DIANE BURKHARDT // OWNER & DESIGNER AT THE CUPBOARD 

What began as an early childhood penchant for making clothes for herself and her siblings, owner Diane Burkhardt has shared and turned into a lifelong passion for delighting, inspiring and empowering women to look and feel amazing and comfortable in their own skin.

Training as a patternmaker and grader before joining The Cupboard team in 1997, it was not long before she launched her own eponymous label, eventually taking ownership of the business in 2006. With over 30 years’ experience in the fashion industry, Diane is becoming a rarity among modern designers in that she is fully immersed in the creative process, personally creating her garments all the way from conception, through to pattern making and fabric cutting in her studio workshop located in Auckland. This distinction in production right from the start means that making garments to measure is a seamless part of The Cupboard philosophy.

RYAN TURNER // BY RYAN TURNER 

Auckland based designer, Ryan Turner originates his designs from unisex/androgynous clothing that is heavily focused on deconstructing social attitudes towards clothing (both literally and ideologically) and their gender roles. The range caters to people of all gender, age and size. His apparel focuses on the balance of personal comfort, intertwining the bellowing draperies of luxurious fabrics with strong structures and bold silhouettes. His range offers new and innovative garments that push the boundaries of "commercial" fashion, whilst maintaining a high level of functionality.