Christine Centenera and Josh Groot still work together despite split

It’s one of Australia’s more unconventional business relationships however exes Josh Goot and Christine Centenera are making it work. The former couple this week launched their newest range in Sydney after splitting up in 2018.

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It’s one of Australia’s more unconventional business relationships however exes Josh Goot and Christine Centenera are making it work.

Once dubbed local fashion’s first couple, the pair, who met 13 years ago and dated for seven years, were in Sydney this week to launch the newest range of Wardrobe. NYC., a brand they founded in December 2017.

And while their long-term relationship ended in 2018 (Centenera now dates actor Joel Edgerton) their business is thriving.

Former couple Christine Centenera and Josh Goot, parted ways in 2018, but they are still working together on their fashion label. Picture: Supplied

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“When it comes to how we work together, this is something we are still working through,” Goot told Sunday Confidential following the event launch at Parlour X.

“We are trying to find the right rhythm and the right lineation of roles and responsibilities but it is pretty natural.

“Christina and I have obviously known each other for a long time so we know each other very well and … it just clicks. We have learnt a lot together about our work and ourselves.”

Their brand, which operates as an unique retail model in that collections are available to buy online only in packs of four and eight pieces ranging in price from $500 to $3000, has seen meteoric success, no doubt because of the combined knowledge of the pair behind it.

Goot’s eponymous label was considered one of Australian fashion’s most coveted until he entered voluntary administration in 2015.

Centenera and is now dating Aussie actor Joel Edgerton. Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Ex-partner Centenera is Vogue Australia’s fashion director and considered Australia’s top stylist having been a consultant on Kanye West’s Yeezy line and now stylist at Louis Vuitton.

Together they are a fashion powerhouse, not that Goot agrees.

“We don’t pay much attention to that label,” he said. “We love our work and we feel really blessed to be able to work in the industry in a way that inspires us and gives us great opportunities.

“We started thinking about this in 2016 and really the concept came from a few places. One was an honest reflection of how we dress, not just Christine and I but real people every day.

“The other was looking at our experience in the industry. Mine as a designer who had his own label for over 10 years and a very hands-on knowledge of what were some of the pitfalls of the conventional system, and thinking of smarter ways to work in the industry while still maintaining the elements we love.

“It is a good partnership. We bring different things to the table.”

Groot and Centenera split amicably but often hang out. Picture: Instagram/@vogueaustralia

Goot said he learnt many lessons from the collapse of his beloved brand and is doing thing differently this time.

“The most overarching thing is the notion of less. We are trying to do less,” he said.

“There are very small collections, it is a very small team, we only sell direct to consumer and we also develop everything directly with the factories in Italy so we don’t have big overheads at head office. It is a really lean enterprise, so I suppose that’s really different to a conventional fashion label.”

Sustainability is also a big focus.

A-list celebs such as Margot Robbie has been wearing their Wardrobe. NYC label. Picture: J. Merritt/Getty Images

Nicole Kidman has also been spotted wearing the threads. Picture: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

“It is a less wasteful approach. We have a very focused collection, only eight pieces per season for women. It is also timeless. We focus on designing pieces that will never go out of style. We work in black and white and it is inherently sustainable because it will last a long time and never go out of style,” Goot said.

“It is almost like an anti-fashion fashion label in a way.”

Worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian West, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, Victoria and David Beckham and Gigi Hadid, it’s clear Wardrobe. NYC is primed for success.

Originally published as Christine Centenera and Josh Groot still work together despite split