Meet DARK HAMPTON, the Aotearoa-based scarf brand you need on your radar

It might be my gallic heritage, but I love a scarf. Some help stave off the chill while others are more fashion than function, but be they small, sweeping, silk or cashmere, I am yet to meet one I haven’t found a place for in my wardrobe. And despite some wearers only reaching for them in the cooler months, I believe that scarves are to be worn all year round – by the pool, at the beach, on the mountain and everything in between.
All of which bring me to a scarf brand from right here in Aotearoa that I hitherto had no knowledge of: South island-based Dark Hampton. Over the course of an hour last week I came to know more about the brand and fall hard for its multi-hued offering, which grew out of a meeting a decade ago in the most unlikely of places.

Thrown together when their children attended the same southland kindergarten, a friendship soon sparked between Amie, Amanda, and Kate. This gradually evolved into a creative partnership born out of shared love of a beautiful accessory, and kicked off a mission to add a little extra luxury to the everyday in the form of the chicest of scarves. Dark Hampton had officially arrived.
Anchored in thoughtful design and with a commitment to slow fashion, Dark Hampton’s scarves were always created to transcend seasons and occasions, and I personally love the fact that they can easily shift from neck to hair, from bag handle to sarong, adding a bold touch of colour and movement at every turn. And while vibrant statement prints are built into the Dark Hampton DNA, their latest collection will even appeal to minimalists keen to add a more muted touch of colour to daily fit checks in the form of essential neutrals like navy, taupe and soft beige.
The new collection is also full of hero scarves that are very easy to love, including the oversized wool blanket scarf, The Ferguson; the lightweight Clements wool scarf; and the rich, deep navy Stratford. For those looking for a bolder statement in colour and print, The Hunter sports a chic herringbone pattern, while the Carrie Broomhall Silk Scarf, available in three designs, is a vibrant collab with mixed media artist Carrie Broomhall, renowned for her unabashedly joyful creations. There are also two new cashmere-modal designs on offer, both the dream for trans seasonal dressing and perfect for travel.

Also coming in May is a fresh design with a philanthropic twist, with $20 from each sale donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand. This initiative follows the brand’s legacy of impactful collaborations, from the Breast Cancer Foundation to partnerships with celebrated New Zealand artists and designers. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I have experienced first-hand the incredible impact that the work of the BCFNZ can have during what is an unbelievably tough time, so any initiative that helps that work continue gets a big tick in my book. I can’t wait to see what the Dark Hampton trio unveils for this super vital collaboration.

Stocked nationwide at 60 retailers and growing, I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of the brand before, but it’s safe to say I’m now a raving fan. Check out their beautiful offering online at darkhampton.com.