The runway returns: NZ Fashion Week is back
New Zealand’s fashion industry and sartorial spirit will awaken after years of a rocky, uncertain future from 25 August.
Thanks to a team of determined creatives and generous supporters, New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) returns to Auckland with six days of shows and exhibitions for an industry deprived of this event since 2023.
Celebrated local designer Juliette Hogan will present the first solo show for NZFW 2025, whilst the legendary Karen Walker is back on the schedule after a 15-year hiatus. Kathryn Wilson and her effervescent edge; cult brand Zambesi; the iconic silhouettes of taylor, and Augustine’s vibrant colours – expect a homecoming of local fashion. Joining them on the schedule are shows, presentations and installations from
Kiri Nathan, Harris Tapper, Rebe, Claudia Li, Yu Mei, Jasmin Sparrow, Adrion Atelier, Kāhui Collective, Untouched World, Knuefermann, and Rory William Docherty.
The week of festivities spotlights emerging and student designers alongside sustainable fashion initiatives and a debut designer showcase from charity Breast Cancer Cure. Add to that the crowd favourite Pacific Fusion Fashion Show, a ‘best looks’ double-offering, archival exhibitions, a speaker series, the Ensemble Fashion Film Festival, and this is a triumphant return. NZFW owner Feroz Ali, says it’s “heartening” to see the realisation of the team’s vision brought to life.
The official NZFW 2025 campaign depicts what the renewed priorities on local design and commerical success aims to present. Directed by NZFW Board Member and Creative Advisor Dan Ahwa and photographed by Mara Sommer, “The NZFW 2025 campaign is in step with the times. Nothing overly-pretentious or intimidating.
It’s simply about celebrating the feeling of fashion, whether it’s one of joy or empowerment,” Dan says. Casting for the campaign was a challenge – “How do you find the one face that represents this new era of NZFW?” Dan asks. Eight unique talents were selected to represent local fashion now and in the future.
