RAVEN + ROSE recently hosted an intimate lingerie event at The Shelter in New Zealand, the home country of its founder, Jasmine Smith.
RAVEN+ROSE is for those who play with the unexpected—who choose chunky boots over high heels, silver studs over diamonds, soft-bondage over soft lace, and bedhead over perfect curls. They linger at the edge of classic femininity, embracing minimalism with clean lines and an androgynous flair.
Rather than following the traditional industry model of launching a new collection, the brand curated an evening that was dedicated to introducing the ‘WHY’ behind RAVEN+ROSE—highlighting the brand as both an art form and an ethos.
Jasmine Smith founded RAVEN+ROSE to celebrate edgy, unapologetic bodies while embracing their sensuality—without relying on push-up bras or padding. She believes in the beauty of the natural female form and aims to enhance its curves rather than reshape them to fit traditional ideas of sexiness.
From New Zealand to Hong Kong and now living in Australia, Jasmine draws inspiration from her homeland’s dark, understated fashion aesthetic and her urban experiences in Asia. This unique blend shapes a lingerie range that captures the provocative, non-conventional allure of modern women.
Jasmine recognises that some women exist on the fringes of mainstream style, and it’s these individuals her designs speak to. RAVEN+ROSE celebrates edgy comfort, symbolising both the dark intellectual and the sensual, blooming aspects of femininity. It strikes a perfect balance between these two dynamic forces, offering a collection that is both a complementary blend and a beautiful contradiction.
Explore the RAVEN + ROSE collection at The Shelter
Explore the RAVEN + ROSE collection at The Shelter
The event created a platform to inspire thoughtful discussion around femininity. A select group of Auckland’s key opinion leaders from the fashion industry, including Together Journal editor and founder Greta Kenyon, were each given a conversation card at the start of the evening and asked to read it aloud. As they enjoyed Gin Martinis made with Rouge Society Gin, courtesy of Scapegrace, and personalised their lingerie sets with hand embroidery, the evening sparked meaningful dialogue around beauty, femininity, and sexuality.
Explore the RAVEN + ROSE collection at The Shelter
Explore the RAVEN + ROSE collection at The Shelter
As the evening unfolded, the intimate atmosphere fostered a sense of connection and openness. Conversations flowed freely, challenging conventional perceptions of lingerie. Women candidly discussed the rebellious nature of their bodies, societal expectations, and the desire to express their sexual identities.
RAVEN + ROSE hosted this thought-provoking event at ‘The Shelter,’ with the aim of shaping a new narrative around femininity—one that embraces creativity and pushes boundaries with a bold edge.
The gathering underscored a powerful message: to move beyond the sexual scripts dictated by society and media, we must come together and collectively redefine the future of femininity.
It was a truly special experience to be part of. The media community in New Zealand is close-knit, and it was refreshing to step away from the usual commercial realm we often find ourselves in and connect in a more intimate, shared space, bonding with each other on a deeper and more feminine level.
As the evening drew to a close, the palpable Femme energy remained—a powerful reminder that the journey of self-expression and empowerment is one to be celebrated.
Here’s to redefining femininity—one stitch at a time!
Side note: the Raven and Rose lingerie is perfect for honeymooners—sensual, stylish, and feels amazing to wear. We’re hooked here at Together Journal and will be returning for more sets!
Available in New Zealand at The Shelter and follow along at @ravenandrose.
