With the official launch of our Autumn Winter collection - Eddy, we share a cup of tea with life long friends / co-directors of NYNE- Gretchen Kebbell and Angela Beatson. We learn of their friendship story and the dynamics of working together, their favourite collection pieces and the future vision for our New Zealand made womens label - NYNE.

The pair sit on the couch as the sun streams in through the NYNE HQ windows and gentle laughter is shared between the two; a perfect intro to our interview...

Your friendship is strong and beautiful to be present in… and ultimately what this business is built upon, can you tell us what you admire most in each other?

Ange: A big question that requires so many beautiful answers. Huge love and respect for this person for her unconditional friendship that feels like home. Gretchen has many qualities that I admire, she is observant, she thinks deeply and she is realistic and calming when navigating different situations that require thought. She is my person. 

Gretchen: Ange has a big heart, is extremely loyal and very generous. She also has an infectious laugh and a great passion for life and work. I greatly respect her courage and tenacity. She knows how to make all woman look and feel fabulous and is a wonderful friend.

What do your morning rituals look like before entering into the fashion world?

Ange: So if you know me, you will know that I am not a morning person. I thrive mid morning till dinner time. So after my breakfast and coffee I like to check in to see what is happening in the fashion platform, instagram and facebook. I enjoy seeing what our retailers are posting especially if it is about NYNE. I love what I do, it is not a job, it is my passion and it feels both motivating and fun living in the fashion environment.

Gretchen: My day always starts with walking my dog, Charlie. It’s a great time to think through what I want to achieve that day while enjoying the beauty of nature that often ends at the local cafe.

What is in your staple wardrobe and what advice would you give to someone wanting to build a more sustainable collection of their own?

Ange: My staple wardrobe is smart casual, comfortable but edgy, well thought design that makes me feel beautiful. I am drawn to fabric, the details and then the practicality of that design for my body shape. Less is so much more with clothing, finding key pieces that you wear over and over again is such a positive mark on our environment. Owning NYNE has helped me understand the effects of fast fashion in our environment. Investment pieces are the ones you wear on repeat, we do that well at NYNE.

Gretchen: My wardrobe consists of classic, high quality pieces that will work through all seasons. I still wear items that I purchased a decade ago, and I only wear something that brings joy to me – either for comfort or style – and usually both. When buying pieces, think about what you have in your wardrobe that you can pair it with. Quality items will last the test of time, and give you years of wear.

NYNE is based in a small seaside town of the North Island - Mount Maunganui. Do you believe your choice to situate yourself here is beneficial to the brand process?

We live in the lifestyle capital of New Zealand, so that makes me happy. The community thrives on creativity and innovation and that is reflected in our brand. We have so much respect for our manufacturing specialists who we have been working with for nearly two decades and some who are local to us. Designing and manufacturing here in New Zealand sits close to our hearts and this helps our brand to be inclusive within our country.

What can we expect to see you wearing most from our AW23 collection - Eddy?

Ange: Right now I am loving the pyjama daywear look - The Bow Top paired with the Awakening Pant...

Gretchen: I love the Constance Skirt for it’s comfortable, flattering fit combined with elegance. I pair it with the merino long sleeve to keep me snug, and layer a black gauze Quartz top over it. My rust Trench is always close by for the cooler days. I also love the Olive dress for its classic take on the tunic; you can put it over a tank on a warm day, or a long sleeve in the cooler months and your outfit is complete...

Lastly, NYNE has almost been around for two decades… in an ever evolving industry, where do you see NYNE in the next decade?

Ange: What an exciting thought to imagine the brand in ten years! NYNE will always hold tight to our core brand design while navigating the fashion industry trends. Our very loyal NYNE lovers want consistently well made garments that have been thoughtfully designed, using the best fabric and forever remaining ‘made in New Zealand’ will be a path that we would not want to change.  

Gretchen: I think women will continue to focus on making very considered choices in clothing and fashion, respecting natural fabrics with enduring quality, and NYNE will continue along this path and we’re looking forward to the journey. 

The Muse Top in a crispy cotton paired with a relaxed Awakening Pant in the beautiful hand feel of sandwashed satin.