17 February 2016
The New Zealand arrival of the well-dressed man
Australian ‘gentlemen’s clothier’ M.J. Bale will open the doors to its first New Zealand store in Newmarket at the end
of March, with a central Auckland flagship to follow in Shortland Street. The brand’s foray ‘across the ditch’ is the
first of M.J. Bale’s forthcoming international expansion, bringing their formally-tailored and casual garments to a
likeminded customer base.
M.J. Bale’s international supply chain ranges from the paddocks of Australia’s wool growers to Northern Italy (weavers)
and the Iwate Prefecture of Japan, where the brand maintains a workshop for its higher end tailoring options. M.J. Bale
has four sub-labels (Blue Label, Classics, Collection and Custom) that span the quality versus price spectrum, offering
the customer a good, better, best and sublime garment proposition.
M.J. Bale founder and CEO, Matt Jensen (the ‘M.J.’ in M.J. Bale), conceived the brand in 2009 to create garments that
veer towards the classic side of masculine elegance, as well as being functional and comfortable. From business or
casual attire right through to formal events and tuxedos, Jensen wanted to offer everything the modern man needs to look
his best at any given time, and in any climate.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing the M.J. Bale brand to New Zealand,” says Jensen, the son of an Australian wool
grower. “Our Kiwi cousins not only experience a similar summer climate to Australia, but also a complementary mindset
and approach to dressing well. With that in mind, we think our clothing is a perfect fit for Kiwi gentlemen. Our design
philosophy is based on 'soft tailoring' – comfortable, deconstructed clothing in the traditional Neapolitan style that
functions effortlessly regardless of whether it’s hot or cold weather.
There is a mistaken belief that shopping for a suit is a difficult chore, but the M.J. Bale philosophy is that it should
only ever be a pleasant experience. “At M.J. Bale we want to pass on our love of fine tailored clothing made from
quality materials to our customers. We believe our suit tailoring in-store experience will do just that”, concludes
Jensen.
M.J. Bale stands for authenticity, integrity, provenance and character, so if you're in the market for a fine new suit
you know where to go. Tell them Matt Jensen sent you.
-Ends-