Since 2014, the label founded and run by Rebe Healy has evolved from a small collection of accessories into a fully realised womenswear brand, operating from its workroom in Ponsonby. Now, the designer has decided to develop that space to offer customers a dedicated shopping and brand experience.
“After building the brand across dining tables, spare rooms, shared workspaces and warehouses, we’re proud to open the doors to our new home in Ponsonby,” Healy shared of the move.
“Designed as an extension of the brand, the space brings together our showroom, retail offering and head office in one considered environment,” she says.
While REBE has cultivated a loyal following through its online store and selected stockists, the new retail space offers the chance to experience the full collection in person and understand each garment’s fit and fabrications more intimately.
At its core, REBE offers a selection refined wardrobe staples that have a contemporary edge without feeling overtly trend-driven. This magic mix hits the nail on the head for a wide cross-section of fashion-lovers.
That diverse appeal is hard to find in designer fashion, yet with REBE, the same draped blouse, neat tailored blazer or relaxed pair of trousers blends seamlessly into the wardrobes of women many decades apart. What’s inspiring is seeing so many of them around Auckland and all over the country wearing those pieces with equal confidence and ease. They are garments designed for longevity, shaped by considered design and fine fabrications such as wool, leather and organic cotton.
“When I design I am always looking to balance functionality with form, so that the clothing is as practical as it is beautiful,” Healy has said of her brand ethos. “Ultimately, I want whoever is wearing it to feel good.”
Healy grew up in Taranaki and spent time working as a fashion buyer at high end boutique Muse as well as in production management, before moving into running her own label full-time.
Her first piece was a perfect Panama straw hat, something she still sells, before she extending into footwear and then ready-to-wear collections.
Her just-dropped winter range continues that evolution and is definitely worth a look. We’ve already got this convertible column cape dress on our shopping list.
REBE is open from Wednesday to Saturday at 12 Fitzroy Street, Ponsonby, Auckland.
