We launched Ensemble in August 2020 with the aim of disrupting the local fashion and "women's interest" landscape - and bringing a perspective of intelligence and whimsy. We've only been around for five months, but we are so proud of what we have achieved so far - and proud to have worked with an Ensemble cast of incredible contributors, from writers to stylists, tech experts to photographers.
As we look ahead to what comes next for 2021, we wanted to reflect and share our most widely read, shared and engaged with stories so far - from personal essays on grief, relationships and self-esteem to unexpected investigative pieces. Keep scrolling for the full list of our top 12 most-read stories of the year.
We'd also love to know what you enjoyed most about Ensemble in 2020 - and what you want to see more of from us this year. Send us your feedback here.
Help support us in this work by becoming an Ensemble Member, where you can financially support us while receiving lots of designer perks and discounts throughout the year. For more on our membership program, click here.
12. We need to talk about fashion's waste problem
Conversations around sustainable fashion clearly resonate with our Ensemble audience, which makes us very happy! This well-researched essay from Rose Jackson of Collectors Anonymous looked at the wider, wasteful impact of fashion.
11. The aspirational age of fashion magazines is over
An insight into the reality of working at a mainstream fashion magazine, and the struggles that came with it.
10. It's not black and white: On relationships and cultural passports
A hard-hitting and honest piece from Carolyn Wadey-Barron about her relationship, identity and racism in Aotearoa.
9. On swimwear, size and finally feeling seen
Illustrator and creative Evie Kemp wrote this piece after seeing a fashion photo from Ruby - a reminder of the power of imagery on social media and beyond, and the responsibility we as media, and the fashion industry, have in showcasing positive and diverse messages.
8. The liberation of Zoë Bell
The multi-hyphenate reflected on life-changing past traumas, and new beginnings - interviewed over Zoom by film producer Mette-Marie Kongsved, and photographed in the beautiful landscapes of Zoë's new hometown of Colorado.
7. NZ fashion confronts culture of silence as fresh misconduct claims surface
A report from Ensemble and our friends at The Spinoff after concerns were raised about alleged patterns of inappropriate behaviour by two fashion photographers towards young women.
6. Where Auckland Central candidates like to spend their time (and money)
Remember when Auckland Central was one of the most contentious seats in the country? Eventually won by Green Party MP Chloë Swarbrick, we wanted to ask the three main candidates to share their version of the city.
5. On grieving
This extremely personal and moving essay by Saraid de Silva connected with many.
4. Chelsea Winstanley is ready to write her own story
One of our earliest stories and shoots: Oscar-nominated film producer Chelsea Winstanley interviewed by Stacey Morrison.
3. The most hair-raising quotes from Netflix doco The Social Dilemma
An SEO success story. The headline says it all really.
2. My husband is Samoan, so talofa
Ensemble co-founder Zoe Walker Ahwa raged at Judith Collins' comment during one of the 2020 election debates.
1. The Lonely descent into QAnon
Our investigation with David Farrier of Webworm exploring how a brand built on feminism has been shaken by QAnon, allegations of mistreatment of staff and a refusal to acknowledge Black Lives Matter.
What do you enjoy most about Ensemble? What do you want to see more from us in 2021? And what do you think is missing from local media? We'd love to hear your feedback - email us here
