Summer is calling, and our wish list is growing.
From Ruby’s latest resort collection and Marle’s new Auckland boutique to a penguin-shaped designer bag with a feel-good twist and Sporty Spice clearing out her wardrobe for charity, here’s what’s making fashion news.
Sporty Spice is clearing out her wardrobe – and you can too
Melanie C is giving some of her iconic fashion pieces a second life, donating a tracksuit and dress to the fourth annual Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive. And she’s not alone in having a wardrobe full of unworn clothes: new research reveals that 89% of Kiwis have pieces sitting unused in their wardrobes.
Returning on Saturday 17 October, the drive makes donating easy. From 10am to 4pm, people in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch can book a free courier through the Uber or Uber Eats app to send quality pre-loved clothing straight from their doorstep to Red Cross.
Last year, the initiative collected more than 64,500kg of clothing, helping fund humanitarian work across Aotearoa and beyond. So, take a tip from Sporty Spice: clear out your wardrobe, give your clothes another moment in the spotlight and support a good cause. Find out more here.
Consider your summer wardrobe sorted: Ruby Resort 2026 has arrived
The much-anticipated Ruby Resort collection has officially dropped, with everyone’s favourite Kiwi-in-Aus, Riley Hemson, returning to front the campaign. Shot at Sydney’s iconic Wylie Baths, the images capture the playful spirit of the new season.
Think pastel hues, embroidery, lace trims and fresh silhouettes, alongside some familiar favourites reimagined for summer.
Our top picks? The Passionfruit Dress is serving main-character energy, whether it’s for Christmas day or the office party. The Marla Shorts are made for festival season, while the Crush Cotton Blouse is giving ‘party in the back’ with its unexpected detailing. Ruby’s cult-favourite Clover Shorts return with studs for a funkier take on classic denim, and the cute yellow beach robe is giving us major childhood nostalgia.
The Ruby Resort 2026 collection is now available online and in-store.
Marle opens its first standalone boutique in Auckland
New Zealand fashion label Marle has reached an exciting milestone, opening its first standalone store in Auckland’s Newmarket. Founded in 2015 by Juliet Souter, the brand is known for its understated aesthetic and thoughtfully designed wardrobe staples.
Located in Osborne Lane, the boutique was designed in collaboration with architect Rufus Knight, bringing Marle’s signature aesthetic to life through natural materials, soft textures and a minimalist interior. Egyptian limestone floors, silk curtains, stainless-steel fixtures and sandblasted windows create a calm, light-filled space that feels every bit as considered as the clothing itself.
For Marle fans, it’s an opportunity to experience the collections in person and discover the brand’s understated appeal in a new setting.
A penguin-shaped handbag? Yes, really. And this one comes with a feel-good twist
Meet Mr Hoiho, the latest limited-edition release from Deadly Ponies. Shaped like a hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, the quirky design celebrates one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive native birds – with fewer than 5,000 remaining. As long-time Forest & Bird supporters, Deadly Ponies is giving back to the wildlife it loves, with 25% of proceeds from the $799 bag going towards the organisation’s conservation work.
Crafted from 100% leather, it features a removable strap and a zipped compartment for your essentials. It’s certainly a statement piece – perhaps best suited to the handbag collector or dedicated animal lover. Still, we’re sold on its playful design and, even more so, the chance to support the protection of our native wildlife.
The Mr Hoiho bag is available online now at Deadly Ponies.
‘Anti-Hair’ is the Paris Fashion Week trend we’re getting behind
Are we finally moving on from perfectly polished hair that takes hours to achieve? Much like the ‘no-makeup makeup’ trend, ‘anti-hair’ styling is all about embracing natural texture and movement rather than chasing a flawless finish.
The trend took centre stage at Aje’s Paris Fashion Week show, where ghd created bespoke styles for each model, working with their unique texture to achieve a relaxed, undone look.
Hair director Renya Xydis described the vision as “feeling instinctive rather than overworked”, with each look celebrating the models’ individuality while complementing the collection’s fluid silhouettes.
Of course, achieving that effortless ‘I woke up like this’ look isn’t always as simple as it seems. The secret is working with your hair’s natural texture, rather than against it. That’s where ghd’s new AI-powered straightener comes in. Designed to adapt to your hair’s needs in real time, it aims to minimise heat damage while boosting shine. Its thinner plates also make it easier to get closer to the roots, creating the loose bends and soft curls spotted on the runway.
As we head into the warmer months, this relaxed approach to styling feels refreshing. After all, great hair doesn’t have to be perfectly polished. Shop the ghd Sculpt Hair Straightener here.