The North Face – a company founded by the man who invented the first tent without a pole holding it up in the middle – continues to innovate, 60 years after it was founded. And this time there’s a Kiwi connection… Written by FNZ Publisher Murray Bevan New Zealand merino textile innovator Jeremy Moon founded Icebreaker in 1995, and sold the company to American gorpcore giants VF Corporation in 2017.  Icebreaker was conceived and designed around the philosophy of sustainability, using natural fibres, environmental and social ethics, and animal welfare. The company began by specialising in t ..read more

Dust off those jewellery boxes and hunt for gold thanks to Michael Hill’s latest initiative Leading fine jewellery retailer, Michael Hill Jewellers has announced the launch of its gold recycling program into New Zealand, as part of the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals and sustainability commitment, whilst aligning to the rise and adoption of a circular economy.   Michael Hill’s gold recycling program, titled “Re:cycle”, is the first phase of the company’s new sustainable jewellery ecosystem, which focuses on the renewal and circularity of existing precious m ..read more

LuxeSticks are revolutionising skincare once again with the launch of their new Serum Sticks. Get ready to reinvent your beauty routine with these uniquely designed serums that come in a compact stickball formula, for a mess and waste-free glide, glow and go. After LuxSticks founder Samuel Levi’s 2018 stint at MAFS, he continued to grow his platform and can proudly say he managed to forge a career with longevity in the notoriously fickle influencer industry. LuxeSticks is widely known for their roll-on clay masks that users quickly fell in love with. Sticking to their brand’s trademark they ha ..read more

From a cosy vest worn in Copenhagen to an iconic pair of pants hitting their stride in London, here’s how local labels go the distance overseas. By Jessica-Belle Greer When I moved to the other side of the world, I was accompanied by four suitcases. First, let me explain myself. As a former fashion features editor and writer, I was lucky enough to get to know an array of Aotearoa New Zealand designers whose work I admired, and amassed. I’ve always believed our home-grown labels can rival the international style set – they take pride in quality and offer it at a reasonable price (compared to si ..read more

Accor’s new Te Arikinui Pullman at Auckland Airport is a study in how global brands can adapt to the cultural nuances of a market with grace and style. Written by FNZ Publisher Murray Bevan Airport hotels aren’t usually somewhere you want to end up: maybe your flight’s been delayed or canceled, weather has hemmed you in, you missed your connection, or you couldn’t get the flight you wanted so you have to stay a night somewhere.  Airports can often be unfriendly and bustling hives of transport and movement, places where staying put is not exactly high on the list of priorities.  Howev ..read more

FNZ Publisher Murray Bevan speaks to local business owners Liz Savage and Emma Cruickshank about their strategies to maintain a foothold in retail and also grow their customer bases. This is part two of a two-part series. In light of a lot of negative news lately in fashion, punctuated by the closure of Auckland-based womenswear labels Mina, Hej-Hej and more recently Starving Artists Fund, I spoke to five local New Zealand fashion design and retail business owners about the current obstacles they’re facing, and what positive changes are being made to address the shifts in spending and consumer ..read more

Special occasion pouches, everyday carry-alls and timeless staples from $59 to $1199 Quiet luxury had its time in 2023 and most of us were very much here for it, with its understated elegance, clean lines and polished aesthetic. However, judging by the accessories worn down the runway across the recent fashion month schedule, it looks like things are getting a bit more chaotic again, which is much more fun, wouldn’t you agree? Whether you’re in need of an update on an everyday bag or looking for a special piece, there is something to suit every taste, style and budget in terms of trends right ..read more

FNZ Publisher Murray Bevan speaks to local business owners about their strategies to ride out a bear market, and shares their optimism for times ahead.  This is part one of a two-part series. In light of a lot of negative news lately in fashion, punctuated by the closure of Auckland-based womenswear labels Mina and Hej-Hej, I spoke to five local New Zealand fashion design and retail business owners about the current obstacles they’re facing, and what positive changes are being made to address the shifts in spending and consumer sentiment. The closures of Mina and Hej-Hej are just the tip ..read more

Shark Beauty, a global leader in hairstyling industry, will be the Presenting Partner for New Zealand Fashion Week 2024.  This is the first official sponsorship announcement to have been made by the New Zealand Fashion Week team since the event wrapped in 2023, and comes at a time when fashion weeks around the world are still finding their feet after the Covid-induced hiatus.  With the New Zealand fashion flagship event still yet to fill several marquee sponsorship positions, the doors are open now for savvy brands to capitalise on the opportunities events such as NZFW present. To c ..read more

A guide to the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4, as told by FNZ Publisher Murray Bevan and his 5-year-old son Disclaimer: I love cars. I’ve owned three Volkswagens, three Audis, a Peugeot and a Mercedes.  I love driving, I love speed, and I love the sound of a well-tuned petrol engine as it goes through the gears. But like many of us, the thrill of the growl that I get from a naturally aspirated Audi RS5 is going to have to give way pretty soon to my conscience, which is nagging me to buy an electric car. In a totally selfish way, I want to make the leap into an EV in the most Me way possible ..read more