Whether you need a quick refresh or have been living under a rock this past month, we’ve laid out every bit of fashion news you might’ve missed.
Consider this your fashion radar, tuned in to every trend, collaboration, and style revelation that has graced our local industry recently. At FashioNZ, we’re your go-to source for all things new, ensuring you stay in the loop with the latest fashion buzz.
From coveted collaborations to anticipated launches, we guarantee you’ll find something to add to your ever-growing winter wardrobe.
This latest Caitlin Crisp launch is a blessing to bridesmaids everywhere
Get ready, because New Zealand’s bridesmaid scene is about to undergo a stylish transformation with the highly anticipated launch of Caitlin Crisp’s ready-to-wear silk dresses.
Caitlin Crisp initially dipped her toes into the bridal world when a customer requested a wedding dress in her signature white linen during her first year of business. This led to friends seeking out custom bridesmaid dresses, and when one particular wedding was featured in Together Journal, the demand for Caitlin Crisp Bridesmaids skyrocketed.
Crafted from luxurious silk, the dresses have been custom-dyed in a stunning array of pastel hues to complement any wedding’s colour palette. The bridesmaid collection is available now, featuring nine colours across six designs. But it’s not just bridesmaids who will be swooning over these dresses—the contemporary wedding guest seeking a chic alternative to a silk slip will also find these dresses perfect for any gala, graduation, or special occasion.
With sizes ranging from 6 to 16 and custom sizes available upon request, Caitlin Crisp’s bridesmaid collection ensures that every member of the bridal party can find their perfect fit and feel effortlessly elegant on the big day.
Shop Caitlin Crisp’s ready-to-wear silk dresses online now
Introducing Moochi Palette Two: Resurgence
Moochi introduces Palette Two for 2024: Resurgence, a collection that celebrates revitalized essence and enduring style. Resurgence focuses on wardrobe essentials, textural intrigue, and impeccable tailoring, blending simplicity with intricate design details.
Shot by Apela Bell and Jemma Gwilliam, the collection opens with khaki, ecru, and bayleaf hues, offering effortless modern looks. Plush knitwear, like the twined sweater in vibrant bayleaf green, and relaxed silhouettes, like the onward trench in khaki, define autumnal elegance.
The utility-inspired styles of the collection, feature a palette of cactus green, putty grey, indigo marle, and denim, with functional yet contemporary designs. The enact coat, made from puffed nylon, offers an exaggerated silhouette for off-duty chic, while the contrast sweat and pant set adds structural interest with shaped balloon sleeves.
Luxuriously crafted footwear completes the collection, with the grid boot offering unique character in black leather and the femme touch of the knife boot in stretch leather with a kitten heel. These designs are thoughtfully crafted to complement every step, adding vivacity to modern outfits.
Moochi Palette Two for 2024: Resurgence is available in store and online now
Yu Mei’s Autumn Winter Collection is the perfect excuse to purchase yet another “must have” bag
Yu Mei’s Autumn Winter ’24 collection showcases rich tones like Espresso, Apricot, and Martini, reflecting the diverse personalities of its wearers. New designs join classic favorites, with updates like the Phoebe Bucket Bag in Martini Olive Lambskin, featuring a structured profile with external seam finish.
Crafted from New Zealand deer nappa, croc-embossed hides, and premium lambskin, the collection includes highlights like the Antonia, Frank, Ch’lita, and Braidy bags, alongside the new Emma Bag—a small cassette silhouette with cross-body strap and front pockets, crafted in Espresso Lambskin.
The Wellington Weekender, a new addition, pays homage to Yu Mei’s home city with a large travel duffle designed for adventures. Constructed from sturdy canvas with black deer nappa trim, it’s perfect for road trips or flights, accommodating a capsule wardrobe.
For the campaign, Yu Mei collaborates with New Zealand artist-photographer Harry Culy, known for intimate images of daily life in Aotearoa. Culy captures the collection worn by inspiring women in engaging portraits, set against the urban backdrop, showcasing the versatility and spirit of the collection.
Director Jessie Wong praises Culy’s ability to capture the essence of Aotearoa, aligning with the collection’s themes of modernity and confidence.
The collection is available in Yu Mei Lounges, select retailers, and online now
New Balance’s 1000 joins the brands iconic Y2K line-up
Step into a time machine with New Balance’s latest releases, as they transport you back to the 2000s with a fresh take on nostalgic styles. As the Y2K fashion trend continues to reign supreme on both runways and streets, New Balance’s throwback silhouettes from the turn of the century capture the essence of the era like never before. Leading the charge is the 1000, a true testament to the durability and versatility of this iconic look.
Originally introduced in 1999, the 1000 is an advanced trainer boasting a distinctive design language that perfectly embodies the Y2K aesthetic. Featuring silver metallic overlays juxtaposed with breathable mesh, this tech-savvy runner sits atop a full ABZORB heel and forefoot cushioning, ensuring unparalleled comfort with every step. The midfoot incorporates a stability web for lightweight support, while the raised rubber TPU N logo adds a touch of modern durability and style.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there—the collar of the 1000 boasts an internal foam heel pad, providing a secure, locked-in fit for maximum comfort during those nostalgic walks down memory lane. Relaunched on April 24th for the first time since its inception in 1999, this iconic silhouette is poised to make waves once again with additional colorways slated for release throughout the year. So lace up your kicks and get ready to embrace the best of the 2000s, one step at a time.
Shop the New Balance 1000 in stores and online now
Everything you need to know about the iD Fashion Festival
Bringing fashion to the forefront of Dunedin’s streets has been a resounding success! With a high-quality calendar boasting over 30 events—many of which were free to attend—iD Fashion fans flocked to the city to partake in the festivities.
Spanning the entire lifecycle of the fashion industry, from intimate sessions with designers to electrifying catwalk shows and captivating exhibitions, the events offered something for everyone. Event manager Victoria Muir expressed her delight, highlighting the festival’s informality and openness, which resonated well with the audience. Attendance numbers soared across all events, signaling a positive response from the community.
The George Street Catwalk Show was a standout, showcasing the versatility of the refurbished George Street with models flaunting looks from 16 local designers and retailers. The show’s impact extended beyond the runway, with several stores reporting increased sales as audience members rushed in to purchase items they had seen on the catwalk. Both ticketed catwalk shows—As We Watch the World Go By and Fashion in the Garden—sold out early, underscoring the demand for such experiences.
Sustainability remained a key focus for iD Dunedin Fashion Inc, evident in the themes discussed during talks with renowned New Zealand designers. Notably, a significant number of fashion professionals involved in the events were graduates or current students of Otago Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Design (Fashion), highlighting the festival’s role in nurturing local talent.
The addition of a streamed talk featuring an expert from the Christian Dior Museum proved to be a hit, offering attendees exclusive access to archival material and enriching their experience.
With glowing feedback from attendees and event organisers alike, the focus now shifts to planning the 2025 iD Dunedin Fashion Show and International Emerging Designers Awards.
Entries for the 2025 iD International Emerging Designer Awards will open later in April, followed by the call for designers to participate in the 2025 iD Dunedin Fashion Show in June. Excitement is already building for what promises to be another unforgettable showcase of fashion innovation and creativity.
Taylor Does Denim
While denim may seem like a familiar territory for most fashion brands, it’s a realm that taylor has seldom ventured into—until now. Sure, denim might already be a staple in your wardrobe, perhaps even the cornerstone, with those trusty jeans you just can’t seem to part with. But for taylor, denim has been uncharted territory, until the unveiling of their latest three-piece capsule collection.
Part of taylor’s innovative collection, this capsule introduces a fresh perspective on denim, marking a significant departure from their signature soft cotton sweat-shirting. Creative Director Vicki Taylor, known for her keen eye for detail and unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries, spearheaded this venture into denim. For the first time in taylor’s history, denim takes center stage, signaling a new chapter in the brand’s evolution.
“Off-duty dressing has evolved, so it was time for us to explore new fabrications and shapes for 10Pieces. We’re all searching for ultimate comfort yet still look put together on the weekends. We strategically designed each piece to be structured and linear, so that when paired with one of our cotton pants or sweatshirts, you bring what a blazer might to your look.” – Vicki Taylor.
Shop the collection in store and online now
Zoe and Morgan’s Niña Florestra will make the perfect addition to your winter accessory wardrobe
Presenting Niña Florestra – Daughter of the Forest, the designers at Z&M draw inspiration from the heart of the Peruvian Amazon. Secluded in a rustic Tambo surrounded by nature’s wonders, their creative process begins with pencil and paper, capturing the essence of the jungle’s soul-stirring beauty and the timeless traditions of indigenous communities.
During a transformative journey through the sacred valley and immersion with local textile artisans, the designers conceive a collection infused with geometric forms inspired by the surrounding environment. A notable addition to this collection is the introduction of a new texture—tiny pyramids that glisten and evoke imagery ranging from space invaders to woven textiles.
Named after elements of Andean culture and geography, each piece in the collection bears symbolism, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between humanity and nature. From the youthful femininity embodied in pieces like the Niña Stud and Necklace to the homage paid to the historic town of Pisac in the Pisac Earrings and Necklace, every design tells a story of reverence for the natural world.
In their campaign, Z&M chooses to focus on the simplicity of skin and jewellery against a backdrop of empty white space, symbolising the stripping away of modern distractions to reveal the true essence of humanity—a wild, free, and powerful force in harmony with nature.
Niña Florestra serves as a reminder of love, connection, and respect for the world around us, inviting wearers to embrace their inner wildness and celebrate the magic of the natural world.
Shop Niña Florestra online and from selected retailers now
The new FENTY x PUMA collaboration is bringing us back down to earth
Introducing the latest addition to the FENTY x PUMA collaboration: the Creeper Phatty Earth Tone. Crafted with luxe nubuck materials and adorned with touches of gold, this sneaker embodies sophistication and style. Whether you’re seeking a monochromatic ensemble, a subtle yet striking neutral look, or embracing the natural tones of the earth, the Creeper Phatty effortlessly stands out while seamlessly blending in.
This new drop, curated by the incomparable Rihanna, features premium materials, embossed details, and gold embellishments, elevating the Creeper Phatty to new heights of luxury and refinement. Building upon the legacy of the original Creeper, which revolutionised sneaker culture upon its launch in 2015 and was named Shoe of the Year by Footwear News in 2016, Rihanna’s latest iteration takes boldness to the next level with its oversized design and stacked gum sole.
Available in two distinct colourways—green fog and warm white—the Creeper Phatty caters to individuals of all ages and genders. Embrace the wisdom and intelligence of green fog, a soft shade that exudes power and trendiness, or opt for the whimsical charm of warm white, perfect for pairing with your favourite crisp white ensemble for a fresh spring palette.
As the Creative Director of the FENTY x PUMA campaign, Rihanna continues to push the boundaries of fashion with her visionary approach. Shot by Philippa Price, the campaign explores the concept of “creeping”—the art of blending in while standing out—through meticulously composed tone-on-tone imagery, offering a dynamic and captivating visual narrative.
Shop the Earth Tone Creeper Fatty’s online and from selected retailers now