Australian fashion may be having a moment on the International stage (we only need to look at the chokehold Christopher Esber has on the celebrity style set, or Zimmermann’s Paris Fashion Week debut for proof), but a little further south, New Zealand’s burgeoning design and fashion scene is worthy of every bit of our attention.
Similarly to Australia, New Zealand’s established and emerging fashion voices are influenced by their balmy and picturesque landscape that see’s natural fabrications and innovative silhouettes take to the forefront.
While there are designers making leaps and bounds on the international stage, Aotearoa’s coveted brand Paris Georgia is the ‘It girl’ label du jour for starters, this relatively new market is often overshadowed by its large-scale contemporary sister cities.
But what global consumers are missing out on (or at the very least aren’t aware of) is a distinct aesthetic and new-wave design style that’s rooted in sustainable practices, and a slightly rebellious perspective.
These small islands are encapsulated by coastal escapes, their rugged landscapes marked by sun drenched summer days with their rolling hills and roaring mountains some of the most picturesque havens, so it’s no wonder there is so much sartorial inspiration to be gained from this fashion mecca.
The biggest lesson learnt? A signature focus on ethical and slow design with regenerative fibers and a circular design model at the heart of some of the most prolific names in their design scene.
New Zealand’s fashion designers are offering something for everyone, whether this be slinky 90s sensual dressing from Paris Georgia, or edgy contemporary androgynous dressing from Wynn Hamlyn.
Below, the best emerging and established fashion designers to come from New Zealand.
Maggie Marilyn
Maggie Marilyn has become a tour de force within the New Zealand fashion community both at home and abroad, championing New Zealand’s signature aesthetic on a global stage with her quintessentially fresh and fun sustainably-oriented ready-to-wear designs.
For founder, Maggie Hewitt, the brand is more than just a creative channel for offering a highly curated closet of essentials and style staples, with a distinct focus on premium, ethical materials and practices that benefit both people and planet.
Enjoy a selection of statement pieces as part of Maggie Marilyn’s ‘Forever’ collection, wardrobe must-haves from her anything but basic ‘Somewhere’ collection and functional foundations that will see you through season after season.
Shop Maggie Marilyn here:
Paris Georgia
Paris Georgia is New Zealand’s answer to our appetite for slinky, sexy and It-girl approved wardrobe staples.
Infused with a signature 90s appeal, Paris Georgia has found their niche in delivering timeless silhouettes accented with subtle details that has not only appealed to everyone’s inner fashion girlie but become a mainstay in the celebrity style set wardrobes.
Founded by friends Paris Mitchell Temple and Georgia Cherrie, this brand offers model off-duty-esque pieces that are slightly nostalgic and anything but basic.
Shop Paris Georgia online here:
Wynn Hamlyn
For Wynn Crawshaw, the Auckland based designer behind cult-favourite label Wynn Hamlyn, his inimitable rise to the top of his field is a slow burn worthy of every bit of our attention.
At first glance, you may view his collections as expertly-crafted minimalism, but as closer glance you’ll notice off-kilter and eclectic details that reflects Wynn Hamlyn’s bold aesthetic.
While wardrobe staples like the perfect pair of tailored trousers and ‘jeans and a going out top’ are an omnipresent part of his design ethos, it’s it the unsual and unexpected where Crawshaw’s strength really lies. The designer recently made his AAFW debut at the 2022 Resort season, so this is one to keep an eye on.
Shop Wynn Hamlyn here:
Caitlin Crisp
Still in its infancy with only a handful of collections under its belt, Caitlin Crisp is an emerging label with an astute focus on delivering limited launches and everyday essentials with a uniquely feminine flare. From what started as a made-to-measure business creating one-off designs has since bloomed into a burgeoning ‘IYKYK’ label.
Shop Caitlin Crisp here:
Ruby
Since 2002, cult-favourite Aotearoa label Ruby has been dressing their community of Rubettes in fashion-forward ethical creations injected with a playful and edgy attitude. At Ruby, main character energy is a mainstay, and, regardless of the season, high energy and high octane hues are compulsory.
Shop Ruby here:
Marle
Designed and founded by Juliet Souter, Marle is a timeless womenswear label reigning from the North Island. At the heart of the brand is an unwavered dedication to premium natural fabrications and luxurious, effortlessly elegant silhouettes.
Shop Marle here:
Harris Tapper
If decisive simplicity and modern minimalism is your modus operandi, look no further than subversive feminine label Harris Tapper. Founded in 2018 by by Lauren Tapper and Sarah Harris Gould, we can’t help but think that Harris Tapper is an edgy, younger version of Phoebe Philo’s Celine.
Shop Harris Tapper here.
Havilah Label
Hailing from Wellington, Havilah label is a consciously chic clothing brand that is equally energetic as it is empowering. Founded by proud BIPOC woman, Havilah Arendse, Havilah Label is truly one of a kind: bold, unabashed, boisterous and unafriad to deliver what we want: ethical, inclusive, considered creations that not only boost our serotonin, but are better for the planet too.
Shop Havilah Label here:
Benjamin Alexander
When it comes to emerging labels, there’s nothing better than locally made and locally lauded designers who carve out their own lane. Made for the Depop generation Benjamin Alexander is up their with the likes of Emily Watson, Alix Higgins and Fanci Club as a cool-girl endorsed one to watch. Trust us, you’ll want these pieces as part of your forever wardrobe. Your soon-to-be vintage heirlooms.
Shop Benjamin Alexander here:
Georgia Alice
Arguably one of Aotearoa’s biggest success stories, Georgia Alice is the now defunct and world-renowned love letter from designer Georgia Currie to stylish modern women around the globe. After almost a decade dressing some of the most prolific members of the celebrity style set, Currie closed the label, which focused on contemporary classics, however that doesn’t mean the end of Georgia altogether. While the brand will always be immortalised on Lorde’s ‘Solar Power’, be sure to keep an eye out across resale platforms and Currie’s new venture, Forever, for more from the designer.
