International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the women shaping industries, culture, and creative communities across the globe – and here in Aotearoa, the fashion world is filled with them.
Over the past 12 months, FashioNZ has had the privilege of spotlighting founders, designers, creatives, entrepreneurs, writers and innovators whose work continues to redefine what fashion – and the industry surrounding it – can look like.
From sustainability pioneers and rising designers to powerhouse founders and creators influencing how we dress, think and tell stories, these are the articles celebrating incredible women across the FNZ universe.
Consider this your reading list.
Industry Picks: The Rituals and Essentials Behind Bossi’s Jenna Carter
Restaurateur Jenna Carter, founder of Auckland’s beloved Italian restaurant Bossi, shares the pieces, rituals and inspirations that shape her daily life – from beauty tools and books to the objects that help her create meaningful hospitality experiences. Rooted in heritage, family and a deep love of Italian culture, Carter’s approach to both business and life is grounded in ritual, intention and warmth.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/industry-picks-the-rituals-and-essentials-behind-bossis-jenna-carter/
Arké: The New Local Skincare Name You’ll Want on Your Shelf
After two decades working hands-on with thousands of faces, skin therapist Renée Hohaia launched Arké – a clinical-grade skincare brand designed to simplify routines and restore trust in skin health. Built around a streamlined four-step ritual, the line focuses on barrier repair, thoughtful actives and long-term results rather than fleeting beauty trends.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/arke-the-new-local-skincare-name-youll-want-on-your-shelf/
The Love & Heartbreak Shoot: Thriving, Obviously
Heartbreak has never looked so chic. This editorial shoot reframes the modern breakup through a fashion lens – turning emotional chaos into a stylish act of reinvention. Even better? The entire production was powered by an all-female creative team, from styling to beauty to photography, highlighting the collaborative force of female creatives working behind the scenes.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/the-love-heartbreak-shoot-thriving-obviously/
One to Watch: Rhoda Nunn
Pōneke designer Emma Muir is quietly building one of the most thoughtful labels in New Zealand fashion. Her brand Rhoda Nunn embraces slow fashion, natural fibres and garments designed to feel deeply personal – pieces created with longevity and craft in mind rather than seasonal trends.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/one-to-watch-rhoda-nunn/
The FNZ Creators Power List 2025
Influence in fashion no longer lives in one place – and the FNZ Creators Power List celebrates the photographers, stylists, writers, marketers and content creators shaping how fashion is seen in Aotearoa today. The list highlights an incredible group of female voices including Rachel Soo Thow, Jessie Kirk, Lauren Brodie, Connie Langbrown, Georgia Payne, Ariane Eilagan, Sophie de Renzy, Juliette Perkins, Brooklyn Ellis, Emma Gleason and many more who are reshaping the industry through creativity and community.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/the-fnz-creators-power-list-2025-is-here/
Industry Picks: Connie Langbrown
Creative Connie Langbrown shares the pieces currently inspiring her – from fashion finds to beauty staples and cultural moments – offering a curated look into the tastes of one of the industry’s sharpest eyes.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/industry-picks-connie-langbrown-on-what-shes-loving-right-now/
Industry Picks: Rachel Soo Thow
From styling favourites to everyday essentials, Rachel Soo Thow offers a snapshot into the pieces shaping her personal and professional world – a curated edit from one of New Zealand’s most influential fashion tastemakers.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/industry-picks-rachel-soo-thow-on-the-pieces-shes-loving-right-now/
Are PR Agents the Real Heroes of the Fashion Industry?
Behind every great fashion moment is often an even greater PR agent. This piece pulls back the curtain on the professionals shaping the visibility of New Zealand brands – spotlighting influential female industry figures such as Tatum Savage, Kelly Grindle, Milly Hewat-Wall, Imogen O’Neill, Renai Hagstrom and Luci Marshall, whose work behind the scenes drives storytelling, brand growth and cultural relevance.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/are-pr-agents-the-real-heroes-of-the-fashion-industry/
Is the Government Going to Save Fashion — Or Are We Screaming Into the Void?
This sharp industry opinion piece explores the structural challenges facing New Zealand fashion, with voices like Juliette Hogan highlighting the urgent need for meaningful support and recognition of fashion as a serious economic and cultural industry.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/is-the-government-going-to-save-fashion-or-are-we-screaming-into-the-void/
Homegrown Harmony: Caitlin Crisp and Bonnie’s Mary Oh
For the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival, designers Caitlin Crisp and Mary Oh of Bonnie returned to their roots – celebrating the city that shaped their creative journeys while highlighting the strength of the South Island fashion community.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/homegrown-harmony-caitlin-crisp-and-bonnies-mary-oh-on-returning-to-their-roots-for-the-christchurch-spring-fashion-festival
Our Favourite Local Small Fashion Brands To Shop This Summer
This FNZ round-up spotlighted a new generation of local labels – many of them female-founded businesses driving the future of New Zealand fashion through creativity, independence and entrepreneurial spirit.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/our-favourite-local-small-fashion-brands-to-shop-this-summer/
Making Sustainability Sexy: Holly Duncan on Reinventing Denim with Chilli
Founder Holly Duncan is rethinking denim with her label Chilli, transforming vintage Levi’s into elevated modern silhouettes. With a strict “no new denim” philosophy, the brand proves sustainability and style can exist hand-in-hand.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/making-sustainability-sexy-holly-duncan-on-reinventing-denim-with-chilli/
From Runway to Research: Fashion’s Role in Beating Breast Cancer
Fashion and philanthropy collide in this story exploring how industry figures and brands are supporting breast cancer research – highlighting the powerful role fashion can play in driving awareness and real-world impact.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/from-runway-to-research-fashions-role-in-beating-breast-cancer/
Inventing Activewear Was Just the Beginning: Lorna Jane in Conversation
Activewear pioneer Lorna Jane Clarkson reflects on the brand she built and the philosophy that turned a small idea into a global movement around wellness, movement and empowerment.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/inventing-activewear-was-just-the-beginning-lorna-jane-in-conversation/
How Much Are Your Ovaries Worth? The Camilla and Marc T-Shirt Driving a Global Health Revolution
A simple T-shirt became a powerful tool for change as Camilla and Marc launched a campaign raising awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research – proving fashion can be both stylish and socially impactful.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/how-much-are-your-ovaries-worth-the-camilla-and-marc-t-shirt-driving-a-global-health-revolution/
Rebe Wins Inaugural Giltrap Group Helping Kiwis Fly Fashion Edition Award
Emerging designer Rebe took home the inaugural Giltrap Group Helping Kiwis Fly Fashion Edition award at NZFW 2025 – a moment recognising the next generation of fashion talent rising in Aotearoa.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/rebe-wins-inaugural-giltrap-group-helping-kiwis-fly-fashion-edition-award/
Meet Dark Hampton: A Founder’s Q&A
In this founder spotlight, the woman behind Dark Hampton discusses building a brand from the ground up – sharing insights into creativity, entrepreneurship and the realities of growing a fashion label.
Read more:
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/meet-dark-hampton-a-founders-qa/
Women Building Businesses
Across FNZ’s “How’s Business?” series, female founders offer an honest look at the realities of running modern fashion and beauty brands.
Rachel Smart
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/hey-rachel-smart-hows-business/
Charlotte Penman
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/hey-charlotte-penman-hows-business/
Elle Pugh & Yolande Ellis
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/hey-elle-pugh-yolande-ellis-hows-business/
Tanné Snowden
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/hey-tanne-snowden-hows-business/
Emma Peters
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/hey-emma-peters-hows-business/
Sabrina Soar
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/hey-sabrina-soar-hows-business/
Emily Miller-Sharma
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/hey-emily-miller-sharma-hows-business/
Chloe De Winter
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/hey-chloe-de-winter-hows-business/
Each conversation offers a window into entrepreneurship — the wins, the challenges and the creative drive behind modern fashion businesses.
Creativity, Commentary & Culture
Women across the FNZ community are also shaping the fashion conversation through writing, art and creative commentary:
Climbing Cringe Mountain in Heels — Lauren Brodie
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/climbing-cringe-mountain-in-heels-by-lauren-brodie/
Artist & Creator Synthia Bahati Shares Her July Favourites
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/artist-creator-synthia-bahati-shares-her-july-favourites/
Why Now — Claudia Li
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/why-now-by-claudia-li/
Emma Wylie’s July Picks: Daily Rituals & A Dreamy Winter Wish List
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/emma-wylies-july-picks-daily-rituals-a-dreamy-winter-wish-list/
From Boardroom to Beauty Shelf: Edna Swarts’ Picks
https://www.fashionz.co.nz/from-boardroom-to-beauty-shelf-edna-swarts-june-picks/
From designers and entrepreneurs to stylists, writers, founders and creatives, the women featured across these stories represent the energy, intelligence and creativity shaping fashion in Aotearoa today.
And if the past year of FNZ stories proves anything, it’s this: the future of fashion is being written by women.