How Bronwyn became one of New Zealand’s favourite footwear brands
With a name now firmly planted in New Zealand fashion, chances are you already know Bronwyn Footwear. In just five years, the label has quietly become one of the most recognisable names in New Zealand footwear — considered, covetable shoes designed to see you through every stage of life, not just one season.
Fresh off its showcase at NZFW's The Studio show, Bronwyn's SS26/27 collection is already the talk of the town. A nostalgic, pared-back nod to ‘90s minimalism, the range brings structured slingbacks, modern wedges and refined flats together in bright, feel-good colourways — exactly what we need to walk into a vibrant summer.
To celebrate the new collection, we sat down with Sarah Street, the woman behind the brand, to talk legacy, inspiration, and what's next for Bronwyn.
What was the original inspiration behind Bronwyn, and what did you want the brand to bring to the footwear space?
I’ve been designing footwear for about 16 years now, and I’ve always thought that having my own brand one day was going to be part of my journey. It has been equally one of the most incredible and one of the most challenging things I have ever done. Mum is my biggest inspiration, and the brand is named after her. We lost Mum in 2016 so it’s been an incredible privilege to celebrate her every day through the brand.
You’re now heading into your sixth year of Bronwyn — what have these years taught you about building a fashion brand, and has your approach to design or business changed along the way?
I think you're always learning and adapting because that is just the nature of the business, particularly today. It’s taught me to be really resilient, and to always be open to change. Business often feels like you’re constantly dealing with new challenges, whether they’re big or small. Being a small business, we don’t have a huge team to spread the workload. So while you’re dealing with challenges as they come up, you also have the day-to-day operations of the business, while simultaneously trying to work on things to grow the business and move it forward. It’s a multiple-hat-wearing juggling act, that’s for sure. What I’ve learnt is that resilience, adaptability and persistence are absolutely imperative to being — and staying — in business.
Congrats on a fantastic NZFW show! From winning Future of Fashion last year, how did it feel to show in The Studio runway this year?
Oh, thank you so much, that’s so kind. I think being invited back to be a part of The Studio show alongside so many other incredible brands was really special and such an honour, especially after our win last year. NZFW is always such a whirlwind and a crazy, hectic ride, but it’s also incredibly special to be a part of and I absolutely love it. I have always admired Dan Ahwa, the show’s curator. Ever since I met him during my early days at Mi Piaci, he has always been so kind and nurturing of all the creatives in our industry. So to have the show curated by him, along with the many other talented team members of the NZFW crew, I always felt like I was in safe hands.
You’ve built Bronwyn into such a recognisable name in the NZ fashion scene. What have been some of the biggest challenges along the way, and what have been the most rewarding moments?
Challenges are just part of business. I think the hardest thing for many businesses right now is the unpredictability of the global market and the economy, and how that impacts our country and our sector. Coupled with that is the rapid change in trends and Technology. With footwear, like a lot of product-based businesses, we’re designing and manufacturing months and months in advance, so predicting what you think will sell in 18 months’ time always requires a bit of crystal ball gazing. In terms of rewarding moments, definitely being included in NZFW the last two years has been incredible. But honestly, what is the most rewarding is seeing people wearing our shoes and hearing how much our customers love our brand and our shoes. That is why we have Bronwyn.
Tell us about the new SS26/27 collection. What was the inspiration behind it, and are there any pieces or details you’re particularly excited about?
Our SS26/27 collection is a nostalgic, pared-back edit, exploring the spirit of the ‘90s through a modern lens. I’ve always been drawn to the simplicity of ‘90s dressing; the minimal silhouettes and the chic, quiet confidence. For this collection, I wanted to capture that feeling but make it feel very Bronwyn. There’s nostalgia, but it’s not costume. There are nods to trends, but it’s not trend-driven. Everything has been stripped back and considered, with comfort remaining just as important as the aesthetic. I’m loving our Sadie and Daria styles at the moment, but I also can’t wait to wear Cam and Joanie as the months get warmer. Vincent is also a great transeasonal go-to for these in-between days. It’s hard to choose a favourite!
You’ve spoken about designing for women with multifaceted lives — what does the modern Bronwyn woman look like to you, and how does that influence the way you design?
I think about the women I know and love and admire in my life; my friends, family, colleagues and mentors. They are the modern Bronwyn woman to me. We’re all busy, we’re all juggling all the things. The Bronwyn woman wants the shoe to look amazing, but she also wants to actually wear it. That’s always the challenge I set myself: how do we create something with enough fashion credibility to make you fall in love with it, but enough comfort and versatility that it becomes the shoe you reach for constantly?
What footwear or fashion trends are you loving right now — and is there one trend you wouldn’t be sad to see left behind?
I love the fun colours we’re seeing coming through in footwear this Spring/Summer. It feels like people are becoming more open to colour in shoes, which are often the last accessory to embrace it. I’m loving wedges and anything with a toe-thong design; the ones we have are so comfortable and chic. As for a trend I wouldn’t be sad to see left behind, that’s tricky because I think everyone should wear whatever they feel good in. I will say that while I love that the Tabi aesthetic has become more mainstream, the Tabi will always be a Margiela classic. When a style is that distinctive, I personally don’t feel the need to replicate it exactly. I love trends, but Bronwyn is about taking a nod from them, not being trend-driven.
And finally, what’s next for Bronwyn? What are you still dreaming of for the brand?
Right now I’m working on our AW27 collection, as well as a few new products that will pair nicely with our current offering. Before I know it, it will be time to work on SS27/28. I’m also looking at how we can slowly expand into Australia and other markets. I’m not in a hurry, but I think if we could expand into Australia in the next 18 months, that would be a huge achievement for Bronwyn.
Advertisement
