The latest fashion brands celebrate sustainability and diversity while adapting to our needs in our ever-changing COVID world. Style director Louise Hilsz share’s her new season fabulous, fashion finds.
Jimmy D - 028a: Kiss & Makeup
Fashion designer Jimmy D’s latest collection, 028A: Kiss and Makeup, resulted from time spent during the 2020 NZ COVID lockdown discovering YouTube genderless beauty influencers. With a new Instagram account, Beauty Benders, and a seasonless fashion collection, this is one designer who knows how to blend colour and diversity, seamlessly. Think “everyday luxurious dressing,” in relaxed styles, think satin pyjamas and a sheer silk robe, you can swan around the house wearing or a statement for an evening out. This is exactly the kind of style we are coveting right now.
Designer James Dobson of Jimmy D dressing The Shelter’s window with his new collection 028a: Kiss & Makeup.
Shop the collection here.
FLORENCE EUGÉNIE
Created by like-minded friends, and Mount Maunganui locals, Rose Ackland (of Beach Knickers and Dandie Store) and Jess Thomson (a former magazine stylist) have launched a new, flattering swimwear range, just in time for our scorching NZ summer. Each bikini is sustainably-made, (using fabric from NZ wholesalers, purchasing overstock, and sewn by local, machinists). The collection nit only supports local, but each piece is also a limited edition. We can’t wait to see more from this design duo.
Shop the collection here
bokèo
Auckland-based fashion brand bokèo celebrates simplistic shapes, attention to detail, and versatile fabrics that will fit into any wardrobe with ease. This design duo, Sam Mani and Sip Mounlath met at university, and both were constantly on the hunt for well-designed, flexible fashion they could wear anywhere. Hence the new label focuses on just that, as well as meeting the growing demand for sports luxe dressing. Using premium fabrics, and the best local machinists, their dream of creating garments that give the freedom to wear them on your morning walk, and then onto brunch, and then to that afternoon meeting. ”If 2020 taught us nothing else, it’s that people are craving flexibility and versatility more than ever, in mindset and garments alike,” Sip Mounlath.
Friends and founders of bekèo, Sam Mani & Sip Mounlath design fashion and luxurious gold jewellery.
Shop the collection here.
Rick Owens Eyewear
Sunglasses might be a small accessory, but they make a huge impact on your entire fashion look. The latest collection from Rick Owens, think extreme, oversized shields and mirrored lenses that we are dying to wear.
Rick Owens Mask Black w Black lens, $945. Rick Owens Shielding Black Rainbow, $945. Rick Owens Documenta Black w Grey, $645. Rick Owens Performa Silver mirror, $645.
Layplan
Layplan’s design duo Lavinia Ilolahia and Talia Soloa.
Colour is in Layplan’s DNA. Along with designing fashion that fits real body shapes for real women. Besties, and business partners Lavinia Ilolahia and Talia Soloa draw their inspiration from real women (including themselves) creating a range of clothes that are not only sophistication, but suitable for anything life throws at you. Renowned for their use of block colour, their first popup store in Wynyard Quarter opens on February 3rd. Keep an eye on their Instagram for their latest styles @layplan
Shop the collection here.
Autumn Boots
Nothing finishes a fashion look like shoes. The new season boots are starting to sneak into stores. From bold colour to Western-inspired styles. This autumn you’re spoilt for choice.
Merchant 1948 Yolandi boots, $270. Merchant 1948 Shiloh boots, $270. Mi Piaci Nora $380. Mi Piaci Lana boot, $360.
Small Town Wild
Nothing is more rewarding than a family run business. And this newbie Small Town Wild is located in Auckland, born out of a desire to make people feel damn good in what they wear. Madeline Tait is the creative eye behind the brand, with her partner running the operations of the business. Madeline has over a decade working in Australasia in the fashion industry and her latest baby is certainly a labour of love.
Madeline Tait founder of Small Town Wild
Shop the collection here.