Kaleo Designs is a Kerikeri-based boutique clothing brand bringing the colour, culture, and stories of New Zealand to life through wearable design.
Founder Christine drew inspiration from her upbringing in Hawai‘i, where Aloha shirts are more than clothing; they’re a vibrant expression of place, identity, and lifestyle. Recognising a gap in New Zealand for something equally meaningful, she set out to create a Kiwi equivalent.
Hawai‘i has Aloha shirts. Here, we have Aroha shirts.
Each Kaleo piece begins as original artwork by a New Zealand artist, transforming stories of people, place, and culture into distinctive, limited-edition prints. From graphic designers and tattoo artists to traditional Māori carvers, every collaboration brings a unique perspective on what makes Aotearoa special.
One of the latest releases, Surf Northland, captures the essence of the region’s coastal lifestyle. Designed by Kerikeri-based artist Erika Pearce, the print is inspired by her love of Northland’s iconic beaches, from Waipū Cove to Matauri Bay. The result is a piece that doesn’t just look like Northland, it feels like it’s beaches.
At its heart, Kaleo is about more than clothing. It’s about connection and creating pieces that carry a sense of place, and sharing that feeling with others.
