Can you please tell us who you are, and a little bit about yourself? 

I’m originally from a small town in Taranaki called Hawera and my Iwi are Ngāruahine, Te Āti Awa and Taranaki. I've spent the past 12 years working in Tāmaki Makaurau in the fashion industry, holding various roles including head buyer, retail sales and production management for several brands. Now most of my day-to-day is geared towards running REBE. 

Can you walk us through your creative process when designing?

My design process is quite personal, inspired by my everyday life and what I’m craving for my wardrobe. I always aim to balance form and function in a way that feels effortless. I’m passionate about creating pieces that are not only practical but also beautiful and feel good to wear. I’m all about the subtle details—whether it’s unique stitching or a custom lining, those touches add character and elevate each garment. For me, those details are not just important—they’re my favourite part of every design.

What materials or fabrics do you gravitate towards when designing?

I like fabrics that have good integrity and a beautiful hand feel. You'll always find suiting in our collections and I like to work with wool / wool blends, or suiting fabrics with a bit of stretch for added comfort. We've recently launched an amazing tee made from a cotton/tencel blend—the tencel gives it the most stunning hand feel and drape on the body. It feels incredible to wear.

What do you believe are the core elements that every wardrobe should have?

A great black blazer, well-cut straight black trousers, and a fresh white tee. And, of course, good underwear—because a great outfit starts with a strong foundation! 

In a world that often celebrates maximalism and bold statements, what do you think is the appeal of classic or minimalist fashion?

The classics are reliable and emphasize the importance of craftsmanship and quality—they’re timeless and designed to last. I believe customers appreciate knowing they’re investing in something that not only makes them feel good but they will get good wear from. 

What's next for you and REBE? 

We are launching our first denim collection in October. It’s actually something we have been developing since my foray into RTW sampling started two years ago now. I wear denim pretty much everyday therefore I’m pretty excited to say the least!

Who is someone you’d love to see wearing your designs, and why?

Phoebe Tonkin. Love with her style! 

Are there any designers or artists outside of fashion who inspire you? 

I’m a big fan of NZ-born, now NY-based artist Natasha Wright. Her work focuses on the historical representation of women as subjects—it's incredibly empowering. She’s also very lovely and super chic. 

OHEN is about giving women a little luxury every day, how do you take care of your mind, body and soul?

I’m a SALA addict! I love the positive and nurturing space that owner Sarah has created, and the variety of fitness classes on offer are so good.