Fashion never stands still. As personal expression takes centre stage, a fresh wave of playful dressing is emerging. Style director Louise Hilsz is embracing a style that's colourful, playful, and unapologetically individual. Read on to learn more.
For the past few years, fashion has been whispering. Neutral palettes, impeccable tailoring and discreet designer logos defined the era of quiet luxury, where understated elegance spoke louder than overt displays of wealth. It was polished, timeless and effortlessly chic—a look embraced by celebrities, designers and women seeking investment pieces that would outlast fleeting trends.
Now, the mood is changing. Luxury fashion is rediscovering its playful side, with vibrant colours, bold accessories and expressive styling taking centre stage. From handbag charms and statement jewellery to romantic bohemian silhouettes and unexpected colour pairings, today's most stylish women are dressing with personality rather than perfection. Quiet luxury isn't disappearing entirely, but it's making room for a new era—one where fashion is less about fitting in and more about standing out.
Fashion Is Embracing Personality Again
Luxury brands are moving beyond restraint. Instead of blending in, collections celebrate individuality with vibrant colours, eclectic styling and pieces designed to spark conversation.The emphasis isn't on dressing louder for the sake of it—it's about expressing personality.
Rain or Shine: Bold & Bright
Vow Studio Parade trench coat, $413. Blunt Neo umbrella, $89. Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Elixir 100ml, $173. Alexandre Vauthier Alex satin boots, US$1571. Louis Vuitton Alma BB $4550. Cutler & Gross 9782 01 sunglasses, $895.
Rainy days have never looked so glamorous. A vibrant printed trench is paired with bright jewel tones and anchored by the brand-new BLUNT Neo umbrella. Engineered to be ultra-compact and lightweight, it fits seamlessly inside any designer handbag so you're never caught off guard by a downpour. It’s high-fashion dopamine dressing with a practical, luxury edge.
Pretty in Pink, Powered by Personality
Gucci Jackie 1961 medium shoulder bag, $5400. LeDoré Sylvie leather jacket, $899. Never Fully Dressed Dallas Dorris Skirt, $219. LMS The Rose heel, $363. Half Magic Glitterpill Glitter Eye Paint & Liner 4.0 ml, $50. Michael Nash Jewellery Amour Carved Mother Of Pearl Resin Heart Pendant, $128.
Pink is no longer just a neutral—it's the main event. Layer vibrant shades with turquoise metallics, floral prints and playful jewellery to create an outfit that's equal parts polished and personality-packed. Maximalism has never looked so chic.
Animal prints worn as everyday neutrals
Rather than treating leopard as a neutral, fashion's coolest brands are using animal print as the hero of an outfit. Think leopard jeans with a crisp white shirt, a printed mesh dress with burgundy accessories, or a faux-fur leopard coat layered over minimalist tailoring. It's less "mob wife" and more confident, effortless dressing with personality.
Lamarque Ravenna Faux Fur Coat, $507. Anine Bing Hugh jean, $529. Sabbi Pantera mesh dress, $112. Deadly Ponies Chopalopagus bag, $899.
A New blue hue is coming
As New Zealand emerges from winter, expect to see teal, turquoise blue everywhere. This fresh hue is making waves internationally, bringing a playful energy that perfectly captures fashion's shift away from quiet luxury. Crisp, optimistic and instantly uplifting, it's appearing on everything from party dresses and tailored separates to handbags and shoes. Pair it with white, chocolate brown or denim for an effortless way to embrace one of the season's happiest colours.
Nasty Gal Starfish Hand Embellished Tassel Mini Dress, $361. Terry de Havilland Zia heels, $532. Cooper Game Face dress, $649 (spring collection coming soon). Poppy Lissiman Binkie duffle, $343.
The latest styling technology
Google's new AI Try On feature makes experimenting with fashion easier than ever. Whether you're curious about bold colour, statement prints or a silhouette you'd never usually choose, you can virtually try pieces on before you buy. Think of it as your digital fitting room—a fun, low-commitment way to step outside your style comfort zone and discover looks you might never have considered.
After years of pared-back dressing, fashion is rediscovering joy through bold colours, expressive accessories and a renewed sense of individuality. See more here.