On Wednesday morning, Untouched World, in partnership with Fashion Quarterly, welcomed guests to Kenkō Studios to celebrate the brand’s AW26 collection, Roaming the Wilderness. The serene morning unfolded with an immersive sound bath led by Esmeralda Tikao, intuitively shaped by the rhythms and energy of the natural world. This was followed by a thoughtful conversation between editor-in-chief Sarah Murray and Lead Designer Moira Te Whata offering deeper insight into the collection, from its inspiration, process and the connection to nature that underpins each piece.
Inspired by a journey through untouched landscapes, the collection unfolds through layers, tactile textures and a palette drawn from nature’s quieter moods. Amber and chocolate tones mirror shifting soil, while deep navy and teal call to mind the winter sea. Silhouettes wrap, encase and cocoon, offering pieces that feel simple, subtle and elevated and will carry you through the colder months with ease.
This collection marks the second chapter of the brand’s new era under lead designer Te Whata and creative director Lucinda Le Heron, following their well-received debut at New Zealand Fashion Week 2025. Speaking to the room, Te Whata – who began her journey with Untouched World as a machinist in 2009 – shared that the palette was drawn from the crisp, early mornings of the brand’s Christchurch home. Think rich, earthy tones punctuated with pockets of light.
Highlights from the collection include the longline Haisley Coat. Crafted from 100% wool, its silhouette nods to the classic trench, offering subtle structure with an elegant, fluid drape. The Mina Top, rendered in olive, features a fluid cowl neckline and is crafted from feather-light TENCEL™ – a fibre derived from sustainably managed eucalyptus forests. Elsewhere, merino emerges as a hero, presented in its purest form. Left undyed and untouched, the palette is dictated solely by nature, revealing rich, organic tones that feel both grounded and elevated.
Rejuvenated from a restorative sound bath and inspired by thoughtful conversation, guests lingered to experience the collection up close, slipping into favourite pieces and appreciating the richness of each fabrication firsthand. With coffees from The Cartery and nourishing bites from Little Bird Organics, the room buzzed with positive energy, setting the tone for a relaxed yet uplifting start to the day. It was a fitting close to a morning that captured the essence of Untouched World: thoughtful design, connection to nature and clothing made to be lived in.
Explore Untouched World’s Autumn/Winter ’26,
Roaming the Wilderness, at untouchedworld.com
Photography: Ruby Hamilton
