Style director Louise Hilsz has rounded up local fashion news to set you on the right course for summer. From luxury lingerie and handbags, new store openings and divine eyewear. Get set to be impressed.
Balmain Pulse—The New Standard for Statement Eyewear
The new Balmain Pulse sunglasses have landed at Sunglass Bar, and they represent the seamless marriage of couture heritage and modern craftsmanship. While maintaining the powerful, recognisable aesthetic Balmain is known for, this new frame offers a sophisticated evolution for the discerning wearer. It's a statement piece designed not just to be noticed, but to be admired for its execution.
The foundation of the Pulse is its oversized aviator silhouette, rendered in a notably substantial, high-quality acetate. This architectural frame is distinguished by its precise detailing, a hallmark of the House's commitment to luxury. Key elements include the elegant gold-toned "B" monogram rivets, subtly nodding to the brand’s origins in military-inspired tailoring, and the signature floating hinge. This innovative, five-barrel tube system is a technical marvel, showcasing the exceptional Japanese craftsmanship that goes into every pair.
Available in classic colour ways, the Pulse frame is designed to be the definitive centrepiece of a considered look. Rather than overpowering an ensemble, it grounds it, providing a focal point of timeless Parisian sophistication. It is eyewear for those who understand that true confidence lies in the subtle power of superior design and impeccable quality.
Introducing Liam Lingerie
This summer, Liam introduces Liam Lingerie — an edit of wireless bras and knickers designed to be seen, felt, and loved. Completing the Liam triangle — Ready Made, Lingerie, and Patterns — the collection continues our commitment to honour all bodies.
“The realisation moment came when I clocked that I had been essentially building in bras to the dresses and tops I was designing because I couldn’t find a bra that I was happy to wear with them – especially when they had a low back. I became obsessed with making bras that I would be proud to see the back of, and Liam Lingerie was born”
After developing the first samples on herself, Em led a six-month fit-and-wear testing process with 50 women across sizes 4–24. Together, they refined every detail — learning that fit, comfort, and confidence look different on every body. The collection’s namesakes — Mary Magdalene and Mother Mary — nod to the contradictions of womanhood, offering wearers the freedom to choose how they want to feel. Wireless bras come in low, medium, and full support, with gold anti-tarnish hardware and a signature cobalt O-ring. Adjustable back straps allow each piece to flex with you. Knickers range from recycled nylon-mesh G-strings to full recycled cotton-spandex briefs. Em’s favourite: a V-front knicker with a wide waistband and scalloped lace edge. The palette includes Neve, a deep burgundy with cobalt blue elastic, alongside timeless black and off-white — all available in sizes 4–24.
Turn Heads with Supernova by Silk and Steel
Bold. Glam. Unapologetic. That’s the mantra of Silk & Steel’s Supernova Collection. Think vintage glamour colliding with rock-chic edge, creating statement pieces that are impossible to ignore.
Oversized stars, sparkling spikes, and sculptural chains make each piece a showstopper—perfect for layering or standing alone. These aren’t just accessories; they’re future heirlooms with attitude, designed to let your style speak loud and proud.
Whether you’re dressing up a simple tee or adding drama to an evening look, Supernova jewellery turns everyday outfits into unforgettable moments. Because why blend in when you were born to shine?
Wally Lands in Takapuna — Where Style Meets the Shore
Takapuna just got the place to be, especially at the weekend. The much-anticipated Wally has opened its doors on Hurstmere Road, bringing a curated mix of fashion, lifestyle, and design-led brands to Auckland’s North Shore.
Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully styled space that feels both elevated and easy—stocked with cult-favourite labels like Abrand, Afends, Kowtow, Nobody Denim, Summi Summi, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Isle of Eden, and Foile Skincare. From crisp tailoring to relaxed streetwear, beauty, and homewares, Wally has quickly become a one-stop style destination.
With new arrivals landing daily and free delivery on online orders over $50, it’s the perfect excuse to refresh your wardrobe—or your home. Whether you’re local to the Shore or just passing through for a stroll along Takapuna beach, make a stop at Wally and discover where modern design meets everyday wearability.
Sleek Lines, Dreamy Days: Saben’s Mirage
The Mirage Collection by Saben is a masterclass in understated elegance, where clean lines and soft silhouettes meet sun-soaked sophistication. Each piece exudes effortless charm, crafted in warm neutrals and subtle metallics that catch the light just right. From streamlined totes to chic crossbodies, the collection balances practicality with a dreamy, aspirational aesthetic—perfect for the modern woman who values style without compromise.
Deadly Ponies Marks 20 Years with Its First Foray into Scent
To celebrate 20 years of craftsmanship and creativity, Deadly Ponies, New Zealand’s renowned luxury accessories house, unveils its first-ever candles, created in collaboration with acclaimed New Zealand artist Dan Arps. Marking two decades of design innovation, the brand expands its world beyond leather into the realm of scent, introducing two limited-edition candles — Deadly and Ponies — that embody the brand’s dual nature. Hand-poured from natural soy wax, each candle is encased in a custom ceramic vessel designed by Arps, whose sculptural sensibility brings tactility and artistry to the collaboration. The result is a collectable pairing: Deadly, in reflective metallic silver, and Ponies, in soft muted pink.
“Twenty years felt like the perfect moment to explore scent as part of the Deadly Ponies world,” says Founder and Creative Director Liam Bowden. “Much like leather, candles engage the senses through touch, sight, and smell — and these vessels are designed to be treasured long after the wax has burned away.”
Each scent mirrors the brand’s inherent duality. Deadly is moody and grounded — a rich blend of resinous rockrose, smoky oud, and earthy patchouli that recalls the oak interiors of Deadly Ponies’ boutiques and the textural allure of leather. Ponies, by contrast, is bright and luminous, opening with bergamot and wild geranium before settling into soft tonka bean, native pāhautea, and warm amber — an ode to sunlit leather and effortless summer days.
For Bowden, collaborating with Arps was an instinctive choice: “I’ve long admired Dan’s work and have pieces of his at home. His ability to balance chaos with order felt like the perfect fit for this project. We wanted to create more than a candle — something collectable, almost like a small piece of art.”
Forgoing glass for ceramic vessels finished in bespoke glazes, each piece bears Arp’s handwritten signature on its base, transforming it from an everyday object into a limited artist’s edition. Completing the experience, both Deadly and Ponies arrive in custom packaging adorned with Arps’ original drawings — an artistic touch that encapsulates two decades of creative evolution, craftsmanship, and sensory storytelling.
Sun-Kissed Style: Kathryn Wilson Summer Collection
Step into a bold 70s revival this season with Kathryn Wilson, where vintage-inspired silhouettes meet rich, tactile materials. Laser-cut florals, reminiscent of broderie anglaise, bring a delicate finish to platform sandals, timeless day mules, and Mary Jane ballet flats.
A playful palette of blossom pink, citrus yellow, cream, and tan—punctuated with bursts of summery blue and patent pink—infuses each piece with joyful femininity. Beloved classics return, refreshed with vibrant, modern updates.
Denim Reimagined: Zara's All About Denim Collection
Zara's "All About Denim" collection for 2025 redefines timeless style with a modern twist, offering a diverse range of denim pieces for every fashion sensibility. The collection features standout pieces such as the Denim Shirt with Jabot Frill and the Denim Bermuda Shorts, blending classic silhouettes with contemporary details. Each piece is crafted from premium denim, ensuring both comfort and durability. Whether you're seeking a polished look or a relaxed vibe, Zara's latest denim offerings provide versatile options to elevate your wardrobe.
Shopping buys for the long weekend.