HELLO

I’m Sally, the creator behind James & Stella

I grew up on Réunion Island, where my love of fashion started early — as a little girl I was already drawn to beautiful fabrics, colours, and the way clothes could make you feel. But it wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I finally sat down at a sewing machine and everything clicked into place.

I was lucky enough to learn from two incredible women who shaped the way I work. My very first lessons came from Christine, a seamstress who had honed her craft in the ateliers of Chanel. She taught me that the details matter — that the difference between something good and something truly special often comes down to the care you put into the invisible parts. Later, Eliane became another guiding light, sharing her knowledge generously and pushing me to grow as a maker.

A few years ago, love brought me across the world to New Zealand — and I haven’t looked back. Settling here, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful with my hands. Turning a lifelong passion into a small business felt like the most natural thing in the world.

James & Stella was born from that desire to make things slowly, carefully, and with real intention. Every piece is handmade in Auckland, crafted with the same attention to detail that my teachers instilled in me all those years ago.

I hope something here finds its way into your home — and brings a little warmth with it.