World NZ Competitors

KHAITE is a way of looking at the world. Shaped by formative encounters, cultural touchstones, and secret desires, this point of view comes to life through womenswear and accessories that find confidence in contrast. Each piece proposes a fresh balance of opposing elements- masculine and feminine, strength and softness, structure and fluidity- while embodying a signature sensuality and ease. Founded in 2016 by creative director Catherine Holstein and based in New York, KHAITE evolves with each season, building upon a foundation of robust yet polished items distinguished by exceptional materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and subtle yet striking details.

Karen Walker is the designer behind her eponymous label best known for its signature optimism, energy and chic-meets-eccentric handwriting. Karen’s designs cleverly play with cultural subtext, juxtaposing luxe and street, masculine and feminine, folk and utility, creating pieces that are both directional and wearable. Collaborations with other brands are also at the heart of Karen Walker and highlights include collections with Disney, Sephora, Uniqlo, Madewell, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki and The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Karen’s influence has seen her consistently ranked in The Business of Fashion’s powerhouse BoF 500, reflecting her position as a global industry figure shaping the future.

Founded in 2002, RUBY is an eminent fashion label based in Aotearoa, best known and loved for the mutually nourishing relationship it has with its community, and the way its designs embody those who wear them. RUBY is a family-owned brand, and the care, intimacy and love that comes from this is woven into its DNA. With Creative Director Deanna Didovich overseeing the design house, the brand is fluid, forever evolving alongside its community. The RUBY spirit occupies a space beyond the fabrics and silhouettes that form its collections: it is a collective movement that RUBY has coined its Rubettes. Rubettes are inclusive, multi-dimensional and progressive. Rubettes want to live life to the fullest, to make their mark on the world, and to leave the earth in a better place than they found it. Rubettes are free-spirited: they seek an abundance of joy and have an eagerness to learn, reflect and grow. These values are stitched into each of the collections RUBY creates, and RUBY draws inspiration from its community to create pieces and provoke conversations. Today, RUBY has seven stores: located in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.