1. A refined edit
Olivia Cashmore’s AW25 collection reaffirms the brand’s commitment to refined tailoring and nuanced femininity. Founded in Auckland in 2021, Cashmore’s eponymous label balances strength and softness, offering timeless silhouettes elevated by precise construction and rich, natural fabrics. This season, saree-inspired draping defines the silk Roja Top and Amaara Gown, both cut to flatter with elegant asymmetry. The Simone Trench in olive wool suiting offers a twist on a classic style with a detachable scarf detail, while the layered Sita Skirt brings sculptural lightness to the edit. Designed with intention, each piece speaks to quiet luxury and enduring style.
2. Fat Lava
Australian artist Jonny Niesche returns to Starkwhite Auckland with Fat Lava, an evocative new exhibition running from 3 May to 7 June 2025. This exhibition follows Niesche’s recent inclusion in Gucci’s prestigious Art of Silk: 90 x 90 project. Drawing inspiration from the vivid West German pottery of the postwar era (a style he once found repulsive) Niesche revisits the garish reds, browns and cobalts of his 1980s suburban youth to explore themes of saturation, obsolescence and taste. With a palette born from personal disgust, Fat Lava invites viewers into an uneasy, seductive realm where value and aesthetics collide.
3. A decade of timeless design
Marking a decade of considered design, Marle’s newly launched Collection 02 is a celebration of the brand’s signature ethos: refined simplicity, natural fibres, and enduring style. In a palette of timeless neutrals with pops of rich reds and navy, the collection pairs Marle’s signature slouchy knits with oversized coats, classic denim and effortless separates. Each piece reflects Marle’s commitment to thoughtful wardrobing—balancing form, function and a low ecological impact.
4. In residence
Opening 8 May at 30 Cuba Street, Slug Pop Up returns with a sharp, shifting mix of fashion, objects, books, and more – brought together under one roof in the heart of Pōneke. Curated by designer Julia Palm of JPalm, the space offers a compelling snapshot of the creative communities across Aotearoa and Australia. Expect an elevated edit from Adrion Atelier (winner of The Shelter Emerging Designer Award at the FQ Fashion Awards), Oosterom, Rhoda Nunn, Winnie Catherine and more. Running until 22 May, Slug is a retail experience that defies convention, blending thoughtful curation with an energy that reflects the dynamic creative communities it brings together.
5. Haute couture hats
On the First Monday in May, the steps of the Met were awash with sharply tailored suits and theatrical couture, but one accessory reigned supreme: the hat. From sweeping brims to sculptural silhouettes, millinery was centre stage. Zendaya and Rihanna were visionaries in demure wide-brimmed styles, while Lewis Hamilton and Hunter Schafer made a statement in slouchy berets. Jennie Kim channeled Coco Chanel in a boater hat, and Kim Kardashian opted for a croc-leather fedora. Meanwhile, Tessa Thompson and Jodie Turner-Smith leaned into formal menswear with elevated takes on the classic top hat. We’ll tip our hat to that!
