Summer is officially rolling in, and New Zealand’s fashion landscape is responding with colour, craft and considered design.
From new-season arrivals and dreamy resort moments to major store openings and purpose-led collabs, here’s everything worth knowing – and shopping – this week.
Sylvester Welcomes a Sunshine State of Mind with “Sunny Boy”
Sylvester steps into summer with Sunny Boy, a collection steeped in nostalgia and breezy optimism. Think gingham minis for beach days, pops of fuchsia for Christmas gatherings, and Florentine dresses destined for New Year’s Eve dance floors.
Boyish charm comes through in relaxed Nautical tanks and striped Rugby polos, perfectly paired with crisp-white broderie hems.
Vintage KS sunnies revive archival spirit, while vibrant bucket hats, caps and the return of the iconic Huddle logo (now reimagined as both clutch and heirloom-worthy necklace) complete the mood.
Pōhutukawa blooms, records spinning, an ice-cold beer in hand – this is the Sylvester summer.
First arrivals are in store and online now.
Zambesi Opens Its Bold New Commercial Bay Flagship
Auckland’s Commercial Bay has welcomed a major new resident: the brand-new Zambesi Store, officially opening its doors today. The 105sqm space – designed by Marissa Findlay in collaboration with Dada Studios – anchors itself in a “past meets future” philosophy, blending elements of early Zambesi stores with a modern, refined finish.
The new flagship houses the full universe of Zambesi (womenswear, menswear, accessories and NZ-made exclusives), alongside a curated selection of global and local designers including Acne Studios, Rick Owens, Maison Margiela, NOM*d and more.
Opening celebrations run all day and across the weekend, with highlights including:
– A bespoke Zambesi summer bag for the first 50 shoppers (each with a surprise inside)
– 10× Shark Beauty Air Styling Tool prizes
– Skincare treats, limited-edition Zambesi goods and one $300 voucher hidden in the mix
– Cocktails from 5–7pm
– A special appearance by Elisabeth Findlay
– Complimentary coffee all weekend
The new Zambesi Store is open now at Commercial Bay, Ground Floor.
Deadly Ponies Champions the Kororā with Forest & Bird
Deadly Ponies marks the season with purpose, unveiling Mr Kororā, a limited-edition bag celebrating Aotearoa’s beloved little penguin. Crafted from past-season leather offcuts as part of the brand’s zero-waste initiative, the bag blends charm with impact: 25% of proceeds go directly to Forest & Bird to help protect kororā habitats and reduce predator threats.
Throughout December, customers can also donate at checkout – supporting conservation at a time when 90% of NZ’s seabird species are threatened or at risk.
Mr Kororā is available now.
COMMONPLACE x Caitlin Snell Reimagine Surplus Fabric
COMMONPLACE continues its circularity mission with accessories crafted from surplus fabric from its ESSENTIALS SS25 collection. In collaboration with Caitlin Snell, scrunchies, head scarves and hair clips arrive in 100% organic cotton prints including Baby Pink, Sage Gingham and Bubblegum Stripe.
Each piece pairs back to key looks from the Garden Nostalgia collection – thoughtful, made in NZ, and delightfully wearable.
Available now.
Exchange Store Opens Luxe New Ponsonby Showroom
Exchange Store celebrates summer with the launch of its new Ponsonby showroom – an intimate, gallery-like space for luxury resale and collectors-only pieces.
This season’s highlights include:
– CHANEL Mini Coco Handle in Yellow
– Hermès Havane Swift Birkin 30 (private sale only)
– Archival CHANEL wallets and handbags in vibrant seasonal tones
The space also houses artwork from Gow Langsford Gallery artists including Max Gimblett, André Hemer and Dale Frank, strengthening Exchange Store’s blend of art, luxury and provenance.
Showroom now open for appointments.
RUBY Resort 2025 Drop 2 Keeps Summer Glowing
RUBY’s Resort 2025 story continues with Drop 2, captured by Dream Rubette Riley Hemson and inspired by the magic of a Kiwi summer at home.
Returning favourites – Anastasia, Passionfruit and Gloria – meet new-season colours made for long lunches and late nights. Firewhirl, garnet polka dots and gingham rounds out the festive palette.
First arrivals are in store and online now.
Elle & Riley Unveil Textural Luxury with The Loungewear Collection
Elle & Riley’s latest release, The Loungewear Collection, redefines relaxed luxury. Centred on a new innovation – Cloud Cashmere – the pieces offer an ultra-soft, lofty feel created through a specialised fibre process.
Expect hushed neutrals, rich cacao, and sharp pops of red across silhouettes like the Cloud Cashmere V Sweater, Long Cardigan, Cropped Zip Hoodie and the effortless trouser.
The Loungewear Collection is available now.
Stolen Girlfriends Club Releases Love & Distortion
Stolen Girlfriends Club drops its newest jewellery collection, Love & Distortion, a collision of old-world decadence and death metal energy.
The story centres on Dahlia – steel-capped boots, vintage heirlooms, unapologetic attitude – translated into pieces that blend rebellion with refinement.
A bold, cinematic collection pushing the brand’s creative boundaries once again.
Available now in boutiques and online.
MARKET Opens in Parnell – A New Cultural Retail Destination
Parnell has a brand-new creative hub with the arrival of MARKET, a cultural retail destination bringing together some of Aotearoa’s most exciting names across fashion, design and contemporary culture.
Located at 8 Faraday Street, inside the former Faradays space, MARKET brings a curated lineup of designers and makers under one neon-soaked roof for a limited time.
Running November 2025 through January 2026, the space features a standout roster including Rebe, Wynn Hamlyn, Paris Georgia, Beach Brains, Moscot, Jasmin Sparrow, That Looks, Ohen, Kiosk, Design 55, Special Studio, Noa Blankets, Enoki, Veil, and more to come.
Part retail concept, part cultural experience, MARKET offers a dynamic edit of fashion, accessories, homeware and design objects—an ever-shifting space designed for browsing, discovering and connecting with local creativity.
MARKET is open now at 8 Faraday Street, Parnell.
Instagram: @letsgotothe_market
