Meet Estelle Dippie, the founder and Brand Director of Commonplace Essentials.
Estelle has shaped Commonplace Essentials into a brand built on thoughtful design, quality and longevity. Her collaboration with McKinlays, the only footwear label still crafted in New Zealand, reflects those same values through simple, well-made silhouettes that stand the test of time. Together they have created much-loved styles such as the Anderson Slip On, Popham and Glasto Boot, combining craftsmanship and modern design in a way that feels distinctly New Zealand.

Continue reading to learn more about Estelle’s journey in fashion, her inspirations and what drives her creative vision.

What was the idea behind and the process of starting the collaboration between McKinlays x Commonplace?

The collaboration began very organically. I grew up in Dunedin, and the McKinlays have always been close family friends. Since the beginning of Commonplace Distribution, Dave McKinlay has been incredibly generous with his insight into the footwear business through his many years of experience. When we launched our in-house apparel brand, Commonplace Essentials, a few years later, we knew we wanted to do a collaboration with McKinlays.

McKinlays Footwear is an incredible business with such a strong heritage of craftsmanship. As a brand, Commonplace Essentials is centred around responsibility and timeless design, so it was an easy partnership. Together, we wanted to reimagine classic silhouettes from their archive with subtle updates - keeping the integrity of New Zealand shoemaking while bringing it to a contemporary audience.

How did you begin your journey in fashion?

I spent a lot of time working in retail and assisting with buying while I was at university, and absolutely loved learning about range building - how to curate the perfect range and what goes into producing and sourcing premium product. After university, I worked agency-side in public relations for various fashion and lifestyle brands.

After NZ Fashion Week, what excites you about the NZ design scene right now?

There’s a great energy in New Zealand design at the moment - so many brands are taking a unique point of view and doing things differently, and doing them really well. What excites me most is seeing designers embrace our local industry through the re-energised Fashion Week programme, while still maintaining global relevance.

Do you feel there’s something unique about the NZ woman that influences your designs?

Definitely. The New Zealand woman values ease, practicality, and utility - but she also has a quiet confidence in how she dresses. She invests in pieces that will last and work across multiple aspects of her life, and she cares deeply about fabrication and function. That sensibility is at the heart of Commonplace Essentials.

What does an average day in your life look like?

I like to start each day with some form of movement - whether it’s running, Pilates, or the gym - followed by coffee and emails (living in London means my inbox is already full when I wake up). From there, my days can vary between creative work - sketching, reviewing samples, shooting content - and the operational side of running a business.

Who or what outside of fashion do you look to for ideas?

I draw a lot from design, architecture, interiors, and nature. Clean lines, subtle textures, and the way spaces can make you feel often influence how I think about clothing and footwear. Living in such a creative city is also a constant source of inspiration - observing how people live and dress across different London neighbourhoods always sparks new ideas.

Three things you can’t live without (apart from shoes)?

My phone (eeek), fresh flowers, and a gold bracelet gifted to me by my mum.

Is there one piece of your current collection that feels especially close to your heart this season?

The Anderson Slip-On from the McKinlays collaboration is particularly special. It’s a simple silhouette, but it represents everything the partnership stands for - timeless, functional, and crafted with integrity.

How do you hope women feel when they wear your styles?

Confident, comfortable, and themselves. I want our pieces to give a sense of ease - like they’ve always belonged in your wardrobe.

How would you describe the woman the collaboration is designed for?

She values quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability, and she’s intentional about what she wears. She gravitates toward pieces that quietly speak for themselves and that she knows will stand the test of time.

What’s next for you and your brand?

Alongside continuing to build on our collaborations with McKinlays, we’re excited to be launching a standalone Commonplace Essentials footwear line next autumn/winter. It will take a slightly more elevated and experimental approach to complement both our apparel range and the McKinlays collaboration - think bold loafers, sleek boots, and playful ballet flats. Best of all, you’ll be able to find them at Head Over Heels from February.