When creative director of Ksubi Pip Edwards speaks, it’s with the candour of someone who has lived every shade of the fashion industry – from cult beginnings to global business with PE Nation, and now, back to where it all began. But in New Zealand, the Australian designer’s story takes on an even more personal note.

“My father’s from Wellington. I’m proudly Kiwi,” she tells me as we sit tucked into a cosy nook at Bistro Saine in Hotel Indigo during NZFW. “I love it here -I love Cardrona, Wānaka, Queenstown. Honestly, it’s in my will: my ashes will be spread down Paradise Run on Captains at Cardrona. That’s how deep it runs. It’s spiritual for me.”

Her affection for New Zealand naturally extends to the local fashion scene. “I’ve always loved Zambesi -even in my twenties, when they had stores in Australia, I was obsessed. They’re artisans, purists -that’s rare now.” 

This week at NZFW she talks about seeing Claudia Li and Harris Tapper and then shares her insights on the colour black. “Kiwis just get texture. Yes, they’re known for working in black, but they make black not flat. They bring tailoring and fabrication to life in a way I haven’t seen in Australia. It’s effortlessly cool. Honestly, I was terrified coming here because I knew I had to lift my fashion game. Kiwis are just so put together, but in that nonchalant way. It’s intimidating – but inspiring.”

Her advice to emerging New Zealand designers? “Oh my God – stick to your roots. Don’t try not to be Kiwi. That’s the magic. New Zealand designers are making worldwide moves because they stay authentic. The connection to land, to story – it’s infused in everything. That’s what makes it so special.”

She may only be here for a few short days but you get the sense Aotearoa will always pull her back. We don’t need to hope she’ll return – we already know she will.