Let Texture Inspire Your Style

The June long weekend is the official marker of the southern hemisphere winter.

Whether you are heading off on a regional getaway or looking forward to attending a formal mid-winter event, or enjoying a slow, crisp weekend in the city, your wardrobe should reflect the shift in the season.

This winter, we are looking past basic layering and focusing entirely on high-touch texture.

Rich tactile fabrics not only keep the cold at bay but add instant dimension to minimalist outfits.

The Winter Texture & Colour Palette

To keep your long weekend ensembles feeling grounded yet luxurious, we are leaning into a sensory mix of raw and refined textures:

• The Fabrics: Taffeta, tactile suede, pony leather (calf hair), fluid silk, plush velvet, and ultra-soft cashmere.
• The Tones: The season’s defining neutrals — deep chocolate brown, earthy olive green, and classic ink black.
• The Finishing Touches: Luminous gold jewellery and organic pearls. They offer the perfect touch of light against heavy winter textiles, instantly brightening your complexion and polishing your look.

The Brands Inspiring Us This Season

Our current mood board draws inspiration from some of our favourite Australian and New Zealand designers who are mastering the art of winter dressing:

• Harris Tapper: Turn heads in their beautifully structured, embellished olive-green velvet jacket. It’s the ultimate day-to-night transition piece. (There are pants too, if you are feeling adventurous).
• Aje: Known for structural drama, an embossed taffeta piece from Aje provides the perfect, show-stopping style for a formal mid-winter ball.
• St Agni: The Byron Bay label’s suede maxi skirt is our current obsession — it offers a clean, architectural silhouette with incredible tactile warmth.
• Viktoria & Woods: Their latest drop of premium neutrals infuses a beautiful sheen and effortless drape into everyday winter styling.
• A.Emery: Are these the ideal suede boots for the cooler months? Between the flawless tailoring and rich texture, we think they just might be.

3 Ways to Style Your Long Weekend Look

1. Contemporary Casual City Style

For an effortless morning café run or gallery visit, slip a fine-knit cashmere turtleneck jumper underneath the structured Cos jacket featured in our mood board. Pair it back with high-waisted, straight-leg black pants and a sleek leather loafer.

2. Luxe Fabric Play for Evening

Don’t be afraid to clash your high-end textures. When wearing heavy, light-absorbing fabrics like velvet or taffeta, break up the silhouette with a pony leather clutch. The subtle, directional sheen of the calf hair creates a beautiful, sophisticated contrast against the pile of velvet.

3. Elevated Outdoor Pursuits

If your long weekend involves a crisp regional escape or winery lunch, practical dressing doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Layer structured knee-high suede boots under wide-leg wool trousers. You’ll stay incredibly warm while maintaining a sleek, intentional silhouette, whatever outdoor pursuit you indulge in.

Ready to upgrade your seasonal wardrobe?

Ready to stop staring at a closet full of clothes with “nothing to wear”?

Let’s curate a winter capsule wardrobe that makes you feel fabulous every single day.

Fabric Care Guide: How to Care for Pony Leather

Because so many of you have asked how to look after investment accessories like a pony leather clutch or boot, we’ve put together a quick guide. Despite the name, “pony leather” (or pony skin) is created from high-quality cowhide or calfskin that has been shaved to mimic the smooth, sleek coat of a horse. It is beautiful but requires a little extra care.

Pony Leather Care FAQs

How do I clean a pony leather handbag or clutch?

Always clean in the direction of the hair growth using a soft, dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush (like a clothes brush or a clean toothbrush). This removes loose dust and dirt without damaging the delicate follicles. Never brush against the grain, as this can cause the hair to snap or bald patches to form.

Can pony leather get wet in winter weather?

Pony leather is naturally somewhat water-resistant due to the natural oils in the hair, but it is not waterproof. If you get caught in a winter shower, do not panic. Gently wipe away excess water in the direction of the hair and let it air-dry naturally away from direct heat sources like radiators or heaters, which can dry out the leather backing and cause it to crack.

How should I store my pony leather accessories?

Store your items in a breathable cotton dust bag when not in use. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can lead to mould. To protect the hair from being crushed or rubbed away, make sure the bag isn’t tightly squeezed between other items in your wardrobe.

Can I use standard leather conditioner on pony skin?

No, never apply standard leather creams, polishes, or heavy conditioners directly onto thehair side of pony leather, as it will mat the fibres and attract dirt. If the leather backing or trim feels dry, very carefully apply a tiny amount of specialist leather conditioner only to the smooth leather underside, completely avoiding the haired surface.