COUNTRY FLAIR

The hills, land, and country-living inspire the timeless jewellery and accessories of Whistle & Pop.

Whistle & Pop was founded just four years ago by entrepreneur Bex Hayman who lives on a beef, sheep, and cropping farm up the Hakataramea Valley near Kurow with her husband and their three young children. This personal connection to rural New Zealand is the main ethos behind the company’s creations which tend to find favour with those who share that common bond.

“I started the business end of 2017 after hanging up my boots on my country-music singing career and moving to the station as a new bride. I am a very creative person and founded Whistle & Pop as a way to express my creativity through jewellery and accessories. I literally love, live, and breathe Whistle & Pop. I love it so much; it’s my fourth baby,” Bex says.

Bex and the team design everything from top quality 100 per cent wool hats to utterly unique ties, scarves, and an extensive range of jewellery pieces, shepherd’s whistles, and cattle tags. Whistle & Pop’s pieces all have exceptional practicality and style that can be worn in both town and country.

In these four short years, the business has grown to become one of the country’s largest rural-focused jewellery brands and has seen constant expansion and even more passionate members added to the team.

Bex thinks the key to the success of Whistle & Pop is the growing desire for lifestyle goods and services that focus on the rural market. The best way to help communicate this unique identity is by using local people and making the most of our amazing rural landscape, which they are so lucky to live in. Interns help keep the brand real, fresh, and elegant.

“We love adding our little bit of country flair to everyone,” she says.

Aside from the headquarters on the station, the brand is only available online, but they are currently working towards being available in a select number of outlets in both the North and South Islands by 2022.

whistleandpop.co.nz

CHARMED

New beginnings inspire the Emergence Collection from Black Matter. The form and textures resemble a leaf, symbolising growth, transitioning from one season to the next. Black Matter is statement jewellery for people who value style, quality, and ethically made products. blackmatter.co.nz

WELL-HEELED

Jo Mercer Jessa High Heel, $199.95, jomercer.com.au The Seventies called, and raffia is back. Is there a better way to express your natural style than with these Jessa High Heels by Jo Mercer? Leather lined and set upon a high stacked heel, the raffia vamp is the real eye-catcher here. The price point plus the style versatility make a perfect match, and the delicately woven design will take you effortlessly from day to night. STYLE TIP Pair these with an all-white look to look crisp and clean for your next event. WHO Sarah, Marketing Manager at Fashion Society

WHERE Fashion Society at The Crossing

WHY WE LOVE THIS LOOK This ensemble from Fashion Society will have you feeling like you are the life of the party. The fun shades in this Leo Lin dress serve as the perfect pairing for more muted toned accessories like the heels in off-white that feature the most feminine leather ankle wrap. Keeping with the coral palette is the purse with just enough space to fit your phone, plus some lippy to refresh the look.

CRAVE

These snakey stunners will have heads turning. With the brilliant butterfly frame and sneaky snake detail, these are perfect for bursting into spring with lots of style. Inspired by Bulgari’s extraordinary jewellery design, this collection boasts uncompromising quality and brilliant attention to detail. An expression of elegance and refinement, Bulgari designer sunglasses blend sophistication and intriguing style into an extraordinary luxury. BVLGARI 8241, $1,302, bulgari.com

THREAD CRED

Leo Lin Flamingo Silk Linen Dress $1049, Ba&Sh Paris Celly Heel $729 ATP Montalcino Cachetta Bag $699, Jasmin Sparrow Treasure (gold/pearl) earrings $749, Gucci GGO650SK 003 Gold Brown Sunglasses $689 Visit Fashion Society online fashionsociety.co.nz or in-store at The Crossing and Merivale.