In a long string of outlets to shut up shop, Frank Casey Wellington has made the decision to follow suit. Owner Waari Ward-Holmes claimed increased availability and casualization of formal events has forced his hand.
"In [2000], black tie events were black tie events - 95 percent of those attending a formal function went in the full attire - bow ties and all. Then from 2008, the casualization started. Then came the cheaper suits,” said Ward-Holmes.
Ward-Holmes has dressed big name celebrities including Stephen Fry, and former All Blacks Zinzan Brooke and Terry Wright. The store houses 650 suits spanning across all sizes and occasions, which all have to be sold off.
“People wearing suits these days can pick up suits for a very affordable price. We’ve had to make a business decision, and this is the outcome,” said Ward-Holmes.
