Summer is officially on the horizon, and Ruby is wasting no time getting into the spirit of the season. For Resort ’26, the New Zealand label has reunited with Riley Hemson, who returns to front its summer campaign for the second year running.
After shooting at Langs Beach in Northland last year, this time the Ruby team crossed the Tasman, landing at Sydney’s iconic Wylie’s Baths. Shot by Apela Bell, the campaign captures the easy, playful mood that runs through the collection.
Launching October 8th, Resort ’26 is an ode to easy summer dressing, with lace-edged swimwear, embroidered and ruffled dresses, colourful separates and wear-anywhere tanks designed for long days that roll into balmy evenings.
Continue reading for an exclusive on-set conversation between Hemson and Ruby designer Deanna Didovich, reflecting on the year that’s been, their favourite summer rituals and what they’re looking forward to this season.
In conversation with Riley Hemson and Deanna Didovich
DEANNA: One year ago today, we were shooting our Resort collection at Langs Beach. Today, we’ve taken it from the beach to the baths, and we’re here again with our favourite Rubette, Riley.
RILEY: Hi! I actually can’t believe it was this day a year ago.
DEANNA: I know, it’s crazy. And that wasn’t planned – that just happened.
RILEY: That’s crazy. Iconic.
DEANNA: We’re here at the beautiful Wylie’s Baths in Sydney. This year, we thought we’d mix it up and come over to Oz.
RILEY: I love it. It’s the most perfect day. I’ve actually never been to Wylie’s Baths, but I’m glad you chose it as the location because it’s so cool. It’s kind of giving Euro summer with the concrete. So cute.
DEANNA: We’re here shooting our Resort collection campaign, round two. Any standouts from the collection that you’ll be adding to your wardrobe?
RILEY: I really love the swim – the orange with the little lace trim. So cute. And the stripey mini, so cool and so nice for summer. Everything’s really comfortable as well. You look cool, but you’re comfy.
DEANNA: And the Christmas Day top?
RILEY: Oh yeah, the Christmas Day top. Okay guys, lock in. Everyone needs this top for Christmas Day. It’s got the crochet bow situation on the front. You look cool, you’re comfy. Iconic. Love.
DEANNA: Definitely going to be a favourite piece.
Reflecting on 2026
DEANNA: So tell us about your year. What’s happened?
RILEY: So much, guys. I’m married! Yep, I’m a wife.
DEANNA: And the most iconic wedding, by the way.
RILEY: Thank you. It was the best day. This has been a big year of doing things that feel kind of life-changing.
But I’m excited for summer. I live on the Gold Coast, but I’m really going to lock into summer this year. I don’t go to the beach all that often, even though I live on the Gold Coast, so this year I’m just going to really lean in.
DEANNA: I think sometimes when something’s on your doorstep, you don’t make the most of it.
RILEY: Yeah, you take it for granted.
Sydney Recommendations
DEANNA: And we’re here in Sydney, somewhere you spend a lot of time. What are your Sydney recs?
RILEY: You need to do the Bondi to Bronte walk. I love Paradiso Wine Bar. Go to Paddington,visit all the little shops, get a coffee, have a little browse, go into Mecca. I also really love staying at the Ace Hotel. It’s really good.
How about you?
DEANNA: One of my favourite places I’ve eaten recently was Jimmy’s Falafels in Paddington. It was so, so good. I also love going to Harris Farm.
RILEY: Iconic. Have you had the tiramisu?
DEANNA: I have. I just love a good little Harris Farm supermarket shop.
RILEY: A bougie supermarket.
DEANNA: One of my favourite things to do is Bondi to Bronte and then go for a swim at Bronte Beach. First thing in the morning, crystal-clear waters. Can’t beat it.
RILEY: There’s so much to do here. There’s also this place that does really good chips with onion salt.
DEANNA: Wow, I need to know about this place.
RILEY: They also do other good things, but I love hot chips, guys.
Nothing beats a New Zealand summer
DEANNA: What can’t compete with a New Zealand summer? Take it away, Riley.
RILEY: I have a big long list. I love when it gets colder at night and you’ve been at the beach, you’re all salty, and you just chuck a little layer on. I feel like we take that for granted when we live there. Love that so much.
Going to the dairy, getting your lollies. Fish and chips on the beach when you’re not sweating to buggery.
DEANNA: For me, I love the Coromandel. It’s one of my favourite places in New Zealand, and there’s just a feeling there that you cannot compare with anything.
RILEY: So good. I also just think it’s the vibe. On the Gold Coast, it’s hot quite a bit of the way through the year, so you just live it. Whereas in New Zealand, you get those few months of hard summer, so you really lean in.
DEANNA: Embrace it and lean in.
RILEY: Yeah. Mr Whippy. Guys, there’s so much.
In’s and out’s for summer ’26
DEANNA: What’s one thing in for summer and one thing out?
RILEY: That’s a thinker.
DEANNA: Well, what’s out is not wearing your SPF.
RILEY: Oh yeah, that’s a big one. SPF always.
For what’s in, I’ve been saying this for years and it’s always been in in my books: embrace everything about yourself and get out there. Wear the bikini. Get involved.
I also want to lean into no makeup. Just out of the ocean, maybe a bit of lip liner.
DEANNA: I love a no-makeup moment.
RILEY: Yeah. We’re just being our true selves this summer.
