The Pop-Up That Wasn't Even Open Yet

So, here's a sentence I did not expect to type this month: I am, officially, Mode Mischief LA's first customer.

Let me back up.

I knew Mode Mischief had just set up a pop-up in New York and were heading to LA next … I'd been quietly stalking their Instagram for weeks (no shame). The maths didn't work though. I was flying out Friday, they weren't opening until Saturday. So close. I made peace with missing it.

Then on Wednesday, completely unrelated, we found ourselves wandering down Melrose Ave. "Let's just go have a look," I said, in the tone of someone who definitely wasn't going to buy anything. The space wasn't even open yet - windows still being dressed, team mid-set-up for launch day. And I happened to be wearing one of their tops.

Across the road, someone clocked it. Next thing I know I'm being waved over by Mia and her team, mid-install, asking how on earth I had one of their pieces on in LA. Cue full OMG-OMG, slightly-too-excited Morgan, getting the full story of what was about to open three days early. Honestly, a little starstruck doesn't begin to cover it.

The bit I still can't quite believe
They invited me back Friday - my last day in LA - to shoot some content and shop before the doors even officially opened to the public on Saturday. So that's how I became LAX's actual first customer. I have no notes. Ten out of ten trip moment.

Why this one's personal for us
We carry Mode Mischief already, so this isn't a "look at this cool brand" post - it's a "this is genuinely our people" post. Mode Mischief was built by Mia on a lifelong love of design and art, with a mission to push fashion forward thoughtfully. Timeless wardrobe staples with a "mischief" twist, drawing on contemporary and vintage influences. They design for real bodies, real femininity, real wear - which is exactly the brief we set ourselves every time we choose what goes into the hire range. A cool Aussie label making real waves in the US, and a small Kiwi hire business with genuine ties to it; it's a proud-cousin kind of feeling.

And here's the bit I'm most excited about: we already have Mode Mischief pieces in our hire range already … but there's more on the way as we're working on bringing in an "elevated everyday wear" extension in time for Spring/Summer 2026.  Not just occasion dressing, but the kind of considered, well-made pieces you'd actually reach for on a normal Tuesday. Watch this space.

The sustainability bit (because it matters here)
Mode Mischief leans into small-run, quality-over-quantity production, which is basically the same instinct that built our entire business model. Hiring already extends a garment's life by giving it more outings (just 9 extra months of wear can cut its footprint by 20–30%), so when a brand like this lands in our range, it's a genuinely good match, not just a good photo.

Hire it now
The Maxi Melt Panel in Moonwater Silver and Liquorice Black, and the Melt Panel Dress in Limoncello, are available to hire right now - no waiting required. Shop the Mode Mischief range here: https://dresshirenz.co.nz/collections/mode-mischief

And if you want to be first to know when the elevated-everyday extension lands for Spring/Summer 2026, keep an eye on our Instagram. In the meantime, if you're torn between two looks, Plan B lets you pick two and decide on the day (30% off the total), and PTO means you can try before you commit. No guessing required.

Choose it. Wear it. Return it. Easy!

love M