Benjamin Alexander | The Estate at Home
Benjamin Alexander - NZ Fashion Designer, Frequent bidder at Webb’s
Introducing the next profile in our The Estate at Home series
Fashion designer Benjamin Alexander has had a stellar career in wardrobe departments in film and television; as winner of the first Project Runway series in New Zealand; and with his eponymous fashion label. In May 2023 Webb's hosted Benjamin's fashion show, which marked the start of an ongoing relationship around fashion and curation. We caught up with the highly talented Benjamin at his home/atelier to chat about his impeccable taste and ongoing interest in Webb’s auctions.
“Purchased from The Estate at Webb’s - one of two early-2000s Ikea chairs”
Thank you for letting us into your inner sanctum! Your place is beautifully cohesive and full of interesting and intriguing items… what is your secret to making an interior work so well?
I’m not sure I have a secret to be honest. I’ve always been a collector and hunter, and I guess my aesthetic or how I like to decorate a space has grown from what I’ve accumulated over the years. It’s the natural progression of a collection really.
How did you find out about The Estate, what was your first purchase, your favourite and your latest — also, what keeps you coming back?
Well, my first purchase was this Gucci watch many, many years ago. It’s super beat up now, but still something I chuck on regularly. What keeps me coming back is the innate hunter in me. It’s exciting every fortnight seeing what new gems are going to be on offer. I think what I love so much about The Estate or any auction for that matter, is that you’re being presented with new objects one maybe wasn’t particularly looking for, but something that problem solves a space in your home or finger on your hand.
Sustainability has been very important in your professional life, does that also influence how you purchase objects for your own home?
I think purchasing vintage and antique objects that have already lived a life is sustainable in itself. It’s investing in objects that have stood the test of time, and not buying into modern forms of over consumption, nor trying to keep up with anything new or what’s ‘trendy’.
“Our bar cart - looking fully stocked at the moment!”
Benjamin’s Picks from this fortnight’s iteration of The Estate
One of the many interesting artworks in Benjamin’s home
You have an incredible collection of jewellery and accessories, some from the Webb's Jewellery department too. What do you look out for when browsing jewellery and accessories auction catalogues at Webb’s?
Now this is where my heart lies. Besides my incredible partner and beautiful family, jewellery is a true love. I honestly don’t exactly know what I look for in jewellery particularly, but I would say I’m like a dragon guarding its hoard when it comes to gold and diamonds.
Do you normally buy from Webb’s online or in-person/live auctions? And, how have you found that process?
I usually buy online or at least watch the live auctions online. I visit the estate when I can, but always make time to visit the Jewellery gals when the Fine Jewellery and Luxury Accessories auctions come up.
“The bust is actually made from wax, created by Cire Trudon”
Your art and sculptures are delightful! Where are they from?
The red moon painting is from a friend Matt Sinclair, who’s an incredible artist and multifaceted person. The bust is actually made from wax and is by Cire Trudon that was gifted to me by my sister’s mother-in-law. All of my objects hold sentimental value and most are from abroad, friends and trips around the world.
We're admiring your well-stocked and gorgeous bar cart — what’s in it, what’s your current go to drink and have you purchased any of the objects in it/beverages from Webb’s?
We host a lot which is something we really enjoy which means the cart needs to be stocked up! Espresso Martini’s are big in this house, mainly because my partner loves them and insists on brining them out when we have guests. I’m personally not the biggest fan of them, but do like a classic vodka, lime and soda. I don’t think anything on the cart is from Webb’s — no, that’s a lie: The wine rack on the bottom shelf was purchased through The Estate!
What are you excited about that's coming up for you and your career?
Without being super cliche, I’m very much looking forward to what my partner and I have planned for the next year or so. Some big and exciting life changes that I can’t wait for. Having recently put my business on hold, I’m also basking in a weightless shoulder!
Natural light floods Benjamin’s character apartment, complete with a swing.
"My latest purchase from Webb’s: a vintage ring made from amethyst, diamond, and citrine”
