Jasmin Scott, Founder of Jasmin Sparrow
“A forever piece in my wardrobe is a maroon Wynn Hamlyn knit with a detachable ruffle. It’s a piece from one of Wynn’s very first collections. I shared with Wynn recently how this piece now feels more special than ever. My daughter has begun reaching for it, wanting to wear it to school, but I feel a new sense of protection over it. I have photos of Lana and Wynn playing with my son as a grubby-faced toddler, he’s now 14, towers above me in height, and steals WH from his dad’s wardrobe. The brand has had such a beautiful presence in my family’s life. We’ve shared summers at Waihi Beach and late nights in Paris. My Pisces twin, fashion brother. WH 4EVA XXX”
Jessica Grubiša, Friend of the Brand
“I’ve spent the majority of my life dressed in Wynn Hamlyn, so it’s hard to pinpoint one piece or one special moment. I’ve drunk champagne, pitched big projects, been nap-trapped with a newborn, danced all night, and travelled the world – all wearing Wynn. Some brands become part of your wardrobe. Wynn Hamlynn became a part of my life, and I know I’ll keep creating memories in my pieces for many years to come.”
Madeleine Harman, Friend of the Brand
“Wynn is an absolute gem – he was always the man with a van and from memory no ask was ever too big. He was so generous with his practice and has a constant ‘can do’ way about him which I think made his work, particularly his knitwear, so adventurous and unique and a joy to wear and own. His team were equally beautiful in energy and spirit and I will so miss their contribution to the industry. The ivory Yin Yang knit was my first and still very much loved purchase.”
Rebe & Harry Healy, Founders of REBE
“Wynn has been both a good friend and a huge inspiration to us. Watching him build such an iconic brand with unwavering vision and integrity has been incredibly motivating, and we’re so grateful to have shared in parts of that journey alongside both him, Lana and the team!”
Anna Hoang, Designer and Founder of Anna Quan
“Wynn has always challenged me, as a designer, to push beyond what feels familiar. His work is consistently innovative and has a way of reminding me that great design comes from curiosity and the confidence to explore new ideas. He inspires me to keep striving to design my very best and to never stop looking for fresh ways to evolve.”
Liz Hyun, Make-up Artist
“Wynn Hamlyn has always felt like such a special and unique part of New Zealand fashion, and I’ve loved watching the brand grow and leave its mark on our industry. All the best xx”
Imogen O’Neill, Head of PR at Public Library
“Wynn and his team are a testament to the calibre of creativity and ingenuity New Zealand has to offer. Wynn’s approach to construction and embellishment, and his ability to bring that vision to life, has always struck me as exciting, impressive and endlessly inspiring. A true force in Kiwi fashion & design, Wynn is at the top of his game, with collections that can stand proudly alongside the very best in the world. I’ll forever be a proud supporter (and collector) of Wynn, Lana and the entire Wynn Hamlyn team. WH4EVA!”
Guy Coombes, Photographer
“Some garments just know how to inspire a great fashion image, and many Wynn Hamlyn pieces did just that for me over the years. Thank you for years of incredible design & inspiration. The end of an amazing era – long live creative Aotearoa!”
Lochie Stonehouse, Make-up Artist
“My most frequently worn Wynn Hamlyn piece is a simple black leather belt, produced in small quantities in 2023. I love its shoestring-thin design and discrete hardware, which makes it great for both formal and every-day casual styling. It’s still my go-to and particularly great when paired with a Wynn Hamlyn jean! I treasure a decade-old memory of directing beauty for my first Wynn Hamlyn presentation, held in 2016 at the Gus Fisher Gallery, ahead of his solo NZFW show, Axminster. The beauty was an ultra-creamy pastel lilac blush, and the beautiful Lana – now Wynn’s wife – graced the runway. That following year, I worked on my first Wynn Hamlyn campaign for AW17. Andrei Blidarean, Oliver Edward Guyon, the model, and I traveled out to Muriwai to shoot on the cliff edge overlooking the gannet colony. I remember feeling so inspired by the collection, yet I didn’t realise at that time that Wynn would go on to accomplish such important work and leave our industry with a profound sense of pride.”
Estelle Schuler, Stylist
“My favourite pieces from Wynn are the iconic Motorcycle jackets. I brought two of these, and it’s safe to say they will be forever pieces in my wardrobe. Wynn’s designs were super fun and ultimately chic – super refreshing in the New Zealand landscape. His creative approach was so inspiring and refreshing, and his pieces will hold their legacy forever.”
Beck Wadworth, Design Director of Makespace
“My very own custom wedding dress is, naturally, my all-time favourite Wynn Hamlyn piece. I’ve always admired Wynn’s ability to create silhouettes that beautifully complement the female form, paired with the most incredible fabrics and considered detailing. Having him design such a personal and meaningful piece for my wedding was an incredibly special experience—and one I’ll always treasure. On a personal level, it’s been incredibly special sharing the journey into parenthood with Wynn and Lana, particularly with our first babies, when Lana and I would catch up weekly and support one another through that new chapter. Being part of the final Wynn Hamlyn shoot felt especially meaningful, and having one of my daughters involved made it a beautiful full-circle moment. When I think of Wynn Hamlyn & work I always come back to Fashion Weeks – both in NZ & Australia. From going to his shows to always wearing the brand – it’s a core memory of mine throughout the 10 years they have existed.”
Dan Ahwa, FQ’s Fashion Editor-At-Large
“I’ve always resonated with Wynn’s designs because they’ve sat slightly left of centre, which is where I’ve always felt most comfortable too. More importantly, he’s built an incredible body of work, and I think time will only reinforce his legacy. He’s one of the most gifted designers this country has produced. As a customer, it’s been a real joy collecting his pieces over the years – not just because they make me feel good, but because they make me smile every time I wear them. I’ll miss that the most each season, but what I do have will make up for it for years to come.”
Courtney Joe, Stylist
“I’ll never look at a Turkish carpet without thinking of you, Wynn! Only you could turn one into a chic belt and a full-length coat and have it make sense. Thank you for everything – I’ll so miss your perspective on print, colour and textile. WH forever!”
Sarah Harris Gould and Lauren Tapper, Founders of Harris Tapper
“We love you Wynn! We will always have Paris xo”
Murray Bevan, Founder of Showroom 22
“Wynn’s personality and likeability can be summed up in two of his responses from an interview he gave shortly after his 2016 NZFW debut: Do you have a style rule you always obey? To which he answered “Never wear anything you don’t feel comfortable in.” And what can’t you live without? To which he replied “Family and friends.” Wynn has always been a breath of fresh air in the fashion industry, due to his honesty, authenticity and openness. I wish him and his family all the very best for their next chapter.”
Joanna Zhao, Model
“The Chloe cardigan from the last collection!! As soon as the campaign images hit my Dropbox, I knew it was going to sell out. I’m notoriously a second-hand or sale shopper, but this one I bought on impulse… no regrets. Such a sexy, unexpected piece, and it’s been on constant rotation all winter. The final Goat Knitwear collection shoot was really special, going along with my boss Tom, who I’ve worked with on Wynn Hamlyn for the past two years, and seeing all the knitwear from throughout the years, plus all the familiar faces who’ve worked on and loved Wynn Hamlyn, was such a special thing to be a part of. At Pilot, Wynn Hamlyn was the first brand I started working on, two and a bit years ago. I was so excited to get them, since I’d always followed and loved the brand. I always looked forward to getting the campaign images early and seeing the new collections. It’s been a brand I’ve genuinely loved working on, and it’s taught me so much about how a strong visual identity translates into digital storytelling.”
Zoe Walker-Ahwa, Co-founder of Ensemble Magazine
“From day one, Wynn Hamlyn – like Jimmy D, Rachel Mills and James Bush, which also closed this year – was clever and crystal clear in what it was. In 2015, while working at Viva, our fashion intern Danielle Clausen introduced the team to an exciting new label by her friend Wynn and we published WH’s first piece of press, written by Rosie Kelway. It’s been so special to watch over the past decade as WH grew, evolved and sharpened its unique perspective in NZ fashion – and to wear so many beautiful pieces. Even the decision to close has been done with the same cool thoughtfulness that Wynn and Lana have always embodied. I’m excited for what’s next for them both x”
Kiekie Stanners, Make-up artist
“Dearest Wynn,
Thank you for being a delight to work with, to not only be an incredible designer but an exceptional man with the best dry wit! I can’t wait to see whatever you touch next to also be amazing – but to also enjoy your whanau life post the brand.
Much love,
Kiekie”
Sarah Murray, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of FQ
“A few months ago, my friends and I asked our husbands which item of clothing they disliked most in our wardrobes. Straight away, my husband said, “The one with the buttons.” He was referring to my favourite Wynn Hamlyn pale blue shirt, which features what feels like a thousand buttons and hooks cascading down the front. He even went on to liken it to a straitjacket! Undeterred, I kept wearing it -of course I did. Last year, I wore it in Barcelona, and several women approached me to ask who designed it and if they could take a photo. It just shows that there is something truly special about Wynn’s designs. They are innovative, fresh, and appeal to exactly the right audience, transcending both language and varied tastes. His pieces are more than just clothing; they conjure up conversation. Quite honestly, I just can’t wait to see what he does next.”
Jade Townsend, Artist, Director at Season, Friend of WH
“A distressed grey, soft leather biker jacket (and matching skirt) that has got me into and out of lots of trouble. I remember standing outside a design fair, smoking, when a very stylish older Frenchman wearing the most incredible leather jacket asked me about mine. We got talking about the power leather jackets have to change one’s life – the attitude and mystery they lend, how they learn your body and keep your secrets. His jacket was probably the only thing he was truly faithful too. I love these pieces so much for all the wonderful conversations and people they attract. Wynn gave me a blood-red woven sample dress for Frieze in London last year. Despite being chunky knitwear, it is an incredibly sexy dress with missing panels. I wore it, bravely, to the opening event and became worried when a man hiding under his cap kept following me. He was completely transfixed on the dress. A kind lady working in one of the booths saw the situation playing out and quietly whispered in my ear: “Don’t worry, it’s Raff.” I’ve always admired Wynn’s ability to locate his work and brand within the bigger landscape of art, fashion, and culture. Because of his curiosity and openness, he’s enjoyed collaborations and friendships with emerging artists, stylists, and designers – that many other brands overlooked. The most inspiring part of the Wynn Hamlyn brand is not only the incredible fashion but the huge community of rascals that are attached to it. “
