Velvet scarves, skirts covered in amber-resin beads and other spectacular treasures.
New Zealand Fashion Week is back, and so is our survey of personal style. There are old things and new things, a plethora of locally designed clothes, and outfits that lay the groundwork for how we dress today —
Here, discover what we’re wearing as we report on the vast landscape of what we wear and why we wear it, and the people who create and inspire us. We’ll be updating the below daily.
Day Four
The Viva Talks panel offered a robust conversation about the history of style in Aotearoa, Miromoda presented, as did design doyenne Liz Mitchell.
Amanda Linnell
Editor
Day four of Fashion Week and the first day of spring had me reaching deep into the back of my wardrobe for a bit of colour. Usually, when it comes to suiting, you’ll find me in black, black or black. This Karen Walker pinstripe linen suit in divine blue is as uplifting as today’s sunshine and blue sky. The loose-fit pants and tie waist jacket give the suit a nice relaxed feel. I’ve teamed it with a grey KowTow T-shirt and a beaded necklace I bought while in Bali recently. Happy days.
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Advertise with NZME.Dan Ahwa
Creative and fashion director
I’ve kept things fairly simple with a Doug’s T-shirt, Harris Tapper trousers and R.M. Williams Boots, but the main event really is this ode to Pearly King’s from Kate Sylvester’s brilliant Art Groupie collection from autumn/winter 2007. It was a thrill then to see menswear from Kate and it complemented the womenswear so well.
Annabel Dickson
Fashion assistant
It’s friYAY which means the heels come off and the sneakers come out to play. The last look of Fashion Week is an outfit I often have on rotation. A vintage Hugo Boss blazer from the best in town, Tango Vintage. My skirt is a favourite style from Benjamin Alexander, which I have in two colours. You can’t go wrong with a bright and effortless sneaker to tie it all together, these are Onitsuka Tigers. Notable mention to the un-pictured socks, which are from local label Buddy, they truly are the best socks out there. My bag is Georgia Jay and the scarf is a little symbolic addition from Kate Sylvester’s show last night. Sayonara for now, Fashion Week!
Emma Gleason
Commercial editor
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Advertise with NZME.Another piece from that special Zambesi show at the Saint James Theatre for me today, which I’ve paired with a shirt the brand released in the late 1990s — it’s cotton voile with screen printing on top, with such a beautiful texture. Bringing things back to 2023, the top and skirt (a re-cut from the archives rendered in pinstripe, with belt loops) are from the brand’s spring/summer 2023 collection, which it presented last night at a moving show by the waterfront at golden hour.
Julia Gessler
Digital editor
It’s Friday, and I’ve returned to jeans. This pair, my favourite, is butter-soft, a slouchy, wide-leg iteration from Citizens of Humanity (purchased from Simon James, who also sells a great lighter-blue version). My blazer is a chocolate piece from Maggie Marilyn, with chunky circular buttons, and my shoes are a Vibi Venezia repeat, velvety and satisfyingly flat.
Ashleigh Cometti
Beauty editor
I made the Remi bodice from Ruby the hero of this ‘fit, pairing it with a black, cinched waist skirt from Aje and a white linen shirt from Zara, which I wore open to shoe off the bodice’s ruched detail. The finishing touches were black Gucci sandals, a Pamu necklace, The Diamond Shop hoops and a Louis Vuitton bucket bag (which has been the perfect size to stash snacks/phone chargers/10 different lipsticks all week).
Johanna Thornton
Deputy editor
The sun is still shining in Tāmaki Makaurau on day four of NZFW so I’ve worn some Veronica Beard trousers from Muse (the tailoring on these is 10/10) with my favourite white Sherie Muijs shirt, which is made from the softest white cotton and has the loveliest design details — her shirts are a great example of a designer focusing on one item and doing it very well. My loafers are Mi Piaci.
Madeleine Crutchley
Multimedia journalist
Today I’m in between the office and NZFW, so I’ve opted for a totally maxed-out take on Casual Friday, with denim on denim. I’m wearing white boots I picked up on clearance in a London department store, trusty and well-worn Calvin Klein jeans, a Kowtow T-shirt that says ‘Compost’ and a denim jacket from Avondale thrift shop Gojo’s (borrowed from my partner). I’m comfy and sleepy and feeling like my outfit says, “I’m excited for the council to start collecting my rotting fruit”.
Dan Ahwa
Creative and fashion director
I was really impressed by the menswear looks that came down the runway this year at Fashion Week. Soul singer and Viva cover star Teeks definitely looked much better in this denim set from Kiri Nathan when he slinked down the runway on Tuesday, but I’ve given it a whirl today. I love denim and this is really a fit that pays homage to so many things I love about the way Māori and Pasifika designers continue to push the boundaries when it comes to the endless possibilities of how we can honour different parts of who we are. I’ve layered this over a Doug’s T-shirt and finished it with R.M. Williams boots and Prada sunglasses.
Day Three
A strong start to the day as the Viva team was enamoured by the level of talent and creativity at the Viva Next Gen show, followed by a medley of bright and brilliant Māori names at the Miromoda showcase. Watch our recap of day three, with our fantastic revoing reporter Emma Gleason, here.
Dan Ahwa
Creative and fashion director
I’ve pulled together this Canadian tux with the help of some of my favourite classics: loafers and a blazer. Today I’m wearing a denim shirt and jeans from Manaaki, Zambesi blazer, a western belt from Crane Brothers, Church’s loafers, and Prada sunglasses.
Ashleigh Cometti
Beauty editor
I think this is probably my favourite Fashion Week ‘fit so far, the Morning Shirt and Irving Trouser from Harris Tapper. It strikes the balance between looking perfectly presentable whilst also being incredibly slouchy and comfortable. I kept things tonal with a pair of sock boots from Zara, and wore my go-to Rosie earrings from PĀMU to polish things off.
Jessica Beresford
Contributing editor
I have worn this Paris Georgia jacket nearly every day since I bought it; it’s perfectly oversized and looks slightly Matrix-y, which I’m into. I’m also wearing one of Rachel Mills’ trusty merino layers — today the Geraldine bralette — a pair of Agolde jeans and Hermès clogs, which are incredibly comfortable but comically loud to walk in.
Today I am wearing this Harris Tapper baroque-style corset dress in a lush wool herringbone fabric. I love the preppy style of this piece, elevated with its defined bodice shape. Underneath, I’m wearing my new favourite layering piece by one of our Viva Next Gen designers, Oosterom. My belt is made by Patters Store, who source vintage and second-hand beads to work into these one-of-a-kind handmade (in Pōneke) belts. Shoes are Tony Bianco and the earrings are a Tuesday outfit repeat designed and handmade in Muriwai by Joss Hong.
Kim Knight
Senior writer
Fashion is not my natural home. But the joy of working with the Viva team is you get applause for trying. So, today, an actual, proper label — a cocoon of Lost and Led Astray which makes me feel swirly and strong. Old jeans from TS. Old shoes (that I wish I’d looked after better) from Clarks. And gorgeous earrings by Mandy Flood — a Christmas present from a thoughtful husband who saw me coveting them in Fingers.
Julia Gessler
Digital editor
Librarian chic! Today’s outfit is simple and flowy and bookshop appropriate, a lovely secondhand skirt by Chloe, purchased from The RealReal, and a sleeveless white blouse with embroidered florals from Doen. The shoes (Adidas Sambas, footwear’s eternal conquerors) can be seen on me, and basically everyone.
Emma Gleason
Commercial editor
Today I’ve paired a vintage Kate Sylvester top from the autumn/winter 08 Art Groupie collection (her 30th anniversary show is today) with a top from emerging NZ designer Skinny, which reads “sex doesn’t sell, voyeurism does”; I like to think the two garments are in conversation with each other. My pants are vintage, from Search and Destroy on Ponsonby Rd, and so is my jacket — made-in-New-Zealand Adidas from the 1980s! — which I got from the Christchurch City Mission op shop. My Mary Jane shoes are by iconic, now-shuttered local brand Minnie Cooper (RIP) and my sweet blue bag is by Georgia Jay, locally made too. Not visible, but also special, is my bra — made locally by Ingrid Starnes.
Johanna Thornton
Deputy editor
Today I’m wearing the Harris Tapper Tuxedo Coat in Cedar and the matching trousers. The coat is a lightweight wool blend so it’s great for layering. I’m wearing it with a Margaret Howell knit I bought in London many years ago, some Stepney Workers Clubs sneakers from Good as Gold and some Celine sunglasses.
Britt Walton
Videographer
I’m wearing a vintage dress made in NZ that my friend gave me, a slouchy DKNY jacket I copped at a thrift store in NY, old Céline sunglasses and very well-loved 1999 Prada Sport boots (with Uniqlo socks because they’re the best).
Hōne Naera-Scott
Photographer
Day Two
The Graduate Show saw experimentation abound, dancers donned green suiting at Susana Tasi, and mini models sparkled on the runway at Samantha Zhang. Watch our recap of day two, with our fantastic revoing reporter Emma Gleason, here.
Madeleine Crutchley
Multimedia journalist
My ensemble is mostly a mishmash of thrifted and secondhand pieces today, collected over many years of op-shop rifling. My boots are from a pop-up by local brand Remnants, tights are comfy and high-quality classics from Farmers, the skirt is a very recent purchase, secondhand Thom Browne from Ponsonby’s Moral Fibre, jacket is from Cue (and stolen from my mum’s wardrobe) and vest is a $4 Savemart steal. I love it when an outfit comes together after years in the making.
Dan Ahwa
Creative and fashion director
I saw this Wynn Hamlyn jumper stalk down the racing car rink/runway in May during Australian Fashion Week and thought it was fun. Out later in the year, it’s perfect for cool spring days like today. Matched with a very cool elasticated pair of trousers from Harris Tapper. My beaded necklace is by one of my favourite local makers, Zora Bell Boyd Jewellery.
Emma Gleason
Commercial editor
Today I’m wearing two special Karen Walker pieces that I bought years and years ago in a sample sale. This bodysuit (complete with boning) and shorts are both from her 2007 range, Victory Garden, which was shown at New York Fashion Week — Walker’s debut in the Big Apple, after four years showing in London — and one of my favourite collections of hers. The jacket is a vintage jockey silk, bought secondhand, and the label, ‘George Court’s, Karangahape Rd, made in N.Z’ makes it a piece of local manufacturing history. The boots are also from Karangahape Rd, the sensational Auckland City Mission op shop to be precise, and the belt is from Lapco around the corner, a great local leather company.
Amanda Linnell
Editor
Today I’ve opted for cropped Levi’s ribcage jeans which have a flattering wide leg, pleats at the waist and come in this smart dark denim. I’ve teamed them with a contrasting business-like crisp white shirt by Harris Tapper and pulled the look together with a black wool Juliette Hogan coat that cinches in the waist with a matching belt. Along with my trusty black Sebago loafers, these are all classic pieces I wear again and again.
Annabel Dickson
Fashion assistant
Today’s ensemble is a custom-made dress by my friend and local designer Jojo Ross. I adore the ruched detailing in the middle and the soft, ribbed fabric makes it so comfortable and easy to wear whilst dashing from show to show. The sweetest human alive, Yawynne Yem, sent me this stunning floral necktie piece which is a symbol of our blossoming fashion friendship. In keeping with the fancy-yet-easy-wearing outfit, my shoes from Scarpa are just that, like cushioned sandals but high! Tying the look together is my latest investment, my trusty and beautiful Georgia Jay bag.
Ashleigh Cometti
Beauty editor
When it comes to dressing women, Ruby just gets it, which is why I’ve gone full Rubette today and am wearing it top to toe. I’ve paired the Rue blazer, a slouchy, single-breasted style (which I’m predicting will quickly become a wardrobe staple) with the matching Rue trousers in the same Camel shade. Up top, I’m wearing the Ariel bustier (also from Ruby), my new WRPD Runners from New Balance, and the Rosie pearl drop earrings from PĀMU.
Julia Gessler
Digital editor
Today’s sartorial memo: Comfortable and little bit moody. My almost all-black ensemble (a Maggie Marilyn cardigan I wear endlessly, a secondhand silky camisole and a pleated Doen skirt) gets a moment of respite thanks to a pair of red velvet Mary Janes from Vibi Venezia. They’re cute, dainty and somehow go with everything.
Johanna Thornton
Deputy editor
I’ve based today’s outfit on these Climbing Pants from Checks which are made from soft-yet-structured cotton with orange contrast stitching and a built-in webbing belt. These belong to my very cool mum and if she’s reading this, hi, you might not get these back. I’ve paired them with a Velvet white tee, Samsoe Samsoe jacket, Robert Clegerie green suede heels and Isle of Eden sunglasses.
Hōne Naera-Scott
Photographer
I am wearing an incredibly functional outfit today. Jeans by NZ designer Thom Morrison. Steel Cap Ariat boots — I did have to cut some trees down this morning, so the ease of wearing the boots was there, I almost wore the chaps but they didn’t fit the denim brief. An L-train vintage-special under jacket, and blue 47 Mets cap I bought last year, both in NYC. Old oversized Mr Simple coat given to me by legend Cubby Jenkins. Lastly, a Rolex Datejust gifted by my wife for our 10-year anniversary last year.
Kim Knight
Senior writer
Today’s outfit, brought to you by a midnight finish and a 6am start — I shadowed a model for a day and you’d think I’d have picked up some posing tips, but here I am. Sneakers with an orthotic support (the brand has long worn off), Mela Purdie pants that don’t crease no matter how many times I sit down and a top from a label called Chalet that I bought at Magazine a few years back and packed away for Covid and only recently rediscovered. My Aotearoa-fashion connections are much stronger in the jewellery department. Wedding ring by Jane Dodd. Earrings by Ursula Grube. Bracelet by Ann Culy. Locally made pieces that feel like I’m wearing a secret — this is craft and art in its most practical expression.
Day One
Kiri Nathan and Campbell Luke tugged on our heartstrings with presentations that balanced spectacle and care, and Rory Docherty sent down an elegant sea of monochrome. Watch our recap of day one, with our fantastic revoing reporter Emma Gleason, here.
Emma Gleason
Commercial editor
I’m wearing all New Zealand fashion this week, and it’s a privilege to do so. This looks is from the Zambesi archives, literal treasures and pieces of material history. The velvet skirt and scarf — in a very fetching shade of “carnation” pink — are from the brand’s autumn/winter 2006 collection, which was presented at an iconic runway show at the Saint James theatre during NZFW 2005, during which local band Pluto played while models walked; the Zambesi shirt is from the mid-1990s. I matched all this pink with my Le Van Dan bag, and I’m also wearing Bass loafers and Auor sunglasses, both secondhand.
Julia Gessler
Digital editor
Fashion Week is wildly busy, so I’m cosetting myself in a sweetheart Paris Georgia top, a blue mohair number that’s its own kind of figure-hugging cocoon. My skirt is Wixii, a lovely chocolate midi length I purchased last year, and my coat is an airy, boxy trench from Swedish brand Toteme. I loved the recent nautilus-filled collection from jewellery designer Sophie Buhai and picked up this little sterling silver necklace. My stomping knee-highs are Maggie Marilyn.
Johanna Thornton
Deputy editor
I’m wearing the Dune skirt and matching long-sleeve top from local label Jojo Ross’ latest collection. It’s made from Italian Plissé which has a beautiful texture and weight to it, and is so comfortable too. The colour is ‘Chilled Red’ and it’s a nice departure from black for me. I’ve paired it with a bag in a similar hue from Yu Mei, some Junya Watanabe x Comme des Garcons heels from Scotties, some Monarch x Kowtow earrings and Zimmermann sunnies.
Ashleigh Cometti
Beauty editor
A simple formula I love to follow is a trench coat teamed with wide-legged pants and sneakers, which made easy work of getting dressed this morning. I adore this checkered trench by Caitlin Crisp for its puffy sleeves and wide lapel, not to mention its ability to make any outfit feel a bit more ‘done’. I layered this with Calvin Shirt from Ruby and the Sailor jeans from Kowtow, which nip me in at the waist (nice and high, just how I like it) and sit just on my ankle, meaning I could spotlight my Adidas Sambas without sending an SOS call to my seamstress (aka my Nana).
Annabel Dickson
Fashion assistant
Green is the colour of spring and I just couldn’t resist this stunning jacket from one of my favourite small New Zealand brands, Pecchenino. My love for a long skirt hasn’t gone astray here either — Rory William Docherty (whose show was the first I attended today) is the designer and marries structure and ease so well. A wee heel from trusty brand Zara and tights from Farmers that I tracked down in a last-minute dash to Westfield Newmarket at the eleventh hour. I’m also wearing a special pair of earrings made by a close family friend Joss Hong, and a necklace I made myself.
Amanda Linnell
Editor
I’m wearing some beautiful pieces from Harris Tapper’s new collection, including the Beaded Holly satin skirt, which is so slinky and comfortable, and covered in amber resin beads. The oversized Maurice blazer is inspired by men’s tailoring and has sharp angles and a polished feel. I love this Gibson T-shirt in grey brushed cotton, which is super soft, with slightly exaggerated sleeves. My shoes are my trusty Sebago loafers which I’ll be wearing all week. And my sunglasses are Persol.
Dan Ahwa
Creative and fashion director
Today I’m wearing a pinstripe denim jacket from Manaaki menswear designed by Kat Tua. Kat’s got a really great design aesthetic. My jeans are by Jacob Kalin. They have a slight bootleg flare which works well with a cropped jacket. Boots are R.M. Williams. I do love a simple boot with a gusset because shoelaces are really boring to deal with.
Jessica Beresford
Contributing editor
My outfit today is a classic high-low mix, including a Levi’s jacket that I picked up for £30 and a pair of boots from The Row that cost the equivalent of a month’s rent. It’s all about finding balance. And the earrings, by Copenhagen-based jeweller Sophie Bille Brahe, go with absolutely everything.
Madeleine Crutchley
Multimedia journalist
I am very ready to embrace spring this week, especially if the weather continues to allow it. This Kowtow check dress is certainly suited to the brighter season, with a medley of blue, lilac, green and red. As a small compromise to winter, I’ve layered a Max white T-shirt underneath. I’ve leaned into the preppiness of the print with some collegial accessories — an oversized scrunchie from Daiso, some ribbon (thank you, Spotlight) and chunky-but-not-too-chunky Isabella Anselmi loafers. My jewellery is mostly thrifted, gifted or secondhand, save for a new ‘Ortigas’ necklace from local brand Gabebe. My glasses are prescription, Specsavers and deeply necessary (the same I’ll be donning all week).
