New Zealand Fashion Week, wrapped!
From her base out of Auckland’s Shed 10, the main stage for New Zealand Fashion Week 2026, Head Dresser and Metropol’s correspondent Mima Lewis Gourdie wraps her favourite moments from the six-day schedule.
Local fashion student a triple threat
Ara’s Alex O’Hagan won three major awards at this year’s Hokonui Fashion Design Awards in Gore, where amateur fashion designers showcase their work to industry leaders. In conversation with Metropol editor Nina Tucker, the third-year student talks about exploring control and spontaneity, and working with velvet to honour his grandma. Tell me about […]
Aotearoa’s future of fashion
New Zealand Fashion Week 2026 felt like the event’s most diverse, empowering and authentic yet. Ahead of Ōtautahi’s own Spring Fashion Festival in October, Metropol editor Nina Tucker shares the best things she heard and read over the week. “It’s really easy to critique the New Zealand fashion scene,” says Rose Hope of […]
Behind the bridal gown: Brides of Merivale
For 30 years, wedding gown designer and boutique owner Lisa Dermott has fulfilled the dream dress fairytale for thousands of local brides. She tells Metropol the stories of her success, from learning to sew to the most special moments. Lisa, next year marks 30 years of Brides of Merivale! Describe the journey? I […]
Pearl glam
Curated by Nina Tucker Get in the spirit of the show you’re going to watch, so says the New Zealand Opera of the what-to-wear dilemma. Pearls traverse beyond the opera house to daily dressing, don’t be afraid to live vicariously through Coco Chanel’s famous saying: “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.” […]
Trend report: Up in arms
As temperatures rise, so do our sleeves. The three-quarter sleeve and capri pant returns this spring, with global icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy known for the style. Sacha O’Connell-Johnstone investigates for Metropol. With the promise of spring just around the corner, comes reason to swap the maximalism of winter for a little more skin. […]
The Crossing instant style
Spring, please! I hate to be one of those people who talks about the weather, but after what has felt like a very long end to winter, between the rain and those negative-degree Christchurch mornings… I am more than ready for some milder days and a little more colour. I’ve spent the past […]
Timeless wool classics: The Wool Company
You can’t beat the classics, and you’ll never regret buying quality. New Zealand-made slow fashion that offers quality and longevity is an investment that will never go out of style. “People are more focused on classic pieces in styling that will stand the test of time,” says Margot Riach, owner of The Wool […]
Clothing candy: Fashion Works Hanmer
Spring is just weeks away – a celebrated time for renewal, and preparing for the occasions of the season. From restaurant dates to the races, the calendar once again fills with fun. Dressing for each event means finding the right outfit for you and the occasion, whether you’re a wedding guest or heading […]
Suits you
Curated by Nina Tucker ‘Androgynous chic’ has long been my answer to how I describe my style. A balance of masculine and feminine shapes where ease meets elegance – perhaps because I grew up reading every book I could find about Coco Chanel and her design principles (she famously revolutionised 20th century fashion […]
