Duchess is a family owned and operated store and is the the newest addition to Auckland's most fashionable street, Nuffield Street. It offers a veritable shopping haven for fashion conscious women - even those on a budget with nothing in store over $420. There is something for everyone. With three glittering chandeliers, lush red brocade drapes and urns overflowing with exotic flowers Duchess is really something quite different.

The team at Duchess believe that women don't have to sacrifice their style because they are watching their spending. Duchess is supposed to be an extravagant shopping experience - more Marie Antoinette than minimalist. Like the store interior, the clothing has a classic European influence and sophistication however the price of the garments are far more affordable than the fit out suggests.

Duchess is the brainchild of Anna McGaffin and her mother Judith (of Ludolph McGaffin couture). The two have long shared a love of fashion design and collaborate together on the design of some of the funkier pieces in the store.The fashionable family also turned their hands to interior decorating to create the exquisite Duchess décor, from the initial idea stage to the late nights spent painting the glossy black counter and the gilt Corinthian the whole family was involved in the fit out of the store and spent many a day and night together creating the fantastic store you see today. The store stocks everything from winter coats, to show-stopper dresses, faux fur evening capes and pencil skirts.

Duchess caters for all occasions. An extensive range of hats, hosiery, handbags, jewellery, perfume and hair accessories makes the store a one-stop shop for recessionistas looking for the perfect outfit to take them from day to night, or the boardroom to the ball.

Duchess Nuffield St is the flagship store for the Duchess empire. Their plan is to open stores all over New Zealand and eventually branch out into Australia so keep an eye out for more developments.