There was an unmistakable energy at New Zealand Fashion Week this year, something that was difficult to fully capture unless you were in the room. Beyond the shows the week felt grounded in connection, community and culture, with a real sense of togetherness running through the industry.
While the shows and designers were at the centre of the week, some of the best moments happened away from them. Between early call times and meetings, I found myself discovering a different side of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). Here’s where I ate, drank, reset and shopped during NZFW.
Where to eat
Mother
A go-to throughout the week and café by day, wine bar by night, Mother was the kind of place that effortlessly transitioned from a proper meal to a quick coffee or a reset between plans. Relaxed, and very Auckland, it quickly became one of those places I could see myself returning to. One of the first spots I visited in Auckland, it was also where I quickly learnt that Grey Lynn is very much the place to be. There’s an easy rhythm to the neighbourhood, and Mother felt like the perfect introduction to it.
Bria
Bria was another Auckland favourite that made its way onto my list for the week. There’s something effortlessly cool about the space that feels very reflective of Auckland’s food and creative scene. It was the perfect spot for a slower meal between the chaos of fashion week; good food, a lovely atmosphere and just enough of a pause to make the rest of the day feel slightly more manageable. It had that balance I was looking for all week.
Lilian
Lilian was another spot I was very happy to discover while in Auckland. It had a warm, intimate feel that made it particularly well suited to a long lunch or dinner after a busy day of shows. The kind of place where you can settle in, order a few things for the table and properly switch off for a while. After spending so much of the week moving from one appointment to the next, it was a welcome chance to enjoy the city beyond the fashion week schedule.
Norma Taps
Norma Taps was another Auckland stop that quickly found its way onto my list, and one that proved to be just as much about the atmosphere as it was the drinks. The offering is carefully considered, spanning a selection of beer and wine, premium spirits, thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic options and, of course, handcrafted cocktails. Cool, relaxed and with a distinctly Auckland feel, it was the kind of place that made sense as a pre-dinner stop or somewhere to settle in.
Where to reset
The Tonic Room
The Tonic Room was definitely a highlight. Based in Kingsland, the space brings together an edit of holistic beauty and wellness brands, including The Beauty Chef, May Lindstrom Skin and MV Organic Skincare, alongside natural health practitioners and treatments. I loved the philosophy behind the space – looking at what goes into your body as much as what goes onto it. It felt like exactly the kind of place I needed in the middle of a very full week.
Una Hair
Una Hair was another highlight, and I was in very good company, surrounded by stacks and stacks of RUSSH magazines, both new issues and treasures from the archive. It felt like a particularly fitting place to pause during NZFW. The treatment was easily one of the best I’ve had, and my stylist understood the brief perfectly.
East Day Spa
East Day Spa was another much-needed pause in the middle of the week. After a few particularly busy days, it was the kind of place where you could properly switch off and let someone else take over for a while. The calm, considered environment felt worlds away from the pace of fashion week, and I left feeling noticeably more reset than when I arrived. There’s something particularly valuable about finding a good spa when travelling.
Where to shop
RUBY
At this point, RUBY is one of the country’s most recognisable names in fashion – a homegrown label that feels synonymous with Auckland’s cool-girl style. There’s a confidence to the label that I’ve always loved, and seeing the pieces in person made me appreciate the attention to detail even more. If you’re looking for a snapshot of New Zealand fashion, RUBY is definitely somewhere to start.
Kowtow
Kowtow was another stop I was keen to make. The label’s organic materials and thoughtful production feel so inherently New Zealand. Its collections are pared-back without ever feeling boring, with timeless pieces that you can wear for years. I loved being able to see the pieces up close and spend some time in the store especially after seeing so much of the label’s work from afar. It’s a really good example of the kind of thoughtful, design-led fashion that New Zealand does so well.
Lamplight Books
One of my favourite discoveries of the trip was Lamplight Books. Independent and incredibly well curated, it’s the kind of bookshop I could happily lose an hour in. The shelves are filled with art, fashion, design, culture and literature, with plenty to flick through between shows. I always love finding a good bookshop when travelling, and this one felt particularly special.
Zambesi
One of New Zealand’s most iconic fashion houses, the label has a distinctly dark, directional sensibility that has remained influential for decades. Visiting the store was a chance to see that aesthetic up close. There’s a real sense of history and identity to Zambesi, while the pieces still feel completely relevant. A reminder of just how much the label has shaped New Zealand fashion.
