History

Rembrandt's Story

We've been in this business since 1946, when Alex Harrison opened a small friendly tailoring store in Wellingtons Vivian Street. Our mission is to dress you well – with exceptional quality, value and service from the New Zealand experts. Italian fabrics and limited runs underpin our approach to making you look good at every occasion.

our process

STEP 01

concept

Each season our design team travels the world visiting the very best fabric and garment suppliers, discovering the latest fabric and style innovations first-hand.

step 02

design

Our collection is refined over a period of several months. We see the design process as a collaboration between our designers, retail and customers.

step 03

production

Our suppliers and manufacturers have been selected because of their expertise. They follow the Rembrandt’s code of compliance, and we meet regularly. 

Rembrandt's story

We've been in this business since 1946, when Alex Harrison opened a small friendly tailoring store in Welly. When you walk into one of our stores today, you’ll find the same personal approach. Our staff are well trained and on hand to help you make a smart choice from our ready-to-wear, made-to-measure, suit hire and alteration services.

1946

The business of Bert Churchill Tailors, located in Vivian Street, Wellington, was bought by Alex Harrison, a cutter and registered as a company at the start of 1946. 

1952

A brainstorming session to create a name for the company’s new line of suits and Rembrandt was chosen (apparently beating off a strong challenge from Michelangelo).

1953

The company name was officially changed to Rembrandt Suits Ltd.

1975

Paul Veltman sold Rembrandt to Alliance Textiles Ltd, who simultaneously bought James Brown and Oxford Clothes Ltd. The three businesses were then amalgamated into one, under the Rembrandt name and management.

1987

One week before the share market crash, the management team bought the company from Alliance Textiles. In hindsight they probably should’ve waited a little longer. The company remains owned by the same two families to this day.

1989

After apparel was included in the CER Free Trade Agreement with Australia, Rembrandt began exporting. The launch was held in Melbourne in November 1989.

1998

Rembrandt is sold for the first time in Australia’s David Jones department stores.

2008

The Wayward heir label is launched.

2009

The first Rembrandt store opens in Sydney, there are now three Rembrandt stores in the city.

2011

Rembrandt Hire is launched.

2012

The first Rembrandt store opens in Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand.

2014

Rembrandt's online shop opens for business.

2016

We open two more Auckland Rembrandt stores; on Shortland Street and in Westfield St Lukes.

2017

70 years after opening a small bespoke tailoring business on Vivian Street in 1946, we opened our Wellington store on Johnston Street.

2018

The Aspiring collection was launched as a solution to customers who wanted a high quality ethical choice. Every Aspiring piece is made from ZQ certified, sustainable, 100% New Zealand merino wool.