about the cupboard

the look
The Cupboard’s look is intrinsically New Zealand, resonating our landscape’s restrained shades and unexpected drama. Nature’s colours are given life and elegant expression by designer-owner Diane Burkhardt, and by a committed design team exclusive to The Cupboard.

This winter elegance is given new expression in The Cupboard’s collection. The designs this season are a marriage of masculine and feminine, dark and light, wool and silk, intricacy and simplicity - the dreaminess of silk georgette, silk/rayon velvet and luxurious cashmere are reinvented for elegance and comfort. Our new seasons fabrics, colours and styles will present you with the perfect way to express yourself this winter with touches of glamour and designs that are exclusive to The Cupboard.

Buy two or three pieces a season, and invest in an enduring wardrobe, which can be stylishly blended for years. The Cupboard’s fashions are layered and complex, with echoes of Victorian and Edwardian features and hand-crafted attention to detail. They are impeccably cut and sewn.

Regular clients have come back for decades to The Cupboard – from throughout New Zealand, and from Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia. “Our clothing is inter-generational,” says Diane. “It suits a 25 year old, and a 60 year old.” Good style is perennial and ageless, says the team.

the feel
Diane and her team work in imported, high quality natural fabrics – wools, cashmeres, tweeds, silks in winter; and crisp cottons, silks and linens in summer. All year round silk velvets, beads and brocades feature for evening and daywear. Texture and juxtaposition of unexpected and complementary fabrics excite the senses.

the experience - bespoke tailoring & custom design
The Cupboard provides almost half its garments custom made, purpose fitted to their fashion clients – at no extra cost to its prêt a porter styles. Women who invest in fashion this way, are often ‘early shoppers’, says Diane. They come from all over the world, on the cusp of seasons, to seek out the original and the exclusive styles and ideas. They order based on new fabric ranges, the creative styles Diane Burkhardt offers, as well as the professional advice of in-house stylists.

the stylists - totally personal service
The Cupboard believes in helping a client tell a personal story with clothing. The Cupboard’s stylists will help clients choose an outfit or a seasonal wardrobe that is high quality, and affordable. This service is provided at no extra cost.

“We help a woman tailor for her personality,” says Diane. “We help her fulfill the look she suits and likes, as well as what is comfortable and delivers extra self assurance.” Experienced, long term staff are ready to advise clients seven days a week.