What 40-plus years in fashion has taught NOM*d’s Margi Robertson
This article profiles Margi Robertson, co-founder of the Dunedin-based fashion brand NOM*d, reflecting on its 40-year history and legacy. Established in 1986 during the Dunedin Sound era, NOM*d became known for its distinctive 'dark, arty, clever and cool' aesthetic. The brand gained international recognition in 1999 when it was invited to showcase at London Fashion Week, marking a significant 'coup' for New Zealand fashion. Notable collections include the 2002 range influenced by Soviet culture and the controversial 'Don’t Shoot' collection presented in Auckland and New York in 2004. In 2026, NOM*d celebrated its 40th anniversary with a runway presentation at New Zealand Fashion Week, marking its first such event since 2016. Robertson emphasizes the importance of personal connections and trust in her business philosophy, highlighting her contributions to both fashion and the arts.
Margi Robertson, co-founder of the iconic Dunedin-based fashion label NOMd, reflected on a career spanning over four decades during a recent appearance at the New Zealand Fashion Week. The event marked the brand's 40th anniversary, celebrated with a much-anticipated runway showcase in August 2026, its first since 2016. Robertson, alongside her long-time partner Chris, has played a pivotal role in shaping the distinctive "Dunedin look," characterized by its dark, artistic, and intellectually charged aesthetic. The brand emerged during a transformative period in New Zealand's cultural landscape, coinciding with the tenure of Prime Minister David Lange and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Founded in the early 1980s, NOMd became synonymous with the Dunedin Sound, a movement that blended punk, post-punk, and alternative music with a distinctly Kiwi sensibility. The brand's influence extended beyond fashion into broader cultural discourse, helping define a generation's visual identity. By 1999, NOMd was among the "New Zealand four" selected to present at London Fashion Week, marking a major breakthrough for Aotearoa designers. This achievement earned the brand support from key government agencies including Wools of New Zealand, Trade New Zealand, and Brand New Zealand, further solidifying its place in the global fashion narrative. Throughout its history, NOMd has consistently pushed boundaries, releasing collections that challenged conventional norms. The 2002 "Red" collection drew inspiration from Soviet culture and constructivist design, incorporating reworked vintage furs and Cyrillic prints reminiscent of Russian propaganda. The brand continues to sell pieces featuring bold motifs such as monsters and skeletons, reflecting a lasting fascination with the aesthetics of the past. In 2004, the "Don't Shoot" collection made waves, being showcased on runways in both Auckland and New York, cementing NOMd's reputation as a forward-thinking force in contemporary fashion. In 2026, NOMd returned to the New Zealand Fashion Week runway, signaling a renewed commitment to the brand's legacy. The event saw Robertson and her sister Liz Findlay, co-founder of Zambesi, reunite on stage. Both women grew up in a household deeply rooted in craftsmanship, shaped by their Greek-born mother, Zinovia Gladiadis, who was originally from Russia and later migrated to New Zealand with their Ukrainian father. Robertson was born in Central Otago before moving to Dunedin, where she remained throughout her life. Alongside Chris, she continued to operate NOMd and manage the boutique Plume, established in 1978. The retail experience provided her with invaluable insights into customer relationships, emphasizing the importance of trust and personal connection. Robertson expressed pride in the brand's 40-year journey, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs along the way. She described the passage of time as both surprising and inevitable, noting that the brand's evolution has been defined by continuous learning and meaningful milestones. Her reflections were part of a broader conversation with The Spinoff, where she offered candid thoughts on contemporary issues, personal values, and life lessons. Among her responses, she highlighted kindness and forgiveness as essential qualities, while expressing skepticism toward wealth and popularity. She also emphasized the importance of humility and sincerity, traits she believes are often overlooked in modern society. As NOMd continues to evolve, its future remains tied to the enduring legacy of its founders and the creative vision that has guided it for nearly half a century. The brand's upcoming projects and collaborations remain under consideration, with plans to maintain its unique position within the global fashion landscape. For now, the focus remains on honoring the past while embracing the possibilities of the future.
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This article profiles Margi Robertson, co-founder of the Dunedin-based fashion brand NOM*d, reflecting on its 40-year history and legacy. Established in 1986 during the Dunedin Sound era, NOM*d became known for its distinctive 'dark, arty, clever and cool' aesthetic. The brand gained international recognition in 1999 when it was invited to showcase at London Fashion Week, marking a significant 'coup' for New Zealand fashion. Notable collections include the 2002 range influenced by Soviet culture and the controversial 'Don’t Shoot' collection presented in Auckland and New York in 2004. In 2026, NOM*d celebrated its 40th anniversary with a runway presentation at New Zealand Fashion Week, marking its first such event since 2016. Robertson emphasizes the importance of personal connections and trust in her business philosophy, highlighting her contributions to both fashion and the arts.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural and historical aspects of a fashion brand and does not present politically charged content or biased perspectives. It provides a balanced overview of NOM*d's achievements and legacy without taking a clear ideological stance.
Why factuality (85): The article discusses NOM*d's history and achievements, referencing specific collections like 'Red' and 'Don't Shoot', and mentions events such as showing at London Fashion Week. These details align with the primary source document which references the 2002 collection and the brand's presence at fas
Why objectivity (80): The article presents NOM*d's history and legacy in a positive light, focusing on its influence and success. While it provides a balanced overview of the brand's contributions to New Zealand fashion, it occasionally uses emotionally charged language such as 'legendary' and 'rattled New Zealand fashio
The SpinoffIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 658/21/2026
Greatsouth, a Māori musician based in New Zealand, has released his debut album 'Hellhole of the Pacific,' which blends Māori cultural elements such as taonga pūoro (traditional instruments) with alternative rock. The album challenges New Zealanders to re-examine national narratives and identity. Greatsouth, whose real name is Payton Taplin, grew up in Papakura, South Auckland, and draws inspiration from both his Māori heritage and experiences in the global music scene, including a trip to Amsterdam for a music academy program. His music reflects a fusion of traditional and contemporary influences, aiming to highlight the richness of Māori culture within modern contexts. The article describes his creative process, personal background, and the significance of his work in the local music scene.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses cultural expression through music and does not take a clear stance on political issues. It focuses on the artistic and cultural aspects of Greatsouth's work rather than any political controversy or debate. There is no evident bias toward one side of a political spectrum.
Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed description of Greatsouth's appearance, performance environment, and mentions his new album 'Hellhole of the Pacific' and upcoming tour. It references his role as a musician, father, and fiancé, and his work in communications. While there is no primary source document,
Why objectivity (65): The article has a descriptive and somewhat promotional tone, focusing on the atmosphere and visual elements of the scene. It uses emotive language to convey the cultural significance of the music and the setting, which may lean toward a more engaging narrative rather than strictly objective reportin
A fire has broken out at a property in Dunedin, New Zealand. The incident is currently under investigation, and authorities are working to determine the cause and assess any potential impact on the surrounding area. No immediate reports of injuries or significant damage have been released. Emergency services have been dispatched to the scene.
Bias read (Center): The headline presents a factual event without apparent bias or slant. As a report on a local emergency, it does not take a clear ideological stance. The subject matter, fire safety and emergency response, is generally non-controversial, though it could involve local governance if public policy or city
Why factuality (70): The article reports on a fire incident in Dunedin, stating it is under investigation with no immediate reports of injuries or damage. This information is factual but unrelated to the primary source document about NOM*d's 2002 fashion show. There is no overlap in content between the two sources, maki
Why objectivity (85): The article maintains a neutral tone, providing basic facts about the fire without expressing opinion or emotion. It does not favor any particular perspective and simply reports the event as it stands, which contributes to its higher objectivity score.
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