Balancing fashion, international travel, and an active lifestyle: Discover what makes Jane Coleman, General Manager of Apt Collections tick, and pick up a few fashion tips along the way.
Apt Collections might not be a name familiar to many in Hamilton, but the tides are changing as the store opened its doors for the first time in Hamilton in February. Apt Collections is born from Longbeach Apparel, a New Zealand owned company that has been operating out of Christchurch for more than 45 years. You may be more familiar with the brands they stock; womenswear labels such as Foil, Newport, Preen, Memo, Design Nation, Neris, Seeking Lola, Billie the Label, and Leila & Luca.
At the helm of Apt Collections is Jane Coleman, the vivacious General Manager based in Christchurch, whose energy mirrors the vibrancy of the designs her brands bring to women across the globe. "We take pride in embracing bold colours and prints," says Jane. "Our goal is to make shopping a joyful experience for every woman."
Apt Collections is a 100% Kiwi-owned business, dedicated to helping women celebrate their individuality. Jane's key piece of fashion advice? "Don’t feel pressured to wear something just because it’s ‘on trend.’ There are so many options available today. Choose a style that makes you feel confident and comfortable, so you can look great and be your best self."
Selecting which styles to develop is a collaborative team effort. The majority of Apt's collections are designed in-house in Christchurch, where a talented design team manages everything from concept to completion. "Our team oversees every step of the process, from design and product development to manufacturing, marketing, sales, and delivery, "Jane explains. "We put a tremendous amount of research into fabric selection and fit to ensure quality across all our brands, resulting in a collection with broad appeal."
With the arrival of the spring/summer collection, Jane is excited about the vibrant prints, bright colours, and sophisticated monotones. "Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and breathable viscose are key this season, which is perfect as the weather warms up."
Jane’s personal style is a mix of classic and contemporary. "I love timeless pieces with a modern twist. One of my favourite outfits this season is from Neris, the ‘In Ore’ linen jacket, waistcoat, and pants with a metallic finish and statement buttons. I like to keep things versatile and comfortable, while adding unique touches that reflect my personality."
Jane’s role often takes her overseas for fabric sourcing and development, where she visits factories and supply partners in Asia. "We work hard to maintain long-term relationships with our suppliers, many of whom we consider friends," she says. "I also travel to meet distributors in Australia, the UK, Europe, and North America. It’s always inspiring to travel, but there’s nothing like coming home to New Zealand."
Balancing her demanding job with personal life isn’t always easy, and Jane admits that the line between work and home can blur. Still, she considers herself fortunate. "I love what I do, and I work with a fantastic team. Fostering a supportive environment is crucial. Sharing responsibilities and communicating effectively can make a big difference. I try to stay organised by prioritising tasks and making daily to-do lists. I also carve out time, usually in the early mornings, for a workout."
With manufacturing in China and India and key partnerships across the US, UK, Canada, and Europe, Jane’s role involves nurturing stakeholder relationships, as well as sourcing, costing, and negotiating—all with a focus on maintaining profitability. "My greatest satisfaction comes from seeing our clients succeed and supporting my team through a strong, people-focused, and value-driven culture."
When Jane isn’t working, she’s just as active in her downtime. "I love running around Christchurch’s Port Hills and taking our dog Millie for walks. When I can, I enjoy playing golf and spending time with friends and family—especially over a glass of wine."
