Seven New Zealand designers to have on your radar
Image via @caitlinsnell_ / instagram
Words by Lara Daly
Get acquainted.
As the only Kiwi in the Fashion Journal office, it’s my duty (and pleasure) to fly the flag for the incredible creative talent coming out of Aotearoa. I always feel a sense of pride when I scroll through our fashion and beauty directories and see the amount of New Zealand brands recognised on the list.
From knitwear to jewellery, niche fragrance to skincare, we’re already home to some of your favourite brands like Wynn Hamlyn, Paris Georgia, Ruby and Frisson Knits. But there’s so, so much more.
Discover more up-and-coming local designers in our Fashion section.
We often hear that New Zealand ‘punches far above its weight’ in the creative industries and that couldn’t be more true about these designers. Some are emerging, others have been around for years but I think too many of you are sleeping on them.
There’ll be plenty more to add to this non-exhaustive list by the time New Zealand Fashion Week: Kahuria rolls around in August. In the meantime, here’s seven labels to have on your radar right now.
Nineteen99
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We profiled Auckland-based designer Frandson Bahati back in 2022 and since then, he has continued to use his label to tell cultural stories through screen printing. Nineteen99 pairs bold, high-contrast prints with soft textiles (often upcycled garments) to create unique, genderless streetwear pieces.
Shop Nineteen99 here.
Anti
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Anti is the recently re-launched label of Auckland-based designer, Nicola Luey. She makes girly, nostalgic, emo, oversized streetwear that would fit right in at Melbourne stores like Error404 or Distal Phalanx. Think hot pink nylon track pants with diamanté buckles, knitted rainbow leg warmers and airbrushed graphics on pastel sweaters.
Shop Anti here.
Jimmy D
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Designer James Dobson is by no means emerging but I’m surprised his label isn’t more known and embraced by the people of Melbourne. James is from my hometown, Wellington (well, technically he’s from the Hutt), and all this means to you is that you’ll find plenty of black gothic garb, and subversive prints on silk and mesh in his work.
Shop Jimmy D here.
Banshee
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Handmade in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Banshee’s upcycled creations include braided, corseted tank tops, asymmetric wrap skirts and custom-dyed T-shirts, ruched and slashed to perfection.
Shop Banshee here.
Caitlin Snell
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Hailing from Wellington, emerging designer Caitlin Snell is known to locals for her oversized scrunchies and obsession with big bows – on hair clips, bags, skirts, the list goes on. If your style leans more twee than punk, she’s definitely the one on this list to follow.
Shop Caitlin Snell here.
Kongcore
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Angela Kong is the creative force behind Kongcore, a textile label reimagining knitwear with the delicacy of a spider web. With her strong eye for custom designs, Angela has become a favourite for local musicians and creatives who’re after a unique look.
Shop Kongkore here.
Sleeping Profit
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Sleeping Profit is a slow fashion label from Aotearoa mostly known for its hand-dyed hoodies and T-shirts in the perfect cuts, and extremely fun printed beachwear. But designer Siara isn’t limited by streetwear – you can also expect to find ultra-femme corsets, cute nostalgic fabrics and vintage-inspired hosiery.
Shop Sleeping Profit here.
Discover more New Zealand designers we love here.
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