‘IDENTITY’ - AW26
An exploration of people, place and provenance.
Glass Kaokao skirt
Aotearoa Showroom
Autumn/Winter 2026 began when Rory William Docherty travelled to the Scottish Outer Hebridean Isle of Lewis and Harris. For this New Zealand designer —British-born with Scottish roots—the homeland of Harris Tweed spurred a gentle exploration into notions of people, place and provenance. The distinctive woven cloth that’s made locally, under protected guidelines, has a global reputation for quality, utility and beauty. A respect for heritage and the way things are made, echoes Docherty’s focus on the importance of craft and creators.
In collaboration with partner Jordan Draffin—designer and maker of Māori (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Whātua, Tainui) and Scottish (Clan of Donald) descent—Docherty and Draffin respectfully weave together cross-cultural connections.
Unique hand-blown glass beads commissioned from Whangārei artisans Grinter Glass, combine with semi-precious stones to give fringing a new weight and translucency. Thoughtfully placed and meticulously hand-strung by Draffin, the glass beads are suspended from a handmade leather belt by Tāmaki Makaurau artisan and friend Abigail Brodrick.
The Kaokao chevron pattern symbolizes protection and strength.
Photographer
@jordandraffin
Leather work
@abigail.brodrick
Handblown glass
@grinterglass 
