What began with the vision of a single, beautifully made Panama-style hat has grown into REBE - a New Zealand label synonymous with modern elegance, refined silhouettes, and pieces that feel as effortless as they are timeless. 

Founded in 2017 by lifelong fashion devotee, Rebe Healy, REBE is shaped by an intentional design philosophy that invites women to feel like the best version of themselves. 

This year marks a new chapter as the brand debuts at New Zealand Fashion Week in partnership with Partridge, bringing ‘The Apartment' to life - a breathtaking penthouse space in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, where fashion, jewellery, and Aotearoa’s unique luxury sensibility meet for one week, over the course of the fashion week calendar.

In celebration of the partnership and REBE’s upcoming show, we spoke with designer and founder, Rebe Healy about how she got started, what inspires her, and why Partridge is the perfect partner to support her first foray into New Zealand’s most renowned fashion event.

To register your interest in attending a Trunk Show appointment, contact us here.

Tell us the story of REBE - what was the impetus for launching it, what were you looking to create?

I started REBE in 2017, I saw a very chic woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat which inspired me to look for a local milliner to make my own and REBE was born. I designed my first hat, beautiful wide-brim Panama straw style, and did a small run of 20 units. This style still exists in my collection today!

How did you get started in the fashion industry, what sparked your passion?

I’ve always been obsessed with fashion, even from a young age. I was definitely influenced by my mother - she’s incredibly chic and used to sew many of my outfits herself. While I took a different path at university, I found part-time work in retail and began doing early social media work for local designers (which was still very new at the time!). Those experiences opened doors and eventually led to a dream role as the buyer for MUSE, a boutique curating international luxury brands, where I worked for seven years. During that time, I began building REBE, working on the brand in the evenings and weekends while managing my full-time role.

How would you describe your design philosophy in three words?

Modern, intentional, refined.

How do you want people to feel when they wear REBE?

I want our customers to feel like the best version of themselves - confident and at ease. My hope is that our pieces fit seamlessly into their everyday wardrobe, enhancing each day through considered design.

You are partnering with Partridge for your New Zealand Fashion Week debut. What about the Partridge brand do you feel aligns with the REBE ethos and what are you hoping to celebrate /bring to life as part of the partnership throughout show week?

It’s an absolute honour to partner with Partridge for our NZFW debut. Partridge’s commitment to quality, intentionality, and timeless elegance closely reflects the values we hold at REBE. Together, we’re bringing THE APARTMENT to life - an intimate, immersive penthouse space above Auckland that blends showroom, salon, and private residence. Every detail has been carefully curated to represent the best of Aotearoa luxury. I’m so excited to welcome our community and mark this next chapter for REBE in a way that feels both considered and distinctly us - made even more special by collaborating with a brand that shares our appreciation for thoughtful design.

What is on your wish list from Partridge right now, and why?

Right now, I’m loving Partridge’s Josie Two-Tone Bar Link chains - perfect for layering, a pair of classic gold diamond hoops, and the phenomenal Diamond Crossover statement ring (available at 80 Queen Street). All pieces are incredibly wearable, and I know I’ll continue to love them for years to come. 

Who is your dream person to dress?

Phoebe Tonkin. I love her understated elegance and the way she mixes classic and contemporary pieces. 

What brings you joy outside of work?

Spending quality time with my husband and whānau. I also love to travel! 

And finally, what is next on the horizon for the Rebe brand – what can we look forward to seeing?

We’re still in the early stages of our journey, so right now, growth - particularly international growth - is our biggest focus. Our seasonal residences have been such a special way to connect with our community, and looking ahead, we’re hoping to open something more permanent in the not-too-distant future. There’s so much I want to do with REBE - expanding into new categories, pushing myself creatively, and discovering new ways to connect. I’m excited to keep building and evolving. 

Photography by Holly Sarah Burgess.