FQ Editor’s Most Wanted, Newmarket Edition

31 January 2023

By Fashion Quarterly

We’ve finally agreed on the destination to get us offline and immersed in shopping IRL

Few destinations cater to the entire FQ team’s unique personal styles like Auckland’s Newmarket shopping precinct. With extensive flagship stores for our fashion and lifestyle desires – not to mention they even have chic dining spots for pensive pauses before committing to big-ticket items – the city’s fashion destination has all bases covered.

International luxury brands like Balenciaga, McQueen, and Saint Laurent keep investment items front of mind, while go-to New Zealand designers Kate Sylvester, Karen Walker, Kowtow, and Juliette Hogan make light work of topping our capsule wardrobes up with key seasonal pieces. And for the finishing touches? There are countless boutiques brimming with high-quality accessories designed locally or curated from artisans abroad to discover.

At every turn, there’s a bounty of inspiration to browse and buy. Below, we handpick pieces from emerging trends the FQ editors are keen to get their hands on this summer.

Bling Ring

Dialling up on glamour, make every occasion a scene-stealing moment. With hyper-feminine silhouettes in midnight hues offset by patent silver and diamond encrusted details, this is a party-proof formula for maximum head-turning. Feeling flat? McQueen’s leather and eyelet harness amplifies your curves while doubling-down on edge, while Jimmy Choo’s Plexi Pumps with crystal embellishment in silver glitter will boost your height and your confidence.

“When it comes to dressing, I like to take the ‘more is more’ approach. The crystals, glitter, glitz – you name the embellishment and I’m here for it. In this edit I adore Alexander McQueen’s Ruffled Bustier Mini Dress, which like its name suggests has the perfect ruffle ratio to keep me interested.”

Sarah M, managing editor

1. Alexander McQueen ‘Ruffled Bustier’ mini dress, approx. $4190. 2. Balenciaga ‘Hourglass’ xs handbag, $3500. 3. Veronica Beard ‘Rogue’ top, $495 from Muse. 4. Jimmy Choo ‘Saeda’ fringe earrings, approx $1250. 5. Stolen Girlfriends Club gothic drink bottle, $189. 6. Alexander McQueen harness, approx $5580. 7. Sass & Bide ‘Dark Nights’ skirt, $360. 8. Jimmy Choo ‘Saeda 100’ heels, approx $1890.

Gold Rush

Bringing us back down to earth are the creme caramel, chestnut, and spicy hues in circulation. If you fancy dining al fresco, a glass of sangria in hand, and basking in the sun’s final rays, this edit is for you. Making way for transeasonal florals, relaxed tailoring, and elevated casual accessories, these lust list items speak to our inner goddess.

“While I typically opt for a more monochromatic palette, there’s something about this tonal summer edit that has me wanting to stray outside my comfort zone. I love the idea of pairing the chestnut dress with the Aje pleated blazer and sneaker for a relaxed on-the-go summer fit.”

Amberley C, editorial assistant.

1. Aje ‘Elle’ jacket, $550. 2. Zoe & Morgan EOS earrings, $245. 3. Aje ‘Valerie’ skirt, $340. 4. Ruby ‘Lillie’ top, $199. 5. Kate Sylvester ‘Violet’ sunglasses, $199. 6. Golden Goose ‘Ball Star’ sneakers, approx. $910 . 7. Cult Gaia ‘Elfreda’ dress from Muse, $825. 8. Lukeke x Karen Walker mini bulb vase, $120.

Off Duty

Turn on your automatic replies because you’re officially out of office. Lean into comfort with a discerning eye, seeking out hard-working pieces that will go the distance. Premium cotton sweats, lightweight errand-running shorts, and breathable tanks for when you need to break a sweat. Embrace accents of colour that drum up feelings of nostalgia for a timeless and retro-inspired aesthetic.

“No matter the season, I can never look past an oversized sweat. I typically lean toward monochromatic tones, however these retro pops of colour have me inspired. Whether I’m out running errands or simply grabbing coffee, this edit has all bases covered from style to comfort.”

Georgia B, art director.

1. Ruby ‘Jupiter’ tank, $149. 2. Sporty & Rich crewneck, $250 from Subtype. 3. CENT LDN Soho scented candle, $150 from Subtype. 4. Frank Green reusable 2L drink bottle, $99 from StyleRunner. 5. Balenciaga BB Paris Icon cap, $565. 6. Moncler Lite Runner sneakers, approx $920. 7. Staud ‘Colin’ shorts $395 from Muse.

Neon Brights

Whether you’re meeting up with friends on the weekend, ditching the office early on a Friday afternoon, or hitting the road for a getaway, elevating your monochromatic wardrobe with hints of neon brights elicits the playful intersection between practicality and personality. When assembling an outfit, reach for contrasting textiles and textures to maintain a multi-dimensional, and ultimately more polished, ensemble.

“It’s no secret that I gravitate to anything that resembles Scandinavian street style. Being able to tap into brands like Staud and Rodebjer without the shipping fees is reason enough to call into Newmarket. The contrast stitch painter pants satiate my need to get on the cargo trend without abandoning my personal style completely.”

Louise D, digital editor.

1. Rodejber ‘ Tendai’ monogram skirt, $325 from Muse. 2. La DoubleJ ‘Boy Shirt’, $850 from Muse. 3. Staud ‘Painter’ pant, $495 from Muse. 4. Alexander McQueen sleeveless jumper, approx $1450 5. Lu Goldie ‘Milou’ sunglasses, $209 from Ruby. 6. Dr Marten ‘Adrian’ loafers, $370. 7. Saint Laurent tuxedo box bag, $5295.