Staff Style: Jade Smythe
Posted:
The opening of The Shelter has seen the return of some familiar faces to the team. One of these is the lovely Jade Smythe, who worked at taylor many years ago and has returned to lend her expertise to running The Shelter's space. 
Image via Ponsonby Social Club. 
Jade (right), with taylor's Retail Liaison Manager Laura Ind.
Name: Jade Smythe
How would you describe what you do?
I don’t know how to describe it other than it's fun and social - with no dull moments or any time to spare!
How would you describe The Shelter?
As a creative hub of like-minded design, designers, artists, products, people and a very cool place to hang.
When did you start working for Vick Taylor?
I worked part-time for Vicki Taylor when I was completing my fashion degree in 2007, which had a huge influence on my design work. When I finished my degree I took a full time role, relocating to Wellington to become the assistant manager of taylor Wellington. After that I moved back to Auckland and became the manager of taylor Ponsonby in 2010. After a bit of travel, a dabble in the film industry and some life experience I couldn't resist returning to work with Vicki after four years to become part of The Shelter.
The Shelter.
What's your favourite thing about working at The Shelter?
That I am surrounded by brands, products and people that I adore.
What are your top three picks from The Shelter?
The Barbara Gongini crushed silk sleeveless shirt dress, taylor jumpsuit and Arielle De Pinto summer wedges.
Arielle De Pinto wedges.
Barbara Gongini dress (left) and taylor Enclose Jumpsuit (right).
Who is your style muse?
I don’t have a style muse as such, but I greatly admire Dianna Vreeland’s appreciation and celebration of imperfection. She had a killer eye for picking talent and her unassuming sense of style and the way she carried herself made her an intriguing, almost fictional character within the fashion world.
Dianna Vreeland. Image via BK Blog.
On Friday night we'd find you…
Possibly enjoying a quiet drink at Ponsonby Social Club…which may lead to further adventures later on….
Image via Ponsonby Social Club.On Sunday morning we'd find you…
In bed…for as long as I can get away with!
Where would you like to travel to?
The next place I would like to visit is Tokyo….I can’t wait to get there and explore.
Senso-Ji Temple, Asakusa, Tokyo. Image via I am Ubik.
What's the last book you read?
I'm currently reading both a biography on Gandhi and guidelines on sustainable fashion.
What's on your iPod?
Music for the gym - that’s all I can manage as I'm technologically incapable!
If I was computer savvy I would be listening to Little Dragon, Chet Faker, Broods, Johnny Cash, FKA Twigs, Angus and Julia Stone and Yuna.
Broods. Image via 13th Floor.
