideas and work will happen.
MFP - Name a small biz that you admire?
The Cake Eating Co - for 10,000 reasons!! Seriously. My Fave.
..But also Milly Rose Boutique too, and of course MFP!!
Sorry, I couldn't pick just one haha.
MFP - How has the last year been for you?
Haha, confusing and exciting!? There were a lot of little teachable moments and realisations, but all in all it was good. I found that I needed to remind myself why I started and what my ‘mission’ was, and not get sucked into what everyone else was doing; the need to enjoy what I’m designing and making is important.
MFP - Where do you source your inspiration?
Oh yes, good question! All over the show, everywhere, I’ve been inspired by fabric, tiles, wallpaper, nature, landscapes, tattoos, art, my friends .. inspiration is EVERYWHERE, it's all about how you look, thinking about things that make you go ‘that's interesting’ and ‘how can i turn that into something else; how can i break that down’. I find my motivation is the highest when I feel inspired so seeking inspiration is a constant for me.
MFP - What does “me time” mean to you?
Another excellent question! ‘Me time’ for me means taking time to do what you feel you need to do at that moment; what your body needs or desires. If you're tired, sleep, if you're needing a mental break or change, and allow yourself to step back from ‘responsibilities’ and understand that it’s ok to breathe a bit! Watch a movie in your PJ’s, or read a book! It’s super important in my books.
I have some pretty big news, which in the wake of our wonderful Jacinda's news seems pretty small, everything she wrote could have come from my heart.
Madame Fancy Pants Cuba Street will be closing its doors on Thursday the 23rd of February 2023 after almost 17 years.
The last 3 years have been some of the hardest I have experienced personally and as many will feel, as a people. I have nothing left in my bucket and can no longer be the leader I want to be for my team. I am on the train to resentville to become the mayor and that is not the destination I want to go to.
I need to give space to my family, my mental health, and body.
I have loved our time on Cuba Street, I love the community, the people, and the energy of the city. I hope that MFP's presence has added sparkle, cuss, and kind to this place we all love and care for. To give nice folks a nice place to find nice things.
I want Wellington to thrive and flourish, my decision feels like I am letting the team down. But I hope in the absence of MFP's Cuba presence another store will pop up and do the Mahi and give the street the love it deserves.
I want to thank all those folks that have shopped in the store, popped in for chats, shared posts, and generally given me support and words to uplift over the years.
I have met so many amazing customers who have become fantastic friends from working on that lil street. I truly cherish my time there.
To the designers and makers we have had in the store. What a fantastic time we had finding new homes for your products and designs.
Some of you we will take on our journey to Greytown, some we sadly may need to leave behind (due to conflicts of location) but I have ALWAYS loved supporting makers and have been so excited to see you grow and learn on your own creative business journey.
Thank you to all those MFP fancies who have brought the love, passion, energy, and care to the Cuba store over these 17 years. The store has been what it is today because of you.
BUT! This is NOT the end of the Madame Fancy Pants story!
Our Greytown store will stay very much open and our online store
will be functioning as usual, sending out the goods with all the love and care. I hope to see you in our Greytown store in the future - maybe attending a workshop in our Atelier!
Keep an eye out for an insta live soon where I will be open to
answer any questions you might have about the Cuba closure.
And to those business owners out there feeling a similar way and
you need an ear, holler at me if you would like to korero.
thanks a billion
xox Claire❤️🌈
Hope this helps you all out
xx
Filled with clarity, inspiration, and just the right dose of humor, Directions provides all that and more. And like, a Magic 8 Ball, it’s always ready for a consultation when you need it: What direction do I need today?
2. Scrunchie Pack - Woodland Friends | Cosy up with these super soft and comfy scrunchies! In the prettiest woodland inspired autumnal florals, these are extra gentle even on the finest of hair.
3. Hand Dipped Candle 3 Pack - Pink & Red | Hand-Dipped candles made in the Indi & Wild studio in Wellington. The perfect colourful gift for candle lovers!
4. Rudolph Xmas Earrings | HOW SWEET? Fun, colourful and New Zealand made? What more could you want?
5. Tony's Chocolonely | The holiday season is our favourite time of the year.. and we like to celebrate it in style with these special chocolate bars. Break out Tony's tree and hang it on your own tree. Or just eat it right away, cause this chocolate is sooo good.
6. Coloured Pencil Tube Set Of 12 - Pets | Super colourful Floss & Rock coloured pencils, they come in a fun reusable tube. Great as a stocking filler!
7. A5 Notebook - Splice | A handy, gentle textured A5 notebook that is the perfect size to keep in your bag, car or anywhere you need to keep some paper on hand.
8. Charge & Go LED Seed Lights - Copper | Your favourite twinkle lights can now charge up and go anywhere with you.
9. Wildflower Seed Packs - Hydrangea Ranger | The green thumbs in your life will love you for these!
Hope these help you out. These gifts all make great stocking fillers too!
xo
Pronouns: she/her
Performer, Graphic Designer & Good Egg
Aimée wears: Butterfly Kisses Maxi Dress - Cinnamon by Blak | Green Gold Drop Earrings by Maxwell Made | Solitary Sunglasses - Brown by Status Anxiety
Thank you for having me! I’m so stoked to be chatting with you!
I work as a graphic designer and illustrator, but also perform a lot. Recently I’ve been lucky enough to work with all kinds of clients from a design perspective, but I’ve also been very fortunate to perform with theatre groups all over the city. I’ve also just finished making a cool short film called Saint Margo, written and directed by Jess Hockey. Otherwise I love being with my pals, heading to Lighthouse Cinema to catch a movie, or heading to Bats Theatre to see a cool show.
This city has a little bit of everything. We have sea, green, mountains, city, hills, shops, bars, theatre, all at our fingertips. I reckon in an an hour’s walk through Wellington you can see all of life! The people who live here are the most inspiring thing about the city, and it’s a joy to be in a place full of cool people making cool mahi in all fields. There is something amazing happening every night of the week, whether that’s music, drag, theatre, lectures, sports, anything. I LOVE Wellington, and living here is a privilege and an honour.
I think everyone dresses unapologetically here, and wandering down Cuba Street is always an inspirational walk for fashion and style. I really like how you can see the impact of geography on clothes, and how folks match style with livability. Sneakers and boots for the hills, and long skirts, pants, or a-line fits to combat the wind. The wind is inspiring you! (Even if it doesn’t feel like it!)
Eeeeeee! In illustration, I love Eleonora Arosio and Nina Cosford’s work. My good friend Alex at 91 Vintage Photo is constantly producing cool film photography that I’ve had to limit my spending on - it’s all so good. I love the work of Jacqui Kenny, who takes photographs of found places on Google Street View.
In theatre, Trick of the Light always deliver, as well as A Mulled Whine. I’m very excited to see my pals at Red Scare Theatre Company presenting Homemade Takeaways at Bats this week, and I’m very excited for what WITCH Music Theatre create in 2023. We’re so lucky to have access to sooooo many great theatre companies in Te Whanganui a Tara - support them, it’s been a rough couple of years!
Oh my gosh, there are so many! For kai, 1154, Olive, Origami, Ombra, and my forever favourite, Aunty Mena’s (BBQ buns and a laksa please.). I love sitting in the window of Midnight Espresso at nighttime, and in the window of Black Lion in the day (buy their bread, you won’t regret it.) For treats, you can find me in the aisles of Havilah, Minerva, Wellington Apothecary, The Ferret Bookshop, Good Housekeeping, and of course, Madame Fancy Pants! Hana Akari also does the best massages in the city. And when the sun goes down, I love Puffin and Ascot, cosy little bars where you can gab the night away.
I was a classic-vintage-Tumblr-whimsy-girl in the 2010s, which still courses through my veins. It’s now developed into what I think is a more minimal and understated style. I like wearing a lot of block colours - creating a strong colour palette is what I tend to look at when dressing. I love to dress up - I think lots of performers do. It’s escapism, and pretending you’re something else for a day, or a night. A costume party with theatre people is always a great time!
As for influences, I love love love Nicola Coughan’s style. She always looks so fabulous, fun and femme, as well as being a shorter softer gal, just like me! I went through a phase of feeling like dressing femme makes people percieve you as weak, which I’m thankfully breaking free from, mainly due to the influence of many strong friends who surround me, including Sasha, who featured in one of the first fancy sessions! I feel very excited to have reached a point where I’m comfortable playing with dressing up and embracing my 17 year old Tumblr self - the world is your playground after all.
You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Say no more often. Tell your friends you love them and that they’re the best shit you’ve ever seen. (credit to Julia Jacklin for that lyric.) Say hello to your 17 year old self. Give them a hug. Tell them they’re pretty cool.
I come back to Arlo Park’s album ‘Collapsed in Sunbeams’ constantly. It’s just beautiful. As the summer is coming, artists on my constant rotation are Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard, Self Esteem, Julia Jacklin, Bahamas and Tiny Ruins. The funny thing about performing in a show that involves singing is that you have periods where all you listen to is the music from the show you’re learning in a desperate attempt to smash the songs into your memory! Therefore my Spotify round up is never representational of my true taste in music. I think I need to start utilising incognito sessions more often.
Ooooooh - for me it’s all about fun. I had the most laughs on ‘Little Town Liars’ in 2021 with Distracted by the Sideshow. It was a silly, kooky comedy about three kids in 1950’s Louisiana who take drugs on Halloween night. Every performer in it was so funny to be around, and I’ve never had such a hard time not cracking up on stage. As well as being funny, everyone was so kind and lovely backstage. There is a picture of that team on my fridge, and it always makes me smile to look at it.
The next six months are going to be whole a heap of fun! I will be performing with WITCH Music Theatre at Garden’s Magic on the 26th of January, as well as their production of Into the Woods in May, then diving headfirst into Kinky Boots with G&T Productions.
You can find my illustration work at @aimeeisokay and aimeesullivan.info, and follow my day to day ramblings at @aimeeisaway.
SHIPPING PSA!
Our wonderful couriers are under the pump this time of year..
So that is part of why parcels are talking a bit longer - not to mention we are all LOVING getting online deliveries to take the strain off parking, leaving the house and you know ..life.
So, if you are in a hurry and you are local and NEED that parcel by a certain date, if you can use a stores online pick up service, we can have you parcel ready in most instances (as long as the items you've ordered are located at the store you want to to pick up from) We can have it ready in and wrap (if you fancy!) in a jiffy so you can just holler from the door your name and we can catapult that parcel (carefully!) to you at the door and you can be on your way again!
Or, if you are ordering online, give that parcel a little grace time to get to you - and don't leave it till the last moment to order!
Right on folks!
xoxMFP (and your couriers)
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Jess | She/Her | Bianca Slip Dress - La Vie Floral Teal - Rue Stiic
This is an artisan piece crafted with a stunning hand made and screen-printed fabrication featuring our exclusive La Vie Floral Teal print. Best for those effortless summer days from the beach, to the city, to dinner with a vintage leather jacket.
Finn | She/They | Doro Midi Dress - Tangerine Cotton Check - Rue Stiic
Sophie | She/Her | Mara Shirt Dress - Tangerine - Rue Stiic
Lis | She/Her | Short Sleeve Ingrid Dress Midi - Choc/Ivory Check - Blak
Ingrid is your perfect summer dress!
We can't wait to see you wearing this beautiful gingham check dress to the market, on your way to a picnic, or heading out for a coffee date with your pals. Ingrid has short, puff sleeves, crew style neck with a back neck tie opening, a tiered knee length skirt and small side splits and she is cotton - perfect for the warm summer days ahead!
Oh, did we mention she has pockets? NO? well...you KNOW she does!
Claire | She/Her | The Petal Dress - Eylse - Blak
Timeless yet modern the Petal Dress is the perfect piece for all occasions from the office to weekend events. Elevate the Petal Dress with heels or relax after hours with your favourite pair of sneakers.
Hand-dipped candles made in Indi's studio in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
These candles are made with refined paraffin wax, recycled cotton wicks, and non-toxic dyes. THE COLOURS, OH THE COLOURS are stunning! WE LOVE.
Our fantastic Cuba Street fancy Sophie has created these CUTIE PATOUTIE frog prints to add a pop of colour to your space. SO TALENTED. You can peep Sophie's work in-store at Cuba Street now! Love your work Soph 👏
Our social media manager and Cuba Street fancy Finn is the maker behind Finn Store - a space for beauitful refillable soy candles and handmade & curated goods. We've been SO EXCITED to have these candles in store & this week they have landed! These are a collaborative effort with Larissa at Goodwin Ceramics and have been made to last. We welcome your mahi to the store Finn. Natural Soy Wax ~ Cotton Wicks ~ 100% Essential Oils ~ Waikato Buff Stoneware Clay.
Do y'all remember our previous store manager Aimée!? HOW COULD WE FORGET!?? This amazingly talented las has her Miss Flossy Pots print up for sale with us and WE LOVE. There are only a few of these left so snag 'em if you gotta have 'em.
How can we do a fancy made special without mentioning Madame herself - Claire! She started MFP designing and trading jewellery to first stock up our shelves. Many years later and Claire is back at it again. TRULY STUNNING STUFF. Have a peep here at all the Claire made beauties.
Shout out to our wonderful Cuba Street manager Lis for all the beautiful photography you do! Those magpie eyes of yours are so special! Kei runga noa atu koe!
Tell us a bit about what you do?
Photography by Finn Aroha - She/They
Dads are usually THE MOST difficult people to buy for...Here are a few goodies pops might just fancy.
Find all these goodies + more here
]]>Fave item at MFP at the moment!?
Lisa Junius Hair Claw - Cosmic Woman! I wear this clip every single day! I also have a floral folder that doubles as a clip board which is really handy for work as well as stunning!!
You recently published a book with your Mum! How exciting! Tell us about the book!
Yes! So exciting! My lovely mum began a Social Enterprise in 2008 providing services dedicated to health and wellbeing. Her team teaches everything from puberty education, to body image, to safe relationships and consent across over 200 schools in New Zealand. From a young age, I was helping create resources for these school programmes and as I got older I contributed more and more. Mum was eventually tapped on the shoulder and asked to put her wonderful programmes in one place for parents - a book! She approached me and my siblings for advice and of course, I couldn't help but get more involved. It naturally evolved into a co-authorship.
The book is aimed at parents who are wanting to stay on the same page as their teens. We felt that if parents had some tools for good communication, as well as up-to-date information and insights into hot button issues, they were going to be able to stay engaged and involved. Ultimately, it's about building a safe and judgment-free space for young people to be able to grow their resiliency, stay curious and build healthy relationships. Our book is full of tips, tricks, and conversation starters to help you out! You can get a copy here!
I have always loved to write. I would often get my laptop out and just go for it. I think both mum and I were a little unprepared for what it took to actually pull a whole book together. Mum found her strength through researching and gathering information that was relevant, up-to-date, and Australasian where possible. I found mine through structure. Through a few trials and errors, we landed on slicing the book into juicy chapters covering topics that most teens are dealing with. Each chapter begins with an overview before diving deeper into the main issues. We wrap it up with some ideas on how to have the conversation, complete with conversation starters and further resources and/or activities to explore together.
To trust my gut! Sometimes you don't need a reason other then my body says no and I trust myself.
A. Chunky Roll Neck - Kelly Green - Tuesday B. Aura Necklace - Silver Linings Collective C. Teddy Coat - Tuesday
Pronouns: She/Her
Jess wears: The Morwell Midi by Mink Pink & Daffodil Necklace by Wolf & Moon
Photography by Finn Aroha
Kia ora! Thank you so much for speaking with me today!
What do you find inspiring about living in Wellington?
Everytime I walk down cuba , I love seeing all the different types of people walking past. There is no judgment to express yourself however you want and it makes me feel so comfortable to be around people just being themselves
What art is exciting you at the moment?
Ive always loved Jean-Michel Basquiat. His work is so in your face and chaotic. Its really cool to see how he changed the art game and brought graffiti into the upper art world. I would love to see his work in person one day.
What are your favourite spots on Cuba Street?
Of course it has to be Duck Island. I went there on my first day in wellington when I had literally no clue where anything was, so its kinda like a comfort place for me. And very delicious ice cream - i would definitely recommend the chocolate coconut and ambrosia flavours.
How would you describe your personal style, and who are your influences?
My style is pretty all over the place. My biggest influences are definitely the people i see around uni or in town, they always have such cool outfits. Im very much an op-shop gal, so whatever catches my eye really. And anything blue.
What has been your biggest revelation/lesson of the last year?
Seize the day. Sounds cheesy, but i try to say yes to anything thats sounds even vaguely interesting to me cause, why not? Yolo!
What music are you listening to currently?
Rex orange county’s new album ‘worth it’. Im going to see him live later this year so have been playing on repeat in preparation!
All time favourite film?
For sure brokeback mountain. Makes me cry everytime.
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We are looking for a part time team member that loves connecting with people, has a genuine passion for quality clothing, home goods and all things MFP.
We have 2 positions available - click the image below to find out more information and application links!
Can't wait to hear from you!
Claire
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