1. One of one
The BW Archive is opening its vault on a decade of New Zealand fashion history. BW 36.174, made-to-measure luxury designed by Blair Wheeler, has dressed some of the country’s most discerning wardrobes. Trained under master couturier Adrienne Winkelmann, Wheeler built BW into a byword for precision and sensuality. One-off pieces, samples, prototypes and unreleased garments are dropping piece by piece, hand-crafted in Auckland, and never to be repeated. Ready to find your next look? Follow along on Instagram.
2. A pā for the people
Aotearoa’s first Māori and Indigenous fashion and arts precinct has officially opened its doors in Glen Innes. Led by acclaimed designer Kiri Nathan, Te Pā transforms an underused retail block into eight interconnected spaces spanning fashion, art and storytelling, all grounded in kaupapa Māori values. Developed with Tāmaki Regeneration Company over three years, the precinct is home to Nathan’s own label alongside the Kāhui Collective, a department store consigning over 30 Indigenous makers. It’s a milestone for Glen Innes, and for Māori enterprise nationwide.
Visit the precinct at 260 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes, Auckland.
3. Setting the standard
Michael Hill has opened its new flagship boutique at 94 Queen Street, marking the brand’s most elevated retail experience in Auckland yet. It’s a milestone that arrives over four decades after its New Zealand beginnings. Inside, customers will find a Pendant Bar, an Earring Bar and a dedicated wedding band concierge, all set within warm, considered spaces. CEO Jonathan Waecker says it reflects “where our brand is heading”. It’s open now, so the only thing left to do is go see it for yourself.
4. Forever young
Federation turns 25 this year, and the Kiwi label is marking it not with nostalgia but momentum. Founded by Jenny Joblin in the early 2000s as a premium skatewear brand, Federation has survived liquidation, global expansion and a full reinvention, evolving into what it now calls “stylewear”. The next chapter belongs to family. Joblin’s children Ryder, Monte and Dusty are already shaping the brand’s future across design and business, proving that 25 years in, Federation still has plenty ahead.
5. Menswear does Wānaka
There’s a new address for menswear, and it’s in Wānaka. Devàl Menswear has opened its doors as an independent boutique bringing hard-to-find international labels, Vince, AG Jeans and American Vintage among them, to New Zealand men without the overseas hunt. Think curated denim, outerwear and trans-seasonal staples, paired with relaxed, unintimidating styling tips rather than fashion jargon. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, it’s a one-stop destination for elevated style.
