Articulate Episode 22: Dayne Johnston

Wednesday, 8 July 2026

What makes a piece of clothing truly well made?

In this episode of Articulate, fashion designer Dayne Johnston joins me for a conversation about creativity, sustainability, and the future of fashion in Aotearoa.

After spending 20 years at Zambesi and now as the head designer at Kowtow, Dayne has seen the industry evolve through changing trends, shifting consumer habits, and growing awareness of fashion’s environmental impact.

We talk about what first drew him into the world of fashion, how he thinks about clothing as a creative practice, plus what Kowtow is doing to tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges.

(For any listeners who made it to the end of the episode and are curious about Kowtow’s spring/summer collection for 2026, it’s called Prospect Sky and launches at the end of July. More info: kowtowclothing.com)

What is Articulate?

Articulate is a culture-focused interview series. Each fortnight, we welcome in a creative guest to explore ideas, challenges, and conversations shaping the arts.

New episodes are released for streaming every other Wednesday at 4pm (NZST) on thepost.co.nz/articulate, and then on Thursday at 4pm on YouTube and Spotify.

Connect with me on Instagram: instagram.com/andre.chumko

Guest and episode ideas, or general show feedback, please email me: andre.chumko@thepost.co.nz