Under the soft glow of ECC’s sculptural lighting, Auckland’s fashion crowd gathered this week to experience something quietly momentous – the arrival of P. Johnson, the cult Australian tailoring house with a devoted international following, for an exclusive trunk show at the design destination’s Grafton showroom.
The event, held from 22–26 October, was more than a presentation – it was an immersion. Every detail, from the USM Haller wardrobe systems that displayed the garments (the kind of modular design most of us can only dream of having at home) to the gentle cascade of natural light over silk, cashmere and organza, felt meticulously orchestrated. The result? A space that blurred the line between gallery and atelier – part tailoring salon, part design exhibition.
The World of P. Johnson
Founded in Sydney in 2009 by Patrick Johnson, the label has become synonymous with modern tailoring done with a wink of ease. With showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, London, New York and Brisbane, P. Johnson has built a reputation for reimagining classic silhouettes with fresh energy – refined yet relaxed, quietly luxurious yet inherently wearable.
Beyond its razor-sharp suiting, the brand’s ethos centres on helping clients build concise, intelligent wardrobes – the kind that feel both timeless and low-impact. It’s a vision that extends beyond fashion, encompassing artisanal objects and lifestyle goods that celebrate what the brand calls a life well-lived.
Why Auckland – and Why Now
When asked what brought P. Johnson to our shores, the designer’s answer was simple – and telling.
“We’ve had many New Zealand-based clients travel to Australia over the past 15 years to visit us, we thought it was about time we went to see them. Trunk shows have always been a big part of our business, and it appears Auckland will be a fixture now – the reception has been great.”
Given the turnout, it’s safe to say they’re right.
The Collection
This season’s lineup embodies P. Johnson’s signature duality: meticulous construction softened by a sense of movement and ease.
“The series of garments we make in silk dupioni are a great hallmark for us.”
“It’s a fabric that’s increasingly scarce – artisanal, breathable, and with a sensual drape. You’ll see it in tops, long skirts, and dresses.”
Standouts include the Agnes series – sheer silk organza pieces embroidered with delicate tufted bows – and the Mara dress, a statuesque evening silhouette that commands attention without shouting for it. On the menswear side, highlights include a decadent lamb’s-suede field jacket and its weatherproof Florentine twin, both exuding understated elegance.
“In our knitwear, we’re exploring everything from light ice-cotton summer pieces to lush cashmere crew necks,” Johnson adds. “Then there’s the ‘Opener’ sweater – a little playful, a little nostalgic. Think fisherman’s knit meets cricket jumper.”
Three words that define the brand?
“Fresh, elegant, joyful.”
Sustainability by Design
Luxury and sustainability aren’t often mentioned in the same breath, but for P. Johnson, the two are inseparable.
“Custom tailoring is naturally waste-free – you produce a single piece to order rather than investing in inventory, even with ready-to-wear, we work in very small makes – sometimes fewer than five or ten pieces. It’s a slower, more thoughtful way of working, shared by our mills and makers.”
The Scene at ECC
It’s no coincidence that this collaboration took place inside ECC, a space known for championing exceptional design and craft. The partnership felt seamless – the USM Haller wardrobes acting almost as architectural frames for the garments, while the brand’s soft tailoring conversed with the clean lines and luminous interior of the showroom.
The atmosphere was serene yet electric; light bouncing off silk skirts, textured knits draped effortlessly over chrome shelving, the hum of conversation mixing with the quiet satisfaction of those who know good design when they see it.
A Moment of Refinement
In a city increasingly defined by its creative cross-pollination – design, fashion, architecture, art – P. Johnson’s arrival felt perfectly timed. The trunk show wasn’t just about clothes, but about a way of living and dressing that feels conscious, cultivated, and beautifully composed.
As the sun filtered through ECC’s glass panels, illuminating folds of silk dupioni and the curve of a shoulder seam, one thing became clear: P. Johnson’s world has found a natural home in Auckland – radiant, refined, and just the right amount of relaxed.
To explore the full world of P. Johnson, including upcoming trunk shows and the latest ready-to-wear collections, visit pjt.com and follow @pjtworld on Instagram for daily glimpses into the brand’s quietly luxurious universe – from sun-soaked tailoring ateliers to linen-clad escapes and the kind of effortless style that never shouts, only whispers.
