Page 8 - The Merivale Collection

Fiume, Northern Italy ... World War II has ended but the city has been captured by Yugoslav forces. The future looks bleak for the Perillo family, so they flee Italy. With eight children in the family, it’s an even more courageous journey - taking them to various refugee camps, until they settle in Auckland, in 1951.
In the 1960s, Perillo Brothers manufactured men’s shoes, initially from the family’s garage. Then women’s footwear became their bestsellers – the first retail order selling out the same day. Sebastiano (John) Perillo founded Andrea Biani and was so passionate about the business, he didn’t retire until he was 80 (sadly, just three years before passing away in 2019).
If the shoe fits
In the 1990s, Andrea and Vern Bailey could see the potential for Andrea Biani
to grow. “We’d been in the footwear industry all our working lives and in 1996,
we became the owners of Andrea Biani (South Island). We were excited to move from Wellington to Christchurch to build up the business and introduce new shoe brands,” explains Andrea.
Showcasing everyday luxury
The couple are proud to now have five stores, including Treasure Box by Biani, in Merivale Mall. The boutique showcases ethically-sourced, New Zealand and international designer accessories and clothing. This season’s summer range features relaxed designs in strong yet soft, sustainable organic fibres.
What’s on-trend this Summer?
Andrea: In women’s footwear, a fairly neutral palette, delicious pastel hues and versatile earthy, natural tones. There are still some bold pops of colour though!
Comfort and freedom are the key. Sport-luxe gymmies/sneakers are super- popular - they can work with everything from suits, to skirts and dresses. (I love boots but often wear sneakers to work – it’s so important to be comfortable!) There are slides and mules, and our own Andrea Biani collection includes sandals with studs and stacked wooden heels.
Clothing-wise, we love this season’s beautiful floaty dresses and skirts, fun prints, and metallics.
Vern: For men’s footwear, burnished leather boots are a strong look, especially in classic tan. Look for detailing/stitching around the heel, sole edge, and subtle, clever use of accent colours for a new twist.
A shared passion
for fashion
The people and passion behind Andrea Biani,
and Treasure Box by Biani
Andrea and Vern Bailey
PAGE 8.
At Andrea Biani, and Treasure Box by Biani, you’ll enjoy browsing in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Staff listen and provide advice, without pressuring you into buying; ‘Just looking’ is just fine.
An afterhours service is also available by appointment - particularly helpful for event organisers.
Visit andreabianishop.co.nz | Follow @andreabianishop