The Christchurch-based label was founded by three friends, Amie Bingham, Amanda Barker and Kate Brown, whose paths first crossed a decade ago, as their children attended kindergarten together. Each woman now fulfils a different role in the brand, which launched in 2019.
Dark Hampton offers an elevated selection of scarves, some that transcend seasons, like the fine mulberry silk and lightweight cashmere modal styles, and those meant to keep out the chill with soft lambswool.
Beyond seasonal additions with new patterns and shapes, the brand also teams up with local designers for limited edition pieces. The vivid work of Christchurch contemporary artist Carrie Broomhall features in three colorful silk styles currently and one with Auckland footwear designer Kathryn Wilson offers a jaunty, polka-dot twilly style to wrap around hats or belt loops.
The timeless designs mean despite fashion trends swiftly passing with the seasons, each scarf easily remains relevant and useful in a wardrobe. To ensure they do? The trio encourages playing with styling, trying tying one in a number of ways around the neck, hair, around bag handles and, for the larger shapes, as a sarong or top.
While a scarf purchase might feel a little indulgent in the scheme of wardrobe items, the luxury nature of their construction means it’s hard to regret, once it’s wrapped around your neck. It also makes an ideal gift, something the receiver may not have thought to purchase themselves, but regularly reaches for, once they own.
If you’re feeling a little disheartened by the arrival of cooler weather, Dark Hampton’s oversized wool blanket-style Ferguson scarf is just the remedy, its cosy hand-feel a serious mood booster. If colour is your dopamine, knot on a large cashmere modal style in the Prentice, Glover or John colourways. Each style is named after a friend of the founders, a playful and personal touch that makes each style feel more familiar, still.
The trio say they draw endless inspiration from international street style, their own colour fixations, and those âCan you make it in…?â requests from friends and family.
How to tie a scarf
For styling ideas we asked Amie, Amanda and Kate to share their favourite ways to wear Dark Hampton scarves:
The Hair Tie
Our Twilly scarf is the ultimate style multitasker. We love threading the Portofino Twilly through a ponytail, wrapping it around a messy bun, or weaving it into a braid. The result? A fresh, feminine hit of colour that feels both polished and playful.
Styled as a Top
A warm-weather favourite. Fold and tie a silk square like the Gebbie scarf as a handkerchief top, wear solo or layered under a blazer. Itâs bold, fashion-forward, and on vacation, a versatile extra top!
Over a Cap
A twist we love: drape a silk scarf over a baseball cap and tie it at the back. Equal parts sporty and chic, channeling Hailey Bieber at Coachella 2024.
The Head Scarf
Thereâs something enduringly chic about a silk square, like the Keenan tied as a head scarf (see photo at top of page, centre). Fold it on the diagonal, knot it under the chin or at the nape, and pair with oversized sunglasses for that vintage, jet-set glamour â updated with bold prints and a modern attitude.
The Wool Wrap
When the temperature drops, we turn to generous wool or cashmere blends like the chic Clements scarf. Drape over the shoulders as a wrap, (see top, left) or belt it over outerwear for an elegant, laid-back silhouette. Itâs warmth and sophistication, effortlessly combined.
The Classic Knot
Sometimes, simple is the statement. A silk scarf like the Simpson tied loosely at the back of the neck (see top, right) is timeless â especially in a vivid print or punchy hue. Itâs a nod to tradition, made contemporary with colour and confidence.
