To mark the festive season's arrival, we teamed up with a crew of talented Sydney creatives for an exclusive shoot featuring new face Monique at Chic Management. Hailing from the sunny shores of the Gold Coast, Monique has quickly captured attention in the local fashion scene—thanks in part to her wide-set eyes and charming tooth gap, both of which are reminiscent of iconic Brit Georgia May Jagger.

Armed with a handful of looks from the likes of Valentino, Courtney Zheng and Lee Mathews, the team took to the suburbs and set out to capture the spirit of an Australian summer: a little undone and dressed up just enough. 

Once the last look was shot, we caught up with Monique to chat Sydney versus the Gold Coast, her current reality TV obsession and everything in between.

If this doesn’t get you excited for summer, we don’t know what will.

Name: Monique Haywood
Star sign: Scorpio… Everything they say about us is true.

Where do you live now and where do you consider home?
I live in Sydney but I grew up on the Gold Coast. I consider Sydney home now, but the Gold Coast will always have a special place in my heart.

Have you read any great books lately, or watched anything notable?
I’m reading The Art of War and I’m watching Celebrity Traitors UK… I am obsessed with that show.

What has your time in Sydney been like, and how different is it from the Gold Coast?
I love Sydney so much, there’s always so much to do. I find the biggest difference is how fast pace Sydney is and how much it has to offer.

What are your favourite things to do on a sunny day off in Sydney?
I will get an iced coffee and take my cavoodle Winston to the markets in search of a delicious sourdough. 

What would happen if you had to give up social media for a week?
Literally the world would end. No, I'm just joking. That’s a tough one. I feel like I spend more time on social media than I’d like to admit, so a week break might be good for me.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
I make a cup of tea, give my dog Winston lots of attention, check my emails and plan out my day.

Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I’m definitely a night owl. I’m not a very good morning person, getting out of bed feels like torture. But if I have an early morning I need to be heavily caffeinated.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Fake it till you make it or catch flights, not feelings… whichever works for you.

What is your idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is being surrounded by people you love, and finding the balance of doing what you love in your own time.

What are you most looking forward to for next year?
I’m looking forward to what next year brings. I've learnt life is unpredictable and to just go with it. Whatever it is I hope it involves more travel.

Photographer: Sophia Doak
 Fashion: Annabel Dickson
Features Editor: Amberley Colby

Monique is represented by Chic Management

We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.
 

 

 

 

 

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At the Opening Night Ganbu Marra show she wore Zova Designs (by her pal Zoe Vaccher) and carried a custom fan she made herself, emblazoned with “More Plus Size Representation”.  

 

 

 

 

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Next came the Emerging Artists Collective: an ITI custom dress shirt and matching belt, a Dear Tatiana bag, more custom accessories she made herself, and custom nails from her long-time friend Vlyshell.

 

 

 

 

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Later in the week it was the Cult Status runway, a casual 99 looks across 11 designers and “a LOT of quick changes”.

 

 

 

 

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Then, because nothing beats discovering new designers at fashion week, she hit the Student Runway, wearing Cakey Sportsman and then the City Square Australian Open show which was styled by Jade Lung.

 

 

 

 

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Besides the camera roll exposé above, Lola also answered a few of our questions and came through with the goods, from what community actually means to a four-point guide for anyone wanting to break into the industry. Our favourite is “Be respectful to all but kind to some”. Take notes.

Name: Lola Niko
Age: 23
Starsign: Aquarius Sun, Sagittarius Moon and Scorpio Rising

Give us the Lola elevator pitch:
Ex-international athlete, Bachelor Graduate, and accidental model. 

After finishing my Bachelor's in Business and struggling to find work, a friend recommended I try a fashion college for the internships. I did 4 in the span of a year and became a freelance stylist on top of my retail job. Then by chance I got scouted on Depop by Shadow, and I was signed 3 weeks later. 

Now I freelance model, freelance style, and post social media content to share around the messages of size inclusivity. 

Describe Melbourne Fashion Week in 5 words:
Highlighting rising stars, fringe and fun!

Tell us about the shows you walked in, were there any particular highlights or standout memories?
I've always been perceived by others, and I'm used to performing, but something about Melbourne made it feel like more than just a job. I'd find myself surrounded by people who genuinely had my best interests at heart, knew how to dress my proportions, and made sure I felt comfortable and secure in the garments. 

Standout memories would be my friends in the crowd cheering me on and taking videos for all of us to look back on after dinner. 

It seems like there is such a strong cohort of creatives on the come-up in Naarm, what does community mean to you?
Most and foremost community is a safe space. And I don't mean blatant agreement or supporting wrongs. I mean having the difficult conversations if it's for the greater good. It's standing up for injustice. It's the support for those who can't support themselves. There is a time and place for all things - but when I think of the fashion industry - the time and place is HERE AND NOW. 

Most interesting person you met during the week?
Chantelle Lucyl. She was a godsend before a shoot that I had earlier in the week, and as a thank you, I stopped by to shoot some pics for socials. 
I was only there for an hour, but hearing all that she's done and still does with passion brought a smile to my face. I love the creatives that know what they want and love it so. 

Who had the coolest style backstage/at the after parties?
THERE'S ONLY ONE ANSWERRRRR
MISS CANDY BRAT!!!!

 

 

 

 

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I don't think it needs a lot of explanation but her looks were sooooooooooooo FAB!
As a fellow diva that makes a lot of accessories/clothes for personal use, I love seeing individualism through creativity when presented in fashion. 

Who are you mostly likely to dm for a hang now the week is over?
Honestly, this is probably going to sound kind of lame... but my mum. I adored every single part of fashion week but just as any regular job you need that work life balance. Getting breakfast and a pedicure is already blocked off in the calendar. 

For someone wanting to enter the industry, what would be your top tips?

1: TRY EVERYTHING!!! It's a lot easier to know what you don't want than what you do want

2: Be you. The right people will find you, and the wrong people will leave you alone

3: DO THE RESEARCH!!! My favourite people to have conversations with are those who are so passionately enveloped in their interest that they get the gleam in their eye. But they can only do that if they know a substantial amount about their topics of choice. 

4: Be respectful to all but kind to some. 

And for when you finally make it:

You were once in the same place as the people around you. We are all equals just travelling at different paces. 

Lastly, what's to come for you in 2027?
Hopefully a lot of money and travel. 
At the end of the day, I haven't been doing this for very long so it's hard to say what I'm capable of - but I think that's beauty of not knowing how great you can be. 
 

 

 

 

 

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Photos: Lola Niko

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which Melbourne Fashion Week took place, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation

The reality behind the aspiration can be daunting. Delayed (or lost) baggage, booking an Airbnb in a dodgy suburb to save $200, the DMs, the emails, the early morning call times and a lack of open coffee shops. Walking for kilometres because traffic is a nightmare. The opportunities are endless, and the excitement is high, but there is the reality of being a tiny fish in a big ocean, and the incredible hustle required to get your foot in the door. 

As someone with the incredible privilege to travel to Europe (namely Milan and Paris) a few times during Fashion Week, the big picture is always more glamorous than the tiny details. But it’s the price we pay for following our dreams, and it’s important to push beyond your comfort zone, even if it means walking 40 minutes with a 20kg camera bag on your back throughout the streets of Paris on 0 sleep and 1 pain au chocolat. 

During my last trip to PFW, I managed to catch up with Aussie model Maxine Jopp, who was in town for the shows after a fab season in Milan. 

We had an hour to spare and walked around the neighbourhood of my Airbnb in the 11th arrondissement (and garnered a lot of stares… what did they expect, it's fashion week!?). We shot 4 rolls of film and discussed how our week was going, the blisters, the highs and lows of living in Europe, and what drives us.

Olivia: my first question is… When did you first arrive in Europe from Australia? Where did you live first?
Maxine: My very first time in Europe was October 2025 and lived in Barcelona for 2 months.

O: So it’s been a year! Who did you live with when you first got there?
M: Yes! I lived in a host apartment with 3 other industry creatives. Which was so fun!

O: Was there any initial culture shock on arriving into Barcelona?
M: I think the biggest one was the pace of how everyone lives here. Everything starts up later, and especially with the how late they have their dinners. That was very interesting to me, coming from a household who eats dinner at 6pm!!
O: Omg I’m the same.
M: Spain is so out of whack for Aussies ahha

O: What was your favourite part of living in Barcelona?
M: Oooo my favourite part is definitely how walkable the city is! It’s so scenic and everything is so close, every building is stunning. I could spend hours walking around the same streets and still find something new each time.

O: Incredible! Would you say that applies for other European cities too or mainly Barcelona?
M: I’d say Barcelona is the easiest one to walk, but definitely most European cities are gorgeous and have their own qualities, which keeps me entertained walking and travelling around.

O: How often do you travel around Europe for work? Where do you travel the most?
M: Twice a year for an around 10-12 weeks I come to Europe. Always around shows season. Usually I end up spending the most time is Milan!

O: Where does Paris sit on your list of favourite countries to visit?
M: I’d say it’s at number 2. Sweden is number one. Paris is a little too busy for my loving. Such a beautiful city, but too many people [laughs].
O: Haha so fair. But Paris over Milan?
M: Oh 100% Paris over Milan!!!

O: When you are in Paris, where do you go: 
When you are missing home?
M: The tulleries when I’m missing home. I love the gardens. It's very homey. 

O: When you want a good lunch?
M: Honestly I just stop off at random cafes and brunch places whenever I’m out for lunch. 

O: When you want to party?
M: Not a party gal, I usually have a night in with the girls and watch movies!!

O: Movies in bed in Paris is elite. What about when you are feeling adventurous?
M: When I’m feeling adventurous I’ll turn my phone off and wander around the city with no real plan or sense of direction!!
O: These are soo me.
M: I’m such homebody can’t help it [laughs].

O: When you see other Aussie models in Europe, what do you bond over?
M: Somehow we always bond over bad coffee [laughs]. But also we love how every European loves the Australians, they love our accent and our temperament.

O: Do you gravitate to Aussies when backstage at shows?
M: I think I do! We hear each other’s accents and immediately become besties
O: Aww! Some familiarity in a high stress environment.
M: Exactly that’s a good way to put it.

O: What do you and your roommates/model friends complain about most to each other?
M: The blisters!!! We’re always walking around to each place, heels in hand and complaining about the blisters on our feet. But also…we all have shopping addictions and always have overweight bags when we get to the airports.
O: [Laughs]... too real. 

O: What keeps the dream alive while you’re half way around the world and working hard in unfamiliar environments. What keeps you motivated? Is it a dream magazine, chasing a beloved brand?
M: Honestly it’s both a dream shoot, and also just making my family proud and myself too. 
I’ve always wanted to do a shoot with a horse. I’m a horse girl through and through. So that’s my big goal, everything else is a bonus and I’m just loving the journey.
O: Aww I love that !! 

O: One more question - favourite French snack?
M: Oooo definitely a pain au chocolat!

By Olivia Repaci

Maxine is represented by Priscillas

Our friend Ngahuia took one such drive earlier this month, with model Izzy Whitham, a camera and a car packed with the best local fashion in tow.

Sure, big shoots with planned-out production can make magic, but sometimes the most precious moments are the ones captured between two creatives, with no set schedule and the ability to pull off the road at any moment to take a snap. This shoot is proof of just that, and we’re so lucky to witness it. Roll down the window and come along for the ride above, then get to know model on-the-rise Izzy, below.

Name: Izzy Whitham 
Star sign: Libra 

Where do you live now and where do you consider home?
I have grown up and am still living in Auckland, New Zealand.

What do you love to fill your days with?
In summer I’ll fill my days with lots of swimming, walks and cocktails 🤭

What was the experience of traveling and shooting like?
It was so incredible to travel through the country and see lots of unexpected beauty. I was also so grateful to get lots of advice on the industry from Ngahuia during the long car rides. She is so cool and I really admire her.

Was there a memorable moment, look or location along the way?
Seeing the “most haunted hotel in New Zealand” + shooting the shell bra was very cool!

With summer around the corner, do you have any getaways planned? ☀️👙
I’m definitely going to getaway to my batch at Rākino (tiny, isolated and beautiful island in the Hauraki gulf) that I’ve been every summer since I was 3 weeks old.

If someone were to visit Aotearoa for the first time, where would be your ‘must-visit’ spots? 
I would tell them to go to Wanaka in winter.

Have you read any great books lately, or watched anything notable?
I am OBSESSED with the series Fourth Wing and finished all 3 books so fast, I couldn’t put it down!

Entering your twenties, what are you most excited about for?
More fun, opportunities, and traveling the word.

And if you could pass on a bit of advice to your teenage self, what would it be?
To enjoy every moment and not take life too seriously!

Lastly, a deep one...  how can we make the most of our time on Earth?
To experience everything, learn from everyone, and not be afraid of trying new things.

Photos & Fashion: Ngahuia Williams
Features Editor: Chloe Hill

Izzy is represented by 62 Management

Shot on location in Te Rohe Pōtae, Aotearoa.
Ka tuku mihi ki ngā mana whenua, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Raukawa hoki. 

Our friend Abigail Dell'Avo went backstage at the Future of Fashion show at New Zealand Fashion Week last month, and after clocking the jaw-dropping designs coming down that runway, we knew we had to sit down with a couple of the talented designers behind the labels and get into what it actually takes to start a fashion brand, what inspires them and the one person they would dress if they could (Young Thug, Caroline Polachek and Jacinda Ardern all get a mention). 

For wannabe designers, you'll find some gems of wisdom below. Like Laurence Sabrine keeping it 100 with "making and creating is only like 15% of the bigger picture," and Heather Brennan Evans getting serious about circularity: "[This year] I have really delved into using almost exclusively recycled and second hand clothes." Then there's Winnie of Winnie Catherine, who has a plan for ensuring all her garments are practical and “fit for purpose” where she gets friends to test-wear garments for months before they're released.

Scroll down to meet Laurence, Heather and Winnie, check out their looks above, and get familiar with the other Future of Fashion brands who showed out too — Anthurium, iTi Clothes, NIQ Atelier, Rhian and Zoe Langley.

Heather Brennan Evans

Name: Heather
Star sign: a very Virgo, Virgo 🙈

Tell us about your label and why you started it:
Since I learnt how to sew in high school, I started making clothes and just never stopped. 
I think at the root of it, it's a love and obsession for creating and experimenting, and working with my hands.
I never explicitly decided to start a label, but after having some of my pieces sold through stockists overseas, it naturally pushed me to think about my output and make it more of a brand. I don't have any financial backing, so it's truly a labour of love.

Walk us through your design process: 
It almost always starts with sourcing my materials. I love using whatever I can find second hand. This year especially I have really delved into using almost exclusively recycled and second hand clothes, so I start by sourcing those from op shops or the Resource Centres in Auckland.
Play and experimentation are a major part of my design process, so I try different materials together and see what colours/textures feel right.
I love embellishing, dying and painting fabrics. A lot of the time, my designs don't feel complete until I've done some kind of hand finishing. I like things that really look handmade.

What’s the most random material or object you’ve ever tried to turn into fashion?
I feel like most of the materials I work with are quite random 😆 I try not to buy new so whatever I chance upon is what I use, be it old clothes from opshops, paint, beads etc.

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you started a fashion label?
Things can take a lot longer than you might anticipate, but trust the process, even when it's not going how you expect it to. 

Is there a piece you’ve made that you’re disproportionately proud of?
A recent piece would be the Bunny Paint Skirt that was in the opening NZFW show and the Future of Fashion show.
It's made from my friend Rachael's old jeans, paint from my boyfriend, the bunny applique I traced from my favourite movie The Wicker Man and vintage NZ patches I sourced from Facebook marketplace. To me this is what making clothing is about, a reflection of the world around you and giving everyday things attention to give them soul and meaning.

What’s on high rotation in the studio playlist right now?
Prophetic Justice Ministry's new album Key to World Peace.

If you could dress one person (dead, alive, or fictional) in your designs, who and why?
Young Thug, cos he gets it👑

Laurence Sabrine

Name: Laurence Sabrine
Age: 29
Star sign: Gemini sun (leo rising)

Tell us about your label and why you started it: 
the label started as a uni project to thread parts of myself that didn’t feel connected. being filipino and being queer felt like two separate worlds so that’s the constant question i’m trying to answer for myself. The label is basically a love letter to the communities i’m part of.

You use lots of layering and wrapping techniques in your designs, can you tell us about this and how you develop pieces: 
It depends on the piece honestly but it’s all about intuition for me. Sometimes I start with a shape, either something structural (square or rectangular) or I’ll use a piece of scrap fabric which has pieces cut out of it so it gives me something interesting to start with. Other times it’s inspired by a pre-existing garment that I can use as a vessel to make through (like the slip skirt inspired piece on the runway!)

Do you feel like there are positives to being based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, or any drawbacks?
One positives for me is the community that I have in pōneke, they inspire me a lot. lots of designers, photographers and artists who challenge me to expand my way of thinking when it comes to fashion. One drawback would be the fact that so much happens in auckland that I feel like i sometimes miss out on being a part of things! 

What's one thing you wish someone had told you before you started a fashion label?
That the making and creating is only like 15% of the bigger picture. there’s definitely more admin and paperwork than i ever anticipated.

What's on high rotation in the studio playlist right now?
The music situation changes everyday but I’ve been listening to fashion neurosis with Bella Freud a lot, specifically the episodes with Ib Kamara, Ocean Vuong and Juergen Teller.

If you could dress one person (dead, alive, or fictional) in your designs, who and why? 
Caroline Polachek! i just love the way her mind works and working on absolutely anything with her would be heavenly.

Winnie Catherine

Name: Winnie Solomon
Age: 25
Star sign:
Cancer

Tell us about your label and why you started it: 
I started Winnie Catherine because I wanted to create clothing for the women I was seeing around me – particularly my friends who were graduating university and stepping into their first professional roles. I felt there was an opportunity in the workwear category that reflected that sense of ambition and individuality, so I designed pieces that felt polished and tailored, while still allowing women to express their personality. For me, clothing has the ability to change how a woman feels when she puts it on, and I wanted to create garments that made women feel empowered and prepared for whatever their day may bring. 

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you started a fashion label?
Don't expect it to be easy. 

Given so much of Aotearoa’s fashion industry is centered in Tāmaki Makaurau, what are the pros and cons of being based down in Te Whanganui-a-Tara?
Pros: Firstly, it's my birth place. My community and close network are here, which is really important when it comes to growing a business. Secondly, The breathing space. Being slightly disconnected from the commercial realities of Tāmaki Makaurau means I can push boundaries – Pōneke is a playground for the weird and wonderful, and I love that I can grow the label here on my own terms.

Cons: the travel costs involved. Whether that's for shipping garments across the motu (country) week to week or for myself to be there for business.

Any local spots (op shops, fabric stores, cafes) you’d consider part of your creative process?
Prefab Cafe. I love seeing the women of Wellington filter through, getting their coffees and catching up with friends or clients. They are only open Monday to Friday, so most of the time their customers are coming in from work – providing me with good market research! 

You release pieces when they feel ready rather than on a seasonal schedule. What does “ready” actually look/feel like to you?
First and foremost, I need to know that the pieces I am working on are fit for purpose for the Winnie Catherine woman. Earlier this year, I gave a sample blouse to a friend up in Auckland who is a lawyer to wear-test for a few months – after receiving ample feedback, I can go ahead with its release. Fun fact: the green blouse from the show was the style she was testing. The Holly Kate Blouse is ready to launch near the end of September! Secondly, as Winnie Catherine is predominately a made-to-order label, it's not feasible to be releasing 20 pieces each 'season'. Our production model focuses on craftsmanship, and quality over quantity when it comes to the releasing of garments. 

If you could dress one person (dead, alive, or fictional) in your designs, who and why?
One person is so tough! It'd be incredibly meaningful to me to see Winnie Catherine being worn by women who represent the values of the brand. Women who are leaders, who are making an impact, and building meaningful lives. Someone like Jacinda Ardern or Ilona Maher. 

Photos: Abigail Dell’Avo
Features Editor: Chloe Hill

Last week was Aotearoa Fashion week up in Tāmaki Makaurau. I am back home writing this from Pōneke now, but I was lucky enough to find myself up in the big smoke of our epic wee country, walking for By Kai, the debut show from designer and fashion pioneer Makaira Lee.

It all started one Friday a couple of months ago, when I received a message from the wonderfully talented Apela Bell. A few weeks of logistics, conversations and teamwork later I was on my way north to walk the show for Kai. After taking a break from modelling, I couldn’t have imagined a more fitting way to return.

There is something really special about the fashion industry in Aotearoa. Warmth, creativity, character and community take the forefront of the mahi. I feel incredibly grateful to have grown up in a place so abundant with talent, and so willing to welcome its young people and creatives with open arms. There's a real sense of camaraderie here, a shared desire to keep the industry buzzing, evolving and fresh. 

That spirit of community was woven through every part of By Kai. The show carried a strong sense of whānau and community, both in the clothing itself and the people brought together to present it. So post-show, I wanted to dig a little deeper. Who better to speak about the creative process, culture and community than the people shaping it themselves? 

I asked Makaira and Apela a few questions to understand what sits beneath their creative practices so connected to the culture being nurtured here in Aotearoa. 
 

Evie: When I came in for my fitting and your mum arrived with the look I wore, I immediately felt your bond, how intertwined family is with your mahi, and how the people around you shape your vision when you're designing. We talked a little about fabric, and your desire to create structure in your pieces. How do the fabrics speak to you? 

Makaira Lee (Designer and Founder of By Kai): I think fabrics really speak to me through their texture, weight and the way they move on the body. I naturally gravitate towards fabrics with more weight and substance, as I love the way they hold their shape and give a piece a sense of strength and presence.

What drew you to materials like silk, cotton, and cotton canvas to bring your designs to life?

I’m so obsessed with canvas, calico, drill etc - materials that are typically used for workwear because they have such a natural strength and structure to them. I love the utilitarian quality they bring while still being able to shape them into something more considered. I’m also really drawn to cotton and silk because they’re natural, breathable materials that feel comfortable on the body and work so well in warmer climates, which is really important for island living. My mum has always used these fabrics too, so they have a strong connection to my upbringing and the way I understand clothing.

Was designing your own clothing line something you saw yourself doing when you first came into the fashion industry?

Not at all. I mean, no one is really surprised - I’ve been designing and creating with my mum my whole life but it definitely wasn’t the end goal. My mum has always been the maker, she has such an incredible understanding of fabric and construction. I grew up learning from her and in the last few years have found myself designing more and more of my own clothes. I've always had quite a distinctive style and a strong pov, and over time I felt that I had the experience to bring what we had always created together to the forefront.

Your Fijian heritage held so much of the soul of the show, did you always know it would be woven through your work this way, or did that unfold as you designed?

I was given 20 minutes to say something - to put something into the world and let people know who I am and I think my culture is the coolest thing about me. 
What’s interesting is that it hasn’t always been this way. If I had done this show even five years ago, I don’t think my culture would have taken centre stage. This journey has been extremely transformative. The title, When Are You Coming Home?, started very literally - growing up between two countries, with different pieces of my heart in each. But over time, it became less about where home was, and more about when are you coming home (to yourself?)
The further I’ve travelled from that little girl in the islands, the more experience I’ve gained and the more success I’ve had, the stronger the pull has become to tell her story. I’ve realised that fashion and culture don’t sit separately for me - they shape each other. My culture will always be part of how I see and create - it is what gives my fashion meaning, and fashion is the way I know how to tell that story.  

If someone wore one of your pieces without ever meeting you, what do you hope they'd feel about themselves, or about where it came from?

I hope they feel the love and intention poured into every piece. To embrace being noticed and proud that they’ve found something a little bit different / special.

Evie: Kai spoke about how much family shaped this show from the inside, I wanted to ask you about that same feeling, but from where you stood, bringing the cast together.

Apela Bell (Photographer & Casting Director): The feeling of family has always been a big part of working with Makaira. I’ve collaborated with her for such a long time, so bringing this casting together felt really personal. Many of the models we casted have been part of moments in both our careers, so seeing everyone come together for this show felt like a full-circle moment.

We talked a little about you casting more, how has that been feeling, being on that side of the process?

It’s honestly been such an exciting feeling. Years ago I used to scout and sign models to agencies, so coming back to this has been so enjoyable and it’s definitely made me appreciate the whole process again.

For Kai's show, there was a real family feel, is that something you think makes for a good cast? Does that closeness change what you're looking for when you're casting someone?

100% that closeness makes for a good cast. There was a real sense of trust, history and community behind every talent casted. It didn’t feel like bringing models together for a show, we wanted to bring together people who have shared in the journey and helped shape the creative world that has become BY KAI. That made the show feel incredibly special and authentic.

As both a photographer and a casting director, do those two roles talk to each other? Does the way you see someone through a lens change how you cast them, or vice versa?

Definitely. Photography has taught me to really notice people, their presence, expressions, and what makes them unique. I think that naturally feeds into casting, because I’m always looking beyond just how someone looks and trying to understand what they bring to a frame. And casting has made me more aware of personality and story when I’m photographing people.

When you're casting here in Aotearoa, how much does whakapapa or community play into who you bring into a room? Is that something you're actively looking for, or does it just naturally shape who ends up in front of your camera?

Whakapapa and the community play such a huge role when it comes to my casting. I’m always conscious of wanting to create space for wāhine Māori to be seen, heard, and celebrated on their own whenua. It naturally shapes the people I’m drawn to, but it’s also something I’m intentional about, making sure the show reflects the culture and diversity of Aotearoa.

What do you look for in someone before they've even said a word, is there a moment in a casting where you just know?

I think it’s presence. Before someone even speaks, you can often feel their energy and how they carry themselves. Sometimes there’s just a quiet spark where you think, there’s something here and you want to know more.

After everything you've cast and shot, is there a moment that stays with you, one that reminds you why you do this?

Honestly, it’s the moments where someone sees themselves differently because they’ve been given the space to be seen. I love casting because it’s about discovering people, celebrating what makes them unique, and creating opportunities for them to step into something they might not have imagined for themselves. 
 

I think this is what made By Kai so special. At 10am on the 20th of August, Shed 10 erupted into a standing ovation, with tears in the eyes of people throughout the crowd. It wasn’t just another show on the Fashion Week schedule; it felt like a gathering of people, stories, whakapapa and creative histories that have grown alongside one another.

For me, coming back to modelling and walking for Kai was a reminder of what I love about this industry in the first place. Of course, the clothes make the show, but it’s the people who make them, the people who wear them, and the communities that hold them up.

There is something really beautiful about an industry that continues to make space for its people to return, reconnect and create something new. To find their way back to each other.

Something to come home to.

Photos & Feature: Evie Ashby

We asked seasoned pro and another of our backstage besties, Zara Sykes to give us a behind-the-scenes look at what fashion week is really like from a model's perspective. Armed with her digi point-and-shoot (and what we can only assume is a bag full of snacks and minimal hours of sleep), she took us along for the ride — call times, chaos and everything else that comes with it for Aotearoa's busiest week of kākahu.

Name: Zara
Star sign: Aquarius 

Favourite part of being at fashion week? And least fave?
My favourite part has to be getting to spend so much time with all my friends within the industry and slowly losing it together by the end of the week. Least fav WASHING MY HAIR EVERY SINGLE NIGHT!

What’s something about the week that would shock someone outside the industry?
I CAN THINK OF SO MANY THINGS but I’d say people get pretty shocked on how much time goes in before shows. Call time can range from 3-5 hours before the show. As well how early it can be, for example Zambezi was 6AM call time!!!

Which show was your favourite to walk in?
That’s so hard to pinpoint as each show is so special and unique in their own way but Juliette Hogan really sticks out to me. I always love working with the team, truly the SWEETEST PEOPLE and so well organised!! Like the only show I’ve ever done where we can do a whole shoot before and STILL have so much extra time. There was also such a strong elegance and divine beauty about the whole show from the collection, hair & make up to the set of the runway. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED MY DRESS and was so lucky to wear it again for the opening of the last show.

How do you decompress after such a busy week?
Mmmm A DRINK!! I’m gonna be so real by the last show I was READY for a good night out. Like a whole night of dancing with friends is what I was craving, to which is probably the exact opposite for others.

Photos: Zara Sykes
Features Editor: Chloe Hill

We already gave you the highlights reel to end all highlights reels, plus snuck you backstage at some of the standout shows. Now we're getting personal, with some of backstage's sweetest creatives spilling their own behind-the-scenes tea.

First up: Photographer on the rise Felix Jackson. Known for his serene-yet-playful fashion photos and ridiculously charming energy, if there's one person you want camped out backstage with, it's him. Scroll the gallery above for all his favourite bts moments then get to know him a bit better below 🩷
 

Name: Felix
Star sign: Gemini twin 

Favourite part of being at fashion week: The chats! Getting to know or reconnect with people in the industry who you share chemistry and camaraderie with. It’s the one week of the year when we’re all orbiting each other within such close proximity. 

Least favourite: A lack of sleep and questionable meals. 

Something that would shock some people outside the industry: The number of outfit changes for front row attendees and the pre planning involved. 

Fav show to shoot: So hard!! They all did different things. For the visuals, Zambesi and Claudia Li. Karen Walker for the great vibes and well organised chaos, that was a lot of fun. And Beach Brains because I was making notes of everything I wanted to buy. 

Fav model: The fantastic Alex Cater and I found out we have a lot of shared friends and at the Zambesi show we got to talking about our shared friends pet sheep and I had to stop and take the moment in. 

How do I decompress after a packed schedule: I chew all my flatmates ears off with tales of the day before a hot shower and bed. I also had a Viking history podcast that I listened to while editing and decompressing in pockets throughout the week. 

Photos: Felix Jackson
Features Editor: Chloe Hill
 

From the good kind of tears (even from the entire front-row) at Makaira Lee’s debut of her label BY KAI, to the play of light on fringe in motion at Juliette Hogan, pirate-play by Emma Jing at The Studio, and a homecoming back to Shed 10 with caps and gowns by Twenty-Seven Names — it’s been a week. 
 

Designer Lavinia ’Ilolahia of Daīna Hugh backstage at Kāhui Collective
 

To understand the ecosystem of Aotearoa’s fashion industry is to celebrate the intimacy at hand. It’s an industry that is small in scale, yet this works in its favour by breeding a steadfast loyalty and purehearted yearning from even the top dogs to simply: Show Up and Support. That tightly woven string spreads from seasoned attendees to the new guard of models, such as Zara Sykes and Sophie Song who you’ll spot walking nearly every show. You’ll also get to find them backstage at the next show, ready for a cuddle and a gossip. That’s the beauty of it.

Over the years, my fashion week identity has shifted from volunteer, front-of-house PR (you never forget who yells at you), afterparty crasher, and simple mere guest — all of it is magic. My learnings? Go to as many shows as you can, but equally to the afterparties. You’ll find yourself in corners of random rooms, slightly delirious at the end of long days with old friends, but possibly at the scene of an old Fashion Week wives tale to come.

By Yawynne Yem

As always, they'd cast a stunning line-up of local talent. Sophie Song truly cementing herself as model of the year with yet another unforgettable appearance. Then there's Alex Cater, another on-the-rise model who's quickly becoming a fashion week regular in her own right. Our mates Kahu Skudder and Nevaeh Mataira also popping up mid-lineup, because of course. What a show and what a week <3

Photos: Chloe Hill