Behind the brand
Calexico has been on James Street in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley since 2010. Two boutiques, womenswear and Calexico Man, an online store and more than 125 designers from New York, Paris, Milan and beyond. It’s the closest thing to shopping overseas without getting on a plane.
And sixteen years on, I still choose every single piece.
2010
On James Street since
125+
International designers
2
Boutiques, women and men
A little about how we do things
I wanted Calexico to be somewhere women actually look forward to coming. Not a store you tiptoe into, but a place to drop in, catch up, try on far too many things and have a laugh while you’re at it.
So pull up a spot on the couch. There’s coffee, sparkling water or a glass of champagne, and a team who will ask what’s coming up in your life before they ask your size.
Then they’ll turn the boutique upside down to find the perfect outfit. For the graduation party, the school reunion or the first date. For when you become a new mum, or an empty nester. For your next big holiday, wherever it’s taking you. And they’ll tell you honestly what works, because…
“I’d rather you leave with one piece you love than five you don’t.”
What I buy is simple: beautiful fabrics that feel good, pieces you’ll wear on rotation, nothing too done up. Easy to wear, easy to shop.
Come in. Hang out. Play dress ups.
Babies, dogs and beginners welcome.
No judgement, just coffee or champagne.
Leave feeling ready for anything.
Nicky x
Coffee, sparkling water or a glass of champagne. Stay as long as you like.
The big birthday. The gala you said yes to months ago. The holiday you’ve been counting down to. Tell us what’s coming up and we’ve got you.
One piece you love beats five you don’t. We’ll tell you what works.
Giving back
Calexico has always been about women looking after women. These are three Brisbane charities close to my heart, and ones we’re proud to stand behind.
We donate new clothing
Peggy’s Place gives women and children escaping domestic violence a safe place to land and a real chance to start again. Beyond a roof and a bed, it offers counselling, training and the time to rebuild, including a dedicated space for older women who often fall through the cracks. We donate new clothing, because feeling like yourself again is part of moving forward.
Visit Peggy’s Place
Our team gives their time
This one is very close to what we do every day. Suited to Success gives people facing barriers to work free styling, clothing and career support, so they can walk into an interview feeling confident and ready. Our team gives their time, because we all know how much the right outfit changes the way you carry yourself.
Have clothes and shoes you no longer wear? Drop them off to Suited to Success and give them a second life with someone who needs them. Your old favourites could be the reason someone gets the job.
Nicky is an ambassador
Change for Youth was founded by Lisa Honeychurch, a longtime Calexico client and friend, after her work as a lawyer showed her how often children in care were being let down. The foundation supports young people living in out-of-home care across Queensland, giving them stability, support and a fairer start. I’m proud to be an ambassador.
Visit Change for YouthIf you’d like to get involved, I’d love to tell you more next time you’re in.
Our boutique
Come in, take a load off, and let us look after you.
