Yawynne Yem is a multidisciplinary creative, with a background in editorial, brand strategy, alongside luxury fashion and beauty PR. A first-generation immigrant from Cambodia to New Zealand, she is now based in London.

Yawynne Yem

Chloe Hill

Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland - may not be the first place when you think about fashion week - but it's a valuable addition to the global fashion scene. In the Aotearoa capital, you can find a community that’s close-knit and welcoming, a refreshing change from the who’s-who snobbery of established fashion circles like 

. Here, you’ll find an intimate creative community that supports one another. 

Similar in size to Fashion Week’s like in Copenhagen, Auckland’s charm is away from the mainstream brands - showing support for local, grassroots creatives spotlighting a wealth of local design talent that includes Harris Tapper, Adrion Atelier, Juliette Hogan, Zambesi and more.

Chloe Hill is another exponent of Aotearoa’s thriving creative scene: a stylist, photographer, fashion editor and all-around creative, Hill is the founder of fashion platform, Cool Pretty Cool, to champion emerging talent with an inclusive approach. 

Hill is a veteran Auckland Fashion Week attendee who knows the best spots to go to in the city. Below, she shares her guide



Auckland 

Go here to stock up on cream donuts, alongside very good mince and cheese pies (you have to) that aren't actually from animals. It’s a great place to stop for comforting snacks to stash in your bag.

I always bump into someone here, it’s always like a model, model agent or someone else. This is a Ponsonby Road institution. A great spot to find inspiration, from all the international titles and cool locals as well. I go here to be grounded and reminded that these beautiful publications exist, and that’s why we’re here for Fashion Week.

A really well curated homewares shop, where you can pop in to both buy a pair of socks but find a sense of calm amongst a bustling city.

If you’ve got a really late night show, head here to snuggle up in a booth with a big Japanese beer to round out the day. It’s your choice whether you wind down with izakaya-style cabbage or a night cap.

Part of immersing yourself in nature is the experience of getting there, walking through some grimy streets to burst out into this massive green space. One where there’s always people doing random things. But it brings you to another space, outside of fashion, outside of the bustling city.

Right next to the park, so I always say to go to the park first to relax then pop in. There’s always cool exhibitions, and it’s a great space to see different perspectives of creativity in New Zealand. A great space to feel relaxed and leave inspired.

Rachel Mills is an awesome place to visit to really touch base with the local industry. She’s a driving force in the slow-fashion movement in Aotearoa. At Rachel Mills, you have to wait a week or so to get your garment. You can’t get it immediately. That's how slow it is. Make sure this is your first stop in Tāmaki Makaurau, so that your piece arrives in time before you leave. Because once you go in and choose your piece, they then have it made by local garment makers.

Vietnamese is always the perfect remedy for a busy, chaotic and not to mention frantic winter week. This is an amazing option for something that’s comforting, delicious but healthy. Especially if you’re feeling down at the end of the week, make your way here.

I think it's really important in any city to find a great vintage haunt. They have an incredible curation of vintage, but also of the coolest local labels. She (Owner Rose Hope) finds all the secret bits and pieces, so you don’t have to do the work. All you need to do is turn up.