Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival will be held on November 7-9 and brings a taste of the annual Auckland fashion event to the South Island.
The festival will bring a plethora of fashion events to the city the weekend before the popular racing carnival NZ Cup Week with fashion shows, designer-hosted events and panel talks discussing fashion-related topics.
The new format event is the first year of a three-year partnership between New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) and ChristchurchNZ, with the aim of testing the waters for more fashion events in the city. Organisers say it will not only give locals the opportunity to engage with designers from around the country, but celebrate the city’s own fashion flair and creative spirit.
Christchurch-born Auckland-based designer Caitlin Crisp is one of the key highlights of the just-announced schedule for the inaugural event. Crisp will bring her feminine, romantic daywear and event dressing to the runway as the only large-scale solo show, debuting her Resort 2025 collection. The presentation, for 400 guests, will be held at the James Hay Theatre inside the Christchurch Town Hall.
For those keen on some of the country’s most buzzy, forward-thinking designers carving out their place in the industry, opening the event is a large-scale multi-designer show called ‘The New Guard’ also at the James Hay Theatre. The show will include pieces from sought-after Aotearoa designers including Harris Tapper, Claudia Li, Wynn Hamlyn, Adrion Atelier, Caitlin Crisp, Rebe and Rory Docherty. Hosted by shopping platform The Iconic and styled by top editorial stylist Dan Ahwa, the show will also include pieces from Australian labels LOVER and Minima Esenciales.
A celebration of the season is the intent for the other big show of the weekend. Called ‘The Spring Edit’ it will bring together some most popular and recognisable designers and labels in New Zealand fashion, with each brand choosing the looks and outfits in their own section. The show, presented by The George hotel will include Juliette Hogan, Kathryn Wilson, Karen Walker, Ruby, Kowtow, Knuefermann and twenty-seven names.
Further events include the launch of Shadow by Taylor, a limited edition signature scent by NZ fashion label Taylor and a parade of clothing at Lyttleton port, including presentations by Lela Jacobs, Evan Beijaen, F.B.P.D, PAGE JENSEN, Stephen parks aka 6×4 and Being Clothes.
NZFW owner Feroz Ali says the new festival builds on the success of this year’s NZFW held in August.
“Our aim is that this event – for our local designers, customers, media, partners and sponsors – is the first of many successful moments that celebrate New Zealand fashion across the country,”
For tickets, more details and further events, see the full schedule at nzfashionweek.com.
