This week at Australian Fashion Week, ‘The Frontier’ served as the launchpad for Wynn Hamlyn’s Resort 2026 collection. The curated group show brought together leading designers from both Australia and New Zealand, highlighting a new wave of trans-Tasman creativity. Fashion Quarterly caught up with designer Wynn Crawshaw to talk about the spirit of collaboration, the evolution of his latest collection, and the meticulous craftsmanship that continues to define the Wynn Hamlyn aesthetic.
This was a shared runway with Paris Georgia and other Australian labels — how did the idea for a collaborative show come together, and why did it feel right for this moment?
Wynn Crawshaw: The opportunity for a collaborative show came when AFW approached us to join “The Frontier” runway. The lineup felt perfectly aligned with our vision, making it an ideal moment to unite with like-minded brands. This collaboration highlighted the growing connection between New Zealand and Australian designers. It felt like the right time to showcase this collective energy and the international reach of all the brands involved.
How do you think New Zealand designers are being perceived on the AFW stage, and how important is that presence for you?
WC: New Zealand designers are gaining more awareness on the AFW stage, and it’s a vital platform for showcasing our unique point of difference. Known for our innovative designs, we embrace being at the bottom of the world—this distance pushes us to think outside the box and create fashion that stands apart on the global stage.
Can you walk us through the story or mood behind the collection you presented — what did you want the audience to feel or take away?
WC: The mood behind Resort 2026 is a balance of history and innovation. We’ve reimagined classic woven codes—plaid and stripe—using techniques like rouleau loops, transforming these textiles into something bold and graphic. Handwork and expert craftsmanship, core to Wynn Hamlyn’s identity, rework traditional motifs to add texture and depth. The collection invites the audience to experience the tension between precision and playfulness, pushing the boundaries of familiar design. It’s a reflection of our growth over the last decade—blending form and function, evolving with our audience’s desires, and offering a fresh perspective on both menswear and womenswear.
Were there any particular materials, techniques, or silhouettes you really leaned into this season? I loved that weaved fabric that I saw on a few pieces.
WC: In terms of materials, we really leaned into our signature woven fabrics this season, especially the experimental use of rouleau loops. It was a way to give traditional patterns like plaid and stripe a new life, turning them into something with a strong, graphic quality. We also revisited our hand crochet techniques, which continue to play an important role in distorting and reinterpreting familiar forms. The silhouettes were refined with a structural sophistication, particularly in our knitwear, where we focused on blending form and function. The result is a rich tapestry of texture and depth, which I hope resonates with our audience.
Was there a standout piece in the collection that felt like your personal favourite or anchor for the theme?
WH: A standout piece for me was one of the designs that incorporated the rouleau loops. This technique is something we developed with our artisans, and it really became a focal point of the collection. The precision and texture we achieved through this method turned traditional patterns, like plaid and stripe, into something new and striking. It felt like the perfect representation of where we are as a brand—combining our commitment to craft with a bold, forward-thinking approach. That piece truly captured the essence of what we were trying to express this season.
Wynn Hamlyn Resort '26
Backstage imagery: Rob Tennent.
Runway imagery: Launchmetrics/Spotlight.
