26 NZ Designer Brands You Should Know!
For a country that’s relatively small in size, New Zealand has some pretty big designer talent. In fact,
New Zealand fashion brands are currently making more of an impact on the fashion design scene
than ever before, both here and offshore, and they are doing it in an environmentally and ethically
friendly way.
While most fashion-followers will already be familiar with well-established NZ brands like Huffer,
Trelise Cooper, Karen Walker and Kate Sylvester, there are some impressive locally based designers
out there catering to the fashion forward which could just as easily become your next favourite
brand. Here are the top 26 New Zealand fashion brands we are loving right now!
1. Augustine
Augustine is one of the more well-known labels on our list and likely already a firm favourite for
many. Easily recognised for their preference for bright colour, Augustine strives to brighten up every
woman's wardrobe. You will find everything from casual everyday wear to special occasion pieces.
Augustine specialises in producing small runs, often with only fifty or so pieces made of the one
item. They pride themselves on maintaining attainable price points and are stocked at over 60
boutiques nationwide.
2. Stella + Gemma
Makers of street-style casualwear for women, Stella + Gemma started out as designers of innovative
and classic jewellery and accessories before expanding into the fashion arena. The Stella + Gemma
range now includes a full range of affordable, on-trend lifestyle clothing pieces for women, with a
New York style influence. Items in the range include sunglasses, dresses, sweaters and tee shirts.
Operating since 2011, Stella + Gemma products are now stocked in over 300 stores throughout New
Zealand and Australia while based in Parnell, Auckland.
3. IVY BLU
Designer Bianca Astle strives to provide a modern versatility for any lifestyle in the IVY BLU range.
Pieces include casual and dressy tops, cardi’s, knitwear, skirts, dresses and pants as well as scarves
and belts. Everything from IVY BLU is designed and made in New Zealand ensuring a high quality and
ethically made product every time.
4. Minx Shoes
Based in Penrose Auckland, Minx Shoes are the people to see for distinct and exclusive designer
footwear. First established in 2000, Minx Shoes have a hand in the design of every shoe they
produce, and with the addition of their C.Reed clothing range the team at Minx can dress you from
head to toe! Minx Shoes are a socially conscious manufacturer focused on respecting human rights
and embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
5. MOKÉ Apparel
Based in Oamaru, MOKÉ are the experts in fashionable coats, jackets, and vests with casual wear as
an added bonus - keeping you warm year round! Think beautifully crafted down jackets, practical yet
fashionable rainwear, trendy trench coats, and warm down vests and puffer jackets. 100% of the
down in MOKÉ products is certified under the Responsible Down Standard safeguarding the welfare
of geese and ducks that provide down and feathers.
6. Home-Lee
Home-lee are a boutique clothing store located in the top of the South Island in Nelson. Part of the
Comfort Club brand which includes The Goodnight Society (a nightwear range) and Rose Road active
wear, Home-lee concentrates more on quality everyday wear with comfort as the top priority. The
Home-lee brand is designed in NZ and manufactured by a family-run factory in China. You will find
Home-lee stocked in 70 stores nationwide, and their flagship store in Richmond, Nelson.
7. NES
Sourcing only the best fabrics from around the globe, NES produces quality garments with an
innovative, edgy and enduring style. Expect to find styled tops and tunics, floaty skirts and dresses,
scarves, and smart tailored pants. The NES flagship store is located on Barton Street, Hamilton, and
they sell through selected stockists nationwide.
8. Anyone's Daughter
Designed especially for women who live a busy modern life, Anyone's Daughter sources beautiful
quality fabrics from around the world to create their luxurious mix of laid back wearable pieces.
Creating in-house and in limited numbers means smaller local production runs with a focus on
individuality. The Anyone’s Daughter brand is available in selected boutiques throughout New
Zealand.
9. Cashews
Designed and manufactured in New Zealand by Judith Anne Ford, Cashews is a quality label that
incorporates casual and formal wear garments that are flattering and stylish. Cashew celebrates all
body shapes and sizes with sizes ranging from 8 to 28 with the aim of helping women feel confident
and empowered no matter the occasion. Expect to find a range of coordinated clothing covering the
basics such as pants, tops and tunics.
10. Mi Moso
With Mi Moso the focus is on sustainable fabrics and everything is designed here in New Zealand
with production currently offshore. The company sells through stores all over New Zealand as well as
online. Mi Moso clothing is designed with an on-the-go style combined with a simple yet elegant
feel. Jeans, sweaters, skirts and stylish blazers are staples in their range.
11. Citizen Women
Specialising in beautifully tailored plus-size garments with a focus on natural fibres, Citizen Women
provide all of the basics covering sizes 12 to 26. Expect pops of colour that embrace self-confidence
and reliable high quality clothing every time.
12. Tonic and Cloth
For fashion with flair, take a look at the Tonic and Cloth collection. Think bold jumpsuits and
statement jeans. Tonic and Cloth partner with the Holi Boli sewing house to create the bulk of their
collection while also manufacturing some clothing in New Zealand. Their flagship studio is based in
Palmerston North. Natural fibres such as silk, cotton, linen and organic denim feature prominently in
the collection which is designed for women of all ages.
13. Twenty-Seven Names
Vintage floral is the theme at Twenty-Seven Names so if you're after a vintage look with a modern
flare then look no further. The bold prints and colours Twenty-Seven Names stand by offer a look for
all seasons and occasions livening up your wardrobe while honouring the very best of locally made
New Zealand products. Twenty-Seven Names offer a large variety of clothing including tee-shirts,
jumpers, skirts, dresses, pants and accessories as well as apparel for men.
14. Standard Issue
Manufacturers of well-crafted quality clothing, Standard Issue use only natural fibres including
cotton and merino wool which are 100% recyclable or renewable. Keeping their carbon footprint in
mind the garments are made in Auckland using firmly embedded zero-waste policies. Producing
classic pieces with longevity in mind, Standard Issue focuses on wearable styles for all occasions.
15. Penny Sage
Highly respected nationwide, Penny Sage designer Kate Megaw produces a range of pieces from
florals to plaids with versatility in mind. The Penny Sage collection is made in Hamilton and
Auckland, with a strict sustainability focus where everything is produced locally and ethically.
16. Nope Sisters
Slogan tees are what it's all about at Nope Sisters. Inspiring change, creating awareness and
supporting charities and social causes. Every tee-shirt sold is 100% organic globally certified cotton
and made to order with a firm zero waste policy. A percentage of profits are donated to charity.
17. Carlson
An elegant and classy collection, designer Tanya Carlson is known for her prominent use of colour,
superb tailoring and quality craftsmanship. The garments are exclusively made in New Zealand and
Carlson is one of NZ’s leading local fashion labels.
18. Storm
Fairly big players in the local design industry, Storm are creators of stylish pieces with sharp
silhouettes with the aim to bridge the gap between high-end and high-street fashion. Prioritising
natural materials, Storm staples include tailored blazers, statement pieces and timeless pieces that
customers will treasure for years to come. The Storm collection is available across Australian and
New Zealand stores.
19. Staple + Cloth
Looking for the wow factor? Check out the elaborate Staple + Cloth range designed for everyday
living with a touch of laid back luxury. Everything except their knitwear is designed and made in
Auckland (the knitwear is made in a boutique knitwear factory in China). Staple + Cloth are all about
feeling good while having a wardrobe that works for you. You will find Staple + cloth stocked in over
30 fashion boutiques around New Zealand.
20. Love Knot War
Proudly NZ designed and manufactured, Love Knot War offers a simple yet sophisticated line
complete with kimonos, cardigans and all the essentials. Expect quality, unique garments with pretty
patterns and prints, plus, there is even a children’s range too.
21. Mina
Tucked away in the Grey Lynn shops in Auckland, Mina are fashion forward with a strong sustainable
focus. Using predominantly deadstock fabric (leftover bulk fabric runs), Mina tackles designing,
fabric swatching, pattern making and most of their sampling in-house with the view to creating long-
lasting, timeless garments that embrace community values.
22. de Vol
Designing and making all of their pieces in-house de Vol designs are made in limited quantities using
natural fibres sourced from local suppliers and also Japan and the USA. Founders Stacey and
Brendan are based on the Kāpati Coast. Expect to find a good range of dresses, skirts, jackets, tops
and pants, plus a few well styled accessories.
23. Commoners
One of New Zealand’s most ethical brands creating comfortable and stylish streetwear specifically
for New Zealanders and Australians. Commoners covers all the basics advocating ethical production
allowing you to tick all of the wardrobe essentials with a clear conscience.
24. Kowtow
Available in selected stores across Auckland, Kowtow allows you to shop sustainably and mindfully
with 100% organic, recycled fabrics and using offcuts to create casual and comfortable pieces.
Kowtow also works with local charities supporting the community.
25. Salasai
Attention to detail and top quality products are the focus at Salasai. Expect to find a range of
clothing designed to stand the test of time season after season. Inspired by European fashion
houses, Salasai are the perfect brand for those who like to put a little effort into their day to day
look.
26. Okewa Rainwear
Makers of high quality yet fashionable rainwear, Okewa is a family-owned and operated company
based in Wellington, NZ. Specialising in windproof, water-resistant and highly breathable rainwear
while prioritising comfort and durability, Okewa dress men and women and offers a knitwear range
to keep you warm and dry.
Help us support New Zealand businesses and shop with SunshiNZ. We are a boutique clothing and
giftware store located in Hokitika offering a value-for-money online and in store shopping experience.
