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Duncan and Prudence

Living above their own fashion store in a vibrant Wellington suburb is a dream lifestyle for returned expats Duncan McLean and Prudence Stone.

Several years ago the couple and their children were living a hectic lifestyle in New York. Despite loving the city and the opportunities it offered there was little time for life outside of work and study.

Duncan had a highly successful career as a designer for labels such as Gap, Banana Republic and Cynthia Rowley. Prudence was studying towards a PHD in Sociology.

After 10 years in the city, the couple decided it was time to make the move back home. They wanted their children to experience the Kiwi lifestyle and were keen to be closer to friends and family.

Once back in New Zealand Duncan was quickly snapped up by Icebreaker, a Kiwi company with an international reputation for outstanding design. Prudence started work as a fellow at Victoria University.

Duncan was impressed by the changes in New Zealand and says the country has experienced a 'cultural renaissance'. He believes that New Zealanders have developed a real passion for all things creative and this has sparked a transformation in the country as a whole.

Back in New Zealand, the couple decided that it was the perfect time to start their own fashion business, a dream that was not possible in New York because of the risks and investment involved.

They moved into the lively Wellington suburb of Newtown and began selling original screen printed clothing from a shop below their three bedroom flat. The range was so successful they left their full-time jobs to concentrate on the business.

It was the perfect solution to the quest for 'work-life balance' that had been missing from their lives in New York.

Although life is still busy in New Zealand as the couple build their 'Duncan and Prudence' label, they say that it is simply "easier to have a life as well as a career."

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