Fifteen & Fabulous: Nicky Charman On Calexico’s Past, Present, & Future
ENDURING STYLE
By Kiri Johnston | 7th November 2025Long before James Street found its groove, Calexico was already setting the tempo – bringing global polish to Brisbane with local heart. Fifteen years on, its rhythm hasn’t missed a beat. I spoke with founder Nicky Charman about instinct, evolution, and the pulse that keeps Calexico moving and grooving.
Fifteen years in the game. Congratulations on this incredible milestone. What does this anniversary mean to you personally, and how are you and the team celebrating it?
“It feels like a big milestone, though the 15 years have kind of crept up on me – and if I’m honest, a bit surreal. Calexico has grown up alongside me – through marriage, motherhood, lots of mistakes, and milestones. It’s seen me evolve from being a girl with a vision to a businesswoman who knows what matters: connection, creativity, and community. We are not doing a whole lot, a few champagnes here and there with friends, clients, and family – not a big fuss – just gratitude and good energy, the same things that have carried us all these years.”
When you look back over the past 15 years, what moments stand out to you? What are the ones that really shaped Calexico into what it is today?
“There have been so many pivotal moments – opening our doors on James Street in 2010 when people thought I’d lost the plot and when finding a car park was easy; surviving a pandemic after luckily launching our online store just six months before; launching Calexico Man for my husband Jamie because he had nothing to wear; and growing a team that now feels like family. But the real highlights are human – seeing clients walk out feeling incredible, watching team members find their voice and go on to chase their own dreams, and being able to use our platform to raise awareness for charities that matter. ”
You were one of the very first boutiques on James Street. I grew up around the area and have watched the street evolve, but Calexico has always been a fixture. What do you remember most about those early days, when it was still finding its identity?
It was a risk – there was a Domino’s Pizza shop down the road and not a lot else! I imagined James Street as a place where fashion, food, and lifestyle would collide eventually – a bit European, a bit Californian, and completely Brisbane. And now, to see it evolve into Australia’s most iconic shopping strip, surrounded by incredible local businesses and, of course, The Calile Hotel, it feels like we were part of something truly special from the beginning.”
Back in 2010, luxury fashion in Brisbane wasn’t exactly a thing. What made you take that risk and back yourself?
“A mix of naïve confidence and pure conviction. I knew Brisbane women – and men – were ready for something more. I wanted to create a one-stop shop that was welcoming and service-driven. I just wanted to give them the experience that sometimes can be hard to find in the luxury space.”
Calexico has grown from one boutique into women’s, men’s, and e-commerce. Did you always envision that expansion, or has it been more about trusting your gut and evolving as you go?
“Not really – though it’s always been an evolution. I’ve trusted my instincts and followed opportunities that felt right. Calexico Man was born out of a personal problem – my husband Jamie couldn’t find anything to wear that felt modern, cool, and well-serviced. So, we built it. Growth for me has never been about being the biggest – it’s about staying current, connected, and exceptional in what we do.”
Over the years, Calexico has evolved beyond retail — it’s become a community in its own right. What do you think has allowed that connection to grow and endure?
“Because it’s real. We know our clients – their birthdays, their stories, their wardrobes. We’ve dressed women for weddings, first dates, boardrooms, and everything in between. Fashion should feel personal, fun, and a little bit transformative. The world can be serious enough – fashion should be the joy in your day.”
There’s always been a defined Calexico look — timeless, confident, quietly glam. Has that evolved over time, or do you think that essence was there from the very beginning? With party season here, what’s your advice for elevated dressing that still feels effortless?
“The Calexico look has always been about confidence – that effortless kind of polish that doesn’t yell but still turns heads. Over time, it’s evolved to feel more relaxed but never ordinary. One day it could be jeans and a tee, the next it could be sequins at 10 am. That’s what I love about fashion – it’s the ultimate reset button. Keep your party outfit base classic, then layer personality – a bold earring, a fabulous bag, a bit of sparkle. ”
After so many years of travelling the world for buying trips, what still excites you about curating each new season’s collections?
“The discovery. I’ll never get tired of walking into a showroom in Paris, Milan, or New York and seeing what designers have dreamt up. I love touching fabrics, hearing their stories, and imagining how our clients will wear these pieces back home. Travel keeps me inspired – I’m always exploring new places, meeting new people, and finding ideas everywhere.”
Having been such a defining part of James Street’s story, how does it feel to look around now and see how far both the precinct and Brisbane’s fashion scene have come since those early days?
“It’s really special. When we opened, James Street was more grit than glamour – now it’s the heartbeat of Brisbane fashion. Brisbane has grown up a lot; there’s this shared confidence now – we know who we are, and we’re not trying to be Sydney or Melbourne. We’re just doing Brisbane, really well.”
Fifteen years in business can’t have been easy. What have been the biggest lessons or turning points that have shaped the way you lead, create, or see the brand today?
“You’re going to make mistakes – that’s guaranteed. The trick is to learn, not linger. It’s about listening, trusting your gut, and letting others shine. And resilience, no one teaches you that in school. You learn it from doing, from the setbacks and the small wins that make the next big one possible.”
There’s always been a certain energy at Calexico – the warmth, the chatter, the music. As we step into party season, is there a moment that, for you, captures that Calexico spirit?
“It’s warmth, chaos, laughter, and a great playlist. I love that we get to play our favourite music all day, play dress-ups, and make people smile. It’s stylish, yes – but it’s also welcoming and a little cheeky. Calexico is a place to be, not just to buy. That’s the magic combination.”
As you look ahead to the next chapter, what’s next for Calexico? How do you see the brand evolving, and what still inspires you after all these years?
“We’re focused on refinement, connection, and creating even more meaningful experiences – both in-store and online. I’d love to explore expanding our own label and continue giving back through fashion. There is still so much more I want to do; life is great, and there is so much to celebrate.”
Rapid Fire
Describe yourself in three words: Curious, driven, fun
Typical drink order: Champagne
Favourite local spot: Mosconi
Go-to karaoke song: “Operator” by DJ Koze
Signature scent: Eccentric Molecules
Handbag essentials: Lip balm and phone
Favourite Calexico piece of all time: My first pair of Gianvito Rossi leopard stilettos
Most-worn item: The Calexico Exclusive Nicky Belt
City that always inspires you: Paris – she is the ultimate muse.
Dream client: Françoise Hardy in her 30s – effortlessly chic.
Imagery: Supplied
