Intro

From traditional styles to cutting-edge concepts, New Zealand fashion brands are making an unprecedented impact on the global fashion world. Here, we’ve compiled a list of ten of New Zealand’s most celebrated designer brands!

Fashion Styles in New Zealand

New Zealanders are mostly descendants of European, particularly British, immigrants, and they primarily dress in European styles. Men tend to wear formal, conservative suits, with dark suits or formal dresses required for formal occasions. Women are expected to wear makeup and formal attire and their Dresses tend to be simple for casual occasions, while casual attire is more relaxed. It has to be noted that women in New Zealand are required to wear skirts when playing golf.

Maori clothing is often brightly colored and simple, typically consisting of a shawl, a bodice, a waistcoat, and a short skirt. The most common is the Piupiu skirt, woven from flax and commonly known as the “Maori grass skirt.” It can be worn by both men and women and is now often used as a costume for performances. The most elaborate Maori attire is the feather cloak, once worn only by chiefs. Today, ordinary people wear it to greet distinguished guests during grand celebrations. However, most Maori today also wear suits and ties, not much different from people of other ethnic groups.

1, Zambesi

Zambesi was founded in 1979 by husband and wife team Elizabeth and Neville Findlay. The couple created a brand with a unique aesthetic, initially inspired by contrasting fabrics. Their work is known for pioneering luxury menswear trends, offering practical yet stylish pieces. The brand has since expanded into eyewear and men’s underwear. Zambesi products are available in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.

Official Website:https://www.zambesistore.com

2, Storm

Ten years ago, Storm founder Deborah Calder saw a gap in the clothing market and launched her clothing brand, Storm, aiming to bridge the gap between high-end designer brands and fast fashion. Storm’s highlights include tailored suits and bold metallics. They also aim to create both trend-setting and classic styles. Storm currently has stores in Australia and New Zealand.

Official Website:https://www.stormonline.com

3, Company of Strangers

Company of Strangers was founded in 2008 by fashion designer Sara Munro. Munro’s work has been described as “dark, yet romantic and beautiful.” All of their products are made in New Zealand, and their jewelry is a hallmark of high quality. Munro’s clothing is often inspired by rock music.

Official Website:https://companyofstrangers.co.nz

4, Karen Walker

Karen Walker is a designer every New Zealander knows. Since 1998, she has consistently shown her work at New York Fashion Week every season. Her designs have been worn by every major designer, from Alexa Chung to Rihanna. She’s truly a gifted designer.

Official Website:https://www.karenwalker.com

5, Trelise Cooper

Even if you haven’t heard of Trelise, you’ve likely seen her designs. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Marie Claire, and InStyle. She even designed clothes for the cast of Sex and the City. Cooper is a strong advocate for environmental causes and is committed to creating an environmentally friendly company. Trelise Cooper’s product line ranges from jewelry and children’s collections to fragrances. In 2010, Cooper was invited by Air New Zealand to design the Air New Zealand uniforms.

Official Website:https://www.trelisecooperonline.com

6,World

World was founded in 1989 by Denise L’Estrange Corbet and Francis Hooper. At the time, L’Estrange Corbet was a student at the London College of Fashion, and Hooper had extensive experience in fashion design. Their “Origami Clothing for the 21st Century” collection was a huge success upon its launch in 2001. In 2002, Denise became the first New Zealand woman to be awarded the MNZM by Queen Elizabeth II.

Official Website:https://www.worldbrand.co.nz

7,Adrienne Whitewood

Adrienne Whitewood’s inspiration comes from her deep connection to her Maori heritage. She graduated from the University of Auckland in 2009 and debuted her first collection in 2010. In 2011, her collection, ‘Te Aho Tapu,’ won the top prize at New Zealand Fashion Week. She opened her first boutique in 2013 and has garnered a large following for her unique collections.

Official Website:https://adriennewhitewood.com

8, Salasai

Kirsha Witcher, the designer behind Salasai, opened her shop in New Zealand in 2006. She later collaborated with designer Kelly Watson. Her goal was to create truly luxurious clothing for women at affordable prices. In 2014, she expanded the Salasai furniture line to include vintage-inspired soft furnishings, which she says “make a house feel more homey.”

Official Website:https://salasai.com

9, My Boyfriends Back

My Boyfriends Back is a brand founded in 2010 by designer Danielle Burkhart. Burkhart lives in the picturesque Wairarapa (near Wellington). The aesthetic of the urban-rural blending is evident in her designs. She is also committed to leveraging New Zealand’s talent by collaborating with a range of New Zealand artists and photographers. Their works are often showcased during Wellington Fashion Week, which is a prestigious platform for emerging designers.

Official Website:https://myboyfriendsclothing.com

10, Working Style

Working Style, a leading menswear brand in New Zealand, initially began as a door-to-door sales model. Now, with five stores nationwide, the brand has earned a reputation as a leading supplier of menswear. While Working Style’s core aesthetic is tailored beauty, they also offer a range of shirts and suits, as well as special occasion pieces. They also sell bags, accessories, and casual wear.

Official Website:https://www.workingstyle.co.nz