Sabine strikes back

I first came into contact with the New Zealand designer brand Sabine when I got some amazing tan trousers in Ponsonby. Years later, I still have them. So I was excited to hear that the label is now at Farmers…

I first came into contact with the New Zealand designer brand Sabine when I got some amazing tan trousers in Ponsonby. Years later, I still have them.

So I was excited to hear that the label, originally owned and operated by Angela Todd from 2000 until 2009 with retail stores on Ponsonby Road and 277 Newmarket – and wholesaled in 30 stores throughout New Zealand and Australia – is back.

Sabine this time though is exclusive to selected Farmers stores nationwide, making it a lot more accessible – and of course, more reasonably priced – with pricepoints around the $129 mark. The new Creative Director of Sabine is Venecia Martin, who has an extensive background in commercial fashion.

This first line for Farmers is an avian-inspired collection with tiered dresses and pleated skirting in neutral tones with accentuated splashes of colour with names such as Finch, Nightingale and Tui.

And with the so-called ‘Recessionista’ trend of discerning shoppers saving money by moving their allegiance towards chain stores, in a similar vein to the Designs for Everyone lines at The Warehouse – by from Republic, Rachel Hunter and Saben – Farmers hopes that the designer brand Sabine will "bring in a whole new shopper to Farmers.”

Below: the Tui Dress in black $129.99 features slashed sleeves and a tunic length that would be worn either as a minidress or as a layering piece.