New Zealand Fashion Week is almost here and for the fashion set, it’s time to start getting prepared.
But even if you’re not hitting the front row or partaking in the parties, there is one Auckland shopping precinct that is consistently rated a favourite amongst fashion-loving folk, keen to get their style, beauty and foodie fix all in once place: Newmarket.
We’ve put together our insider’s guide to every stop in Newmarket we’ll be hitting in the lead-up to NZFW. Whether you’re heading to NZFW, NZ Fashion Weekend to take in the Fashion Quarterly x Newmarket runway show, or are just looking for a dream day out shopping with friends, these are the must-visit spots to check out:
BEAUTY
Getting your glam on is an important part of attending NZFW. Leading up to the largest fashion event of the year, salons will be filling fast with stylish ladies getting their highlights, cuts and tans and perfecting their nails in preparation for the stylish events to come. Here are some of the key places we are all about:
Head to Stephen Marr (16 Morrow Street, Newmarket) for all your hair needs. Whether you are wanting highlights, a full colour, touch-ups or just an up-do style or blowdry, this is the place to go (and you will no doubt bump into another fashion industry insider there, going through the same prep as you!)
Once you’ve livened up your locks, head to the OFF Wax Bar (8 Osborne Street, Newmarket) and take care of that pesky unwanted hair – tame those brows and get those silky dress-ready legs sorted.
During Fashion Week, you’ll be getting up close and personal with all the most stylish people in the biz. Ensure you are glowing from the inside out and get yourself to Caci (53 Davis Crescent, Newmarket), for one of their many incredible and non-invasive facial treatments, such as photo rejuvenation, microdermabrasion or the mother of all laser treatments (and arguably the most effective): fractional C02 laser. Hey, maybe throw in a wee bit of baby Botox too, for an (almost) instant refresh!
Now you’ve got your hair, skin and bod feeling good, head to MECCA Cosmetica (264 Broadway, Newmarket) and pick up a few handbag go-tos from their huge makeup selection. Stock up on essentials (we’re looking at you self tan) to help keep your beauty look on point at NZFW.
DINING
Maintaining your energy levels is important during NZFW and the week leading up to NZFW is full of SO. MUCH. PREP. Between all the planning and prepping, sometimes we can forget one of the most important things – to eat! There is a huge selection of eateries in Newmarket ready for you to refuel pre-show (or in between hitting your favourite shops) and here are just a few of our favourites:
If you’re needing a quick, easy and delicious on-the-go snack between hair and nail appointments, then your first port-of-call should be &Sushi (10-12 Teed Street, Newmarket). Not only does their sushi look amazing (hello Instagram!), it also tastes great and is healthy, too. Win-win-win.
If you’re looking for more of a dine-in setting, head to L’affare Melrose (22 Melrose Street, Newmarket). Their all-day menu has food that is sure to satisfy your hunger and keep those energy levels up.
Needing a coffee fix? Altezano Brothers Espresso Bar (1 Kent Street, Newmarket) is the answer. Here, you’ll find a massive range of coffees catered to your every need.
FASHION
Let’s be real here. You came to Newmarket for the fashion. And with basically every big fashion name under the sun all within the range of a few Newmarket streets, this stylish neighbourhood is pretty much your one-stop shop.
From fashion headliners slash global superstars Karen Walker (6 Balm Street, Newmarket) and Kate Sylvester (1 Teed Street, Newmarket), to your streetwear and cool-girl go-tos Stolen Girlfriends Club (20 Nuffield Street, Newmarket), Huffer (18 Nuffield Street, Newmarket) and RUBY (4 Teed Street, Newmarket), you’ll find everything you need here to deck yourself out in an outfit worthy of the front row.
You also can’t go too far wrong with all the leading international labels being housed at two of our all-time best-loved boutiques; Muse (11 Teed Street, Newmarket) is well-stocked with Frenchie faves such as Equipment, L’Agence and Celine plus other so-now designers such as Cecilie Copenhagen, Dodo Bar Or and their own in-house brand, Muse Cashmere (so lush).
Meanwhile, Superette (34 Nuffield Street, Newmarket) plays host to our Aussie loves such as Alice McCall, Camilla & Marc and Zimmermann, along with cult global and local brands like Anine Bing, La Tribe and Rag and Bone. You’ll be getting street style snapped left, right and centre wearing anything from this store.
What goes underneath is just as important, especially at NZFW when feeling comfortable (and knowing you look incredible from all angles) is key. One of the best brands in the business has a home right here in Newmarket – oh, how convenient. Lonely (6B Teed Street, Newmarket) will have you feeling like a million dollars (and their gorgeous millennial pink store will also sooth your soul amongst all the NZFW chaos!)
Lastly, carrying the right accessory will add that final touch and at NZFW, it’s all about those talking points! You can’t go too far wrong with a handbag from Deadly Ponies (16 Osbourne Street, Newmarket) or pop into Workshop (18 Morrow Street, Newmarket) for a little Alexander Wang or Marc Jacobs number.
SHOWTIME
Now that you’re looking shiny and new from top-to-toe, it’s time to hit the shows! NZ Fashion Weekend, which follows directly after the trade shows and is open to the public, plays host to a Designer Pop-Up sale, a Beauty Hub for some pampering and of course, a bevy of fashion shows, including the Fashion Quarterly x Newmarket show ‘The FQ Edit’ on Saturday 2 September at 5.30pm. Historically, this show sells out but there are still a limited number of tickets available – secure yours now at iTicket.co.nz.
This article is brought to you by our friends at Newmarket, Auckland’s premier fashion, shopping and entertainment district.
