AmberDawn.
An independent, slow-fashion label based in Piha, creating limited-edition 1970s-inspired clothing in natural fibres and vintage textiles.
About
AmberDawn is a slow-fashion label designed and based in Piha — a small, deliberate, deeply personal operation making limited-edition 1970s-inspired clothing in natural fibres and vintage textiles. The label was started by Luan in memory of her sister Amber Dawn, who passed away from cancer in 2019. What began as a creative way of honouring her sister has grown into a label Luan loves running, and into a small business with a real point of view.
Every collection is designed in Piha and produced in India in small batches rather than large production runs. The materials are the heart of the label. Vintage silk saris are used wherever possible, alongside cotton and linen — fabrics that carry texture, character, and longevity, and that age in ways synthetic fabrics never can. Many pieces are completely one of a kind. Even the larger collections are made in very limited numbers, which means that what you buy from AmberDawn won't be on every second person you pass at the beach.
The connection to Piha runs through the brand at every level. All AmberDawn photoshoots are done in the village, working with a local photographer and a local model. The landscape — the black sand, the bush, the cliffs, the light — is genuinely part of the visual identity. This isn't a brand using Piha as backdrop. It's a brand that lives here.
AmberDawn is for women who love effortless clothing with a bit of soul — those drawn to a relaxed 1970s aesthetic, natural fibres, and pieces that don't look like everyone else's. The pieces are designed to be the kind of clothes that get worn for years rather than seasons, collecting stories and memories along the way. Slow fashion in the proper sense: made with care, sold in small numbers, and meant to last.
For visitors to Piha looking for something genuinely local to take home, or for women already in love with the slow-fashion movement, AmberDawn is the village's quiet contribution.
Best for:
Women who love effortless, natural-fibre clothing with a 1970s sensibility; slow-fashion devotees; visitors looking for something genuinely local to take home; anyone wanting pieces that won't be on every second person at the beach.
Worth knowing:
Slow-fashion ethos — small batches, natural fibres, pieces meant to last for years rather than seasons.
Owner and designer: Luan
Phone: 021 021 90048
Email: luan@amberdawn.co.nz
Website: amberdawn.co.nz
Instagram: @amberdawnnz
Designed in: Piha / Made in: India (small-batch production) / Materials: Vintage silk saris, cotton, linen, natural fibres
Production: Limited-edition collections; many pieces one-of-a-kind
Visuals: All photoshoots done in Piha, with local photographer and model
Where to buy: Online via amberdawn.co.nz
