From her base out of Auckland’s Shed 10, the main stage for New Zealand Fashion Week 2026, Head Dresser and Metropol’s correspondent Mima Lewis Gourdie wraps her favourite moments from the six-day schedule.
Day 1: Unlocking the archives of NZ Opera and Royal New Zealand ballet, NZFW creative director Dan Ahwa paired heavy operatic coats, corsetry and velvet gowns with pieces from New Zealand designers both current and archival. For this invite-only opening night show presented by premier car dealer Giltrap Group, guests sat flanked by supercars. The brief for models was “You’re an art groupie on a night out.” How fun!
Day 2: Canterbury-bred designer Caitlin Crisp opened the week at Shed 10, bringing ballet to the stage as RNZB principal dancers took to the runway. With tutus left and right, the gaps were filled with white and pink cottons in Caitlin’s signature feminine style – leaning into ruffles and a variety of pink florals in varying shades. Cantabrian influencer Ellie Haines (above) took to the runway.Day 2: “I’ve never graduated, this will be the only time I’ll be putting one of these on!” told a model to the backstage crew, as Twenty Seven Names capped and gowned models for their final walk, after a celebratory return to the runway for the brand’s 20th year.Day 3: Kathryn Wilson transformed the runway with back-to-back shows, showering the stage in ’50s Marilyn Monroe-esque glamour and Celine Dion saying she never lets a shoe size stop her. Models took the stage with big hair, feathered briefs and vintage Bendon lingerie, circa 1950. The soundtrack was full of fun and had the models bouncing down the runway in a selection of colourful and printed heels, leather boots, slides adorned in colourful stones and even feathered kitten heels.Day 4: Curated by renowned designer, Kiri Nathan, Kahui Collective offered a showcase of 15 indigenous designers from Aotearoa and the Pacific, and additional designers from across the globe. The runway was equally blessed by music legend and fashion enthusiast, Stan Walker, whose vocals supported a line-up of astonishing looks.Day 4: A Stan Walker favourite, art director and stylist Makaria Lee debuted her eponymous label BY KAI, with a focus on place and belonging, through soft tailoring and everyday staples. She truly played homage to her Fijian heritage, with performers from Fiji flown in to start the runway off with a traditional dance, before models started rolling out.Day 5: A fun show with real purpose, Breast Cancer Cure’s Fashion for a Cure sent 18 designer collections down the runway including NOM*d, Augustine, RUBY (opened by Christchurch model Tessa Taylor), Storm, Untouched World, Knuefermann and Moochi. It finished with a slumber party – models were all giggles backstage in their pink robes, fluffy slippers and short sets. I’m excited to see this show join the line-up, presented by The Crossing, at this year’s Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival at Te Pae, 16 October 2026.Day 5: At the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show, Ōtautahi’s own Morgan Bradshaw and her label, FUGAWI, opened this esteemed show in a showcase of tailoring and corsetry, bringing hessian, creams and a pop of pale pink to the runway. Bradshaw collaborated with another Ōtautahi local, Charlton Costume, to bring a blend of Victorian-Edwardrian era corsetry to the collection.Day 5: At the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show, Ōtautahi’s own Morgan Bradshaw and her label, FUGAWI, opened this esteemed show in a showcase of tailoring and corsetry, bringing hessian, creams and a pop of pale pink to the runway. Bradshaw collaborated with another Ōtautahi local, Charlton Costume, to bring a blend of Victorian-Edwardrian era corsetry to the collection.Day 6: Closing out NZFW 2026 was Viva presents Greatest Hits, a compilation of some of the greatest looks and brands that had showcased throughout the week. After a massive week backstage, I had the privilege of joining the audience and experiencing the final show, and what a joy it was.
