Image of Nicole Saunders, editor and journalist.
Image of Nicole Saunders, editor and journalist.

Hello! Kia Ora! I’m Nicole Saunders, an award-winning editor, journalist & creative based in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

For almost two decades, I’ve been storytelling, strategising, and styling for New Zealand’s leading lifestyle media brands. 

As the former editor of Fashion Quarterly, I led the publication’s relaunch, grew its audience, and scooped several awards in the process. Previously, I was at the helm of the luxury publication STYLE and the beauty and style editor for MiNDFOOD

I entered the industry when glossy magazines reigned supreme, but as the media landscape has evolved, so has my skill set. Today, my expertise spans the spectrum of traditional and new media. My work has taken me to Tokyo, Austria, Abu Dhabi, and beyond to direct and style editorial shoots. Along the way, I have collaborated with global brands including BMW, Louis Vuitton, La Mer, and Dyson.

I am currently based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, with my partner and two young children.

MINDFOOD BEAUTY EDITORIAL. BEAUTY EDITOR AND STYLIST NICOLE SAUNDERS.
FASHION QUARTERLY COVER FEATURING MODEL MANAHOU MACKAY. EDITOR NICOLE SAUNDERS.
MINDFOOD STYLE FASHION EDITORIAL SHOT IN FIJI BY HANNAH RICHARDS, EDITOR NICOLE SAUNDERS
FASHION QUARTERLY STILL LIFE EDITORIAL SHOT OF PRADA AND DIOR BY BELINDA MERRIE. EDITOR AND CREATIVE DIRECTION NICOLE SAUNDERS
MINDFOOD STYLE FASHION EDITORIAL SHOOT SHOT IN DEEP ELUM, TEXAS
FASHION QUARTERLY SUMMER 2021 ISSUE FEATURING GEORGIA FOWLER IN GUCCI. EDITOR NICOLE SAUNDERS.
MINDFOOD STYLE EDITORIAL SHOOT SHOT IN DUNEDIN BY STEPHEN T.ILLEY. EDITOR NICOLE SAUNDERS
FASHION QUARTERLY BEAUTY BY PHOTOGRAPHER STEPHEN TILLEY. EDITOR & STYLIST NICOLE SAUNDERS.

What I do

  • I’m drawn to thought-provoking storytelling that adds depth and nuance to conversations. I like using words to explore the intersection of culture, wellness, beauty, and style, and I love interviewing intriguing people shaping the world in interesting ways.

    While style and beauty are my editorial roots, my work includes automotive reviews, travel features for Travel + Leisure, and human-interest storytelling.

    You can explore some of my published work here.

  • I bring years of editorial experience to brand storytelling. I have an intimate understanding of what readers respond to and what makes brands resonate with their desired audiences.  

    Brands I have worked with and created content for include Estée Lauder, La Mer, L'Oréal, La Prairie, H&M, Samsung, Dyson, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, BMW and Jaguar.

  • From concept, casting, and location to styling and art direction, I've worked across the entire process for New Zealand's leading lifestyle titles and for commercial clients. With a keen eye for detail and an in-depth understanding of bringing visual stories to life, I collaborate with clients to develop custom solutions that stand out in a crowded marketplace. .