Elisabeth Findlay

Looking through the archives of New Zealand’s fashion history, you’d be hard-pressed to miss the presence of Zambesi – that clever brand with a cult-like status among those who like their wardrobe to be as clever as their wit. This season marks the 40-year anniversary since the brand appeared on the scene with its contemporary clothes made to speak entirely for themselves – “darkly intellectual” and “beautiful goths”, interpreted the runway reporters.

Since 1979, Zambesi has continuously challenged perceptions while also shaping the country’s fashion identity. It’s one of our most recognised and longest-running labels, yet the brand remains an enigma – a creative force to be reckoned with. “I like the fact it's still a little bit of a mystery,” says its co-founder Elisabeth (Liz) Findlay, as she explains how no one knows the origin of the name.

We’re in the Auckland workroom, where there is an eddy of energy as we stop for tea in the lead-up to Zambesi’s two New Zealand Fashion Week shows. To understand why the brand still stirs such excitement in an industry always on the hunt for the next big thing, it