Our Top 30 New Zealand Fashion Designers

Beyond Karen Walker and Trelise Cooper, our guide lists our favourite upcoming and established New Zealand fashion designers

Updated 27 September 2020
The list below predominantly covers Womenswear, although there is a selection of Menswear designers.

Disclaimer: No fashion designer, company or retailer has paid to be on the list below - we have put this list together from a journalistic perspective. 

Okewa Rainwear

Sustainability and fashion wrap into one with this stylish rainwear from Okewa. Available in a variety of flattering cuts, and incredible styles, there are raincoats for everyone at Okewa.

Website: Okewa Rainwear
Shop locations: Okewa sells their raincoats online only​
Founding Location: Wellington

Kowtow Clothing

Clothing made from sustainable materials, Kotow Clothing uses organic cotton, fair-trade materials, and even their production method is ethical. 

Website: Kowtow Clothing
Shop locations: 29 College Street, Te Aro, Wellington​
Founding Location: Wellington

Twenty-seven names

Practical clothing with a whimsical twist – Twenty-seven names sources local Wellington materials and keeps everything as sustainable as possible while providing top quality and unique designs for women.​

Website: Twenty-seven names
Shop locations: 27 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington​​
Founding Location: Wellington

Wilson Trollope

Founded by Annabelle Wilson, Wilson Trollope comes from a long line of dressmakers who created classic, beautiful women’s clothing in fun, but classical print. They sell an entire line of women’s clothing, including bridesmaid dresses.

Website: Wilson Trollope
Shop locations: 1/115 Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington​​
Founding Location: Wellington

Mandatory

Custom-made clothing for men, Mandatory offers everything from t-shirts to 3-piece suits. Their clothing is made to last the test of time and suits men of all ages and styles as everything is custom made with you in mind.

Website: Mandatory
Shop locations: 21 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington​​
Founding Location: Wellington

Now or Never

Designer lingerie never looked or felt better than Now or Never. The independent label creates luxurious and incredibly comfortable pieces made from locally-sourced silks and materials.

Website: Now or Never
Shop locations: 30 Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, Wellington​
Founding Location: Wellington

Zambesi

Contrasting fabrics, classic prints, and incredibly flattering men’s and womenswear is what you’ll find at Zambesi. Shop here for your trendy, flattering, and incredibly exciting fashionwear. Zambesi is for the fashion-forward consumer.

Website: Zambesi
Shop locations: 56 Tyler Street, Britomart; 287 Parnell Rd, Parnell Auckland; 169 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby Auckland;
103 Customhouse Quay, Wellington.​
Founding Location: Auckland

Storm

Storm creates trendy silhouettes from natural materials. They are a cross between high-end labels and designer brands. Deborah Calder, creates bold and timeless pieces women can wear for many years.

Website: Storm
Shop locations: 130 Ponsonby Rd, Grey Lynn Auckland
- They also have locations in Commercial Bay, Milford, Newmarket, Napier, Victoria Street, Merivale, and Queenstown
Founding Location: Auckland

Juliette Hogan

Juliette uses locally sourced materials (from New Zealand) to create her simple, yet exciting clothing that’s ready to wear daily. With simple lines, the clothing is great for any activity. Whether you prefer solid colour clothing or want an unanticipated fun print, Juliette Hogan has it all. 

Website: Juliette Hogan
Shop locations: 2-8 Osborne Street, Newmarket; 8 Te Ara Tahuju Street, Auckland, 182 Ponsonby Rd, Auckland; and 88 Victoria Street, Wellington​
Founding Location: Auckland

Deryn Schmidt

Shop Deryn’s exquisite collection of finely tailored clothing for women. Made right on site, the clothing is classic and timeless, perfect for any day and any occasion. The clothing is comfortable yet fancy enough to wear to any outing, and is incredibly affordable.

Website: Deryn Schmidt
Shop locations: 16 Lombard St, Te Aro, Wellington​​
Founding Location: Wellington

Lucilla Gray

Accessories that focus on silhouettes and are pieces that go with just about any outfit.

Website: Lucilla Gray
Shop locations: Online only​​
Founding Location: Auckland

Karen Walker

If you’re looking for different, yet incredibly trend styles look no further than Karen Walker. Her styles are worn by the best of the best, including Lady Gaga. Her patterns are ‘playful’ and the shapes eye-catching, and great for the lover of all things trendy.

Website: Karen Walker
Shop locations: You’ll find Karen Walker designer clothing at Barneys, Nordstrom, and Harvey Nichols.​
Founding Location: 

Herriot

Herriot makes clothing in small batches, so you’re one of the rare ones when you get your hand on a look. The clothing is simple with an edge and works great for women of all ages, even Jacinda Ardern wears the trousers.

Website: Herriot
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: 

Company of Strangers

Dark and romantic describes the look Company of Strangers creates. With inspiration from ‘rock and punk’ music Company of Strangers has a large line of clothing and accessories for women looking for something ‘different’ yet comfortable and stylish.​

Website: Company of Strangers
Shop locations: 320 George Street, Dunedin
Founding Location: Dunedin​​

Trelise Cooper

Trelise Cooper styles are worn by the hottest celebrities and showcased in the hottest fashion magazines including Vogue. Trelise promotes eco-friendly clothing at a price point anyone can afford, and she has a line for both women and children.

Website: Trelise Cooper
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Auckland

Salasai

Kirsha Witcher and Kelly Watson together created Salsai, which is a designer brand of practical luxury for women and men of all ages. Their pieces are luxurious and comfortable, making a statement wherever you go.

Website: Salasai
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Hawkes Bay

Stolen Girlfriends Club

If you’re looking for ‘punk rock’ style, look no further than Stolen Girlfriends Club. The designer of streetwear has an incredible line of clothing, jewellery, and accessories. Anything you could imagine that would be ‘punk rock’ is what you’ll find in this eccentric line.

Website: Stolen Girlfriends Club
Shop locations: 20 Nuffield St, Auckland; 37 Mackelvie St, Auckland​
Founding Location: Auckland​

Not For You

Not For You is for the edgy male who wants a different look that’s only available in limited quantities. The clothing line is inspired by art and music and are made for the not-so-average male.

Website: Not For You
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Wellington

Caitlin Crisp

Caitlin uses luxurious fabrics, unique accessories, and gives a new look to old favourites, creating pieces that you’d see in fairytales, but now can own for yourself.

Website: Caitlin Crisp
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Auckland

Harris Tapper

Harris Tapper filled the market with luxurious tailored shirts for women. The shirts are made of premium materials including silk and lurex threading. They aren’t shirts you’d find at your local department store – they are luxurious, beautiful, and deserving of their designer’s label. 

Website: Harris Tapper
Shop locations: By studio appointment only
Founding Location: Auckland​

Wynn Hamlyn

Hamlyn was a fashion-school dropout, but has made quite a name for himself. His clothing is made from locally sourced material include merino wool and beautiful cotton. All items are natural fabric and absolutely stunning.

Website: Wynn Hamlyn
Shop locations: 90 Anzac Ave, Auckland by appointment only
Founding Location: Auckland

Georgia Alice

If you love bold, you’ll love Georgia Alice. Despite being ‘bolder’ than normal, her pieces are timeless, functional, and beautiful. Whether you’re going to work or a night on the town, Georgia Alice has pieces for you.

Website: Georgia Alice
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Auckland

Penny Sage

Laid back, trendy, and beautiful sums up Penny Sage’s line. Made from all sustainable materials, you’ll love the beauty, softens, and uniqueness of this line.​

Website: Penny Sage
Shop locations: 6a Kirk Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Founding Location: Auckland

Nope Sisters

The name says it all. Get your favorite slogan tees, jackets, hoodies and more and make a statement for yourself and for the universe. Nope Sisters gives a part of its profits to charity.

Website: Nope Sisters
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Wellington

Paris Georgia

Paris Georgia is all about bringing back the old styles, making them even trendier today. Look for big sleeves, soft colours, and even fun floppy hats.

Website: Paris Georgia
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Wellington

Ovna Ovich

Silk and linen make up Ovna Ovich’s line which is anything but ordinary. With a 70s flair, yet in a way you’ve never seen it, she’s transformed the look into something that every woman will love.

Website: Ovna Ovich
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Auckland

Rachel Mills

Looking for polished pieces that easily work well with multiple outfits? Check out Rachel Mills. Made from organic fabrics. Mills’ line is gorgeous, classic, and ethically made.

Website: Rachel Mills
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Auckland

Jarrad Godman

Jarrad Godman is the epitome of crazy patterns that are runway ready. With a neo-goth attitude, the clothing line made of custom silks is one you won’t find anywhere else.​

Website: Jarrad Godman
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Auckland

Shjark

Shjark clothing is for busy women that want to look professional and ready to take on the world. Think incredible tailoring, clean lines, and a professional look made only for those who love designer clothing.

Website: Shjark
Shop locations: Coming soon in Auckland
Founding Location: Auckland

Jojo Ross

Designer clothing with an 80s vibe is what Jojo Ross designs. Her pieces are conceptual, feminine, and sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Website: Jojo Ross
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Auckland

Papa Clothing

Designer clothing made for streetwear and special occasions, Papa Clothing creates contemporary outfits. Using locally-sourced linen and cotton, women of all styles love Papa Clothing.​

Website: Papa Clothing
Shop locations: Online only
Founding Location: Auckland
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