Zambesi
Zambesi is a New Zealand designer fashion label founded in Auckland in 1979 by Elisabeth and Neville Findlay. It makes directional womenswear and menswear known for inventive fabric use, layering, precise tailoring and a dark palette.
| Founded | 1979, Auckland |
|---|---|
| Founders | Elisabeth and Neville Findlay |
| Menswear | Zambesi Man |
| Stores | Auckland, Wellington, Melbourne |
| Website | zambesi.co.nz |
What is Zambesi?
Zambesi is one of New Zealand's best-known designer labels, founded in 1979 by Elisabeth and Neville Findlay. The brand's workroom is based in Auckland.
History
Before Zambesi, the Findlays opened a boutique called Tart in Parnell, Auckland, in 1975. After launching Zambesi they added menswear, with Zambesi Man stores opening in Takapuna and Vulcan Lane during the 1980s and 1990s. Dayne Johnston became the full-time menswear designer in 2004, and menswear is now integral to the brand.
Products and positioning
Zambesi is known for directional design, combining:
- Inventive use of fabric and layers
- Precise tailoring and finishing
- An often dark colour palette
- Collections for both women and men
Distribution
The label runs its own stores in Britomart, Ponsonby and Newmarket in Auckland, in Wellington and in Melbourne, plus an online store. It is also sold through stockists across New Zealand, Australia and Asia.
Why it matters
With more than four decades of trading, Zambesi is a reference point for New Zealand designer fashion and an example of a family-founded label that has sustained its own retail network alongside international wholesale.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Zambesi?
Zambesi was founded in 1979 by Elisabeth and Neville Findlay in Auckland, New Zealand.
What is Zambesi known for?
Zambesi is known for directional womenswear and menswear with inventive layering, precise tailoring and a dark colour palette.