What began as a school-gate friendship between three mums has grown into Dark Hampton – a flourishing accessories brand stocked in over 60 retailers.
Founded by Amie, Amanda, and Kate, the label has redefined scarves as versatile, year-round essentials that blend art, function, and self-expression.
Built on slow fashion principles, the brand partners with local artists, supports meaningful causes like the Breast Cancer Foundation, and creates pieces designed to last. With plans to expand further into Australia and grow their direct-to-consumer presence, we caught up with the founders to talk business, creativity, and what’s next for Dark Hampton.
Hey, Dark Hampton! How’s business?
We’re so grateful, business is going really well! It’s always humbling to see how far Dark Hampton has come, and we feel incredibly lucky to be growing a brand we truly believe in. Each season brings new opportunities, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. Retail in New Zealand definitely has its challenges, but we stay focused on designing beautiful pieces that our loyal customers continue to love and support, and that makes it all worthwhile.
Your brand started from a friendship at the school gates – how did that moment of connection evolve into building a business together?
We built a friendship first, and then realised we brought very different but complementary skills to the table. Amie and I were excited by the idea of building a business and handling sales, marketing and logistics, but we knew none of it would work without Amanda’s incredible design talent. Our strengths balance each other perfectly, and the trust and connection we formed early on have been the foundation of everything we’ve created together.
Scarves are often seen as seasonal or secondary – how have you redefined them as versatile, all-year-round statement pieces?
Our first range was made from cashmere modal and silk, two incredibly versatile fabrics. They’re lightweight yet impactful, and they elevate an outfit whether styled close to the neck for warmth or draped more dramatically as a statement piece. They’re also incredibly practical; perfect for a chilly evening, a plane trip, or the daily commute. In summer, the same scarves look amazing styled in the hair, as a belt, around a hat or tied onto a handbag. We love showing people just how much wear they can get from one piece.
Dark Hampton is built on the principles of slow fashion. How do you balance timeless design with staying fresh and current in a fast-paced industry?
We always design what we love. While we keep an eye on international colour trends, we’re guided first and foremost by our own aesthetic, colours and patterns that we truly adore. That’s how we create pieces with longevity. We still love our very first designs (and still print some of them) just as much as what we’re creating now, and we think that says a lot about our approach.
You’ve partnered with some incredible New Zealand artists – what’s your approach to collaboration, and can you give us a sneak peek of the upcoming August drop?
We love collaborations — they’re a chance to introduce our scarves to a new audience and showcase incredible New Zealand artists in a totally different medium. We have a vibrant upcoming scarf with a Wellington-based artist who’s created a truly stunning piece of work, as well as something very special with a NZ country musician. We’re absolutely fizzing about that one, it’s such a fun project!
The Breast Cancer Foundation scarf is such a meaningful initiative. What does giving back mean to Dark Hampton, and how do you choose the causes you support?
Supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ was something we had pinned to our very first moodboard, it’s always been part of the vision for Dark Hampton. It’s a cause that means a lot to us personally, as it does to so many New Zealanders, and being in a position to give back in a meaningful way now feels incredibly special. It’s been so rewarding to see the joy these scarves bring, and to hear the heartfelt stories behind the gifting and receiving of them. We also regularly support a range of other causes with product donations for raffles and charity auctions — it’s a part of the business that brings us a lot of joy.
Do you have a favourite print from over the years – one that still makes you smile or has a special story behind it?
The Ellie Compton scarf will always be a standout. It was our very first collaboration, and it came about thanks to one of our biggest retailers, Ballantynes. Ellie designed the artwork to represent ‘Dark Hampton Town,’ weaving in so many special little moments and details that made it feel incredibly personal. It marked a major milestone for us as a brand. There’s something truly special about seeing someone’s artwork transformed into a wearable piece, and that collaboration gave us the confidence to keep pursuing creative partnerships.
As you expand your direct-to-consumer presence and grow into Australia, what’s next on the horizon for Dark Hampton? Any dream stockists or milestones you’re manifesting?
We’re focused on expanding our online presence and deepening our connection with our customers. At the same time, we’re excited to grow within beautiful independent boutiques across New Zealand and Australia, working alongside passionate, inspiring women who run incredible businesses. There’s something truly special about those partnerships and the personal connection they bring. At the heart of it all, we’re committed to creating pieces we’re proud of and building something that feels authentic, lasting, and meaningful.