New Zealand Fashion Week 2026 continues to grow as new labels, shows and exclusive events join the extensive line-up.
Another day, another NZFW announcement.
It’s all go at NZFW HQ as the team prepare to present this year’s event, with the schedule now packed with drawcards.
NZFW is being being held from August 17–22 at Shed 10 on Auckland’s Queen’s Wharf. Its sister event in Christchurch has also just been announced.
The latest additions to the country’s top fashion showcase include Karen Walker’s return. The NZ designer was a playful highlight of NZFW 2025, with a high-energy runway show that included models on hobby-horses and hurdling obstacles.
This year Walker will partner with Lexus, adidas originals and Levi’s on an invite-only runway ‘adventure,’ being called ‘The Grand Tour.’
Chinese labels join the line-up
As part of NZFW’s commitment to being a platform to spotlight international talent, organisers have revealed a show called CHINA NOW. The showcase will celebrate contemporary Chinese design, featuring two renowned Chinese labels – Gu Axin and J by HO.
Kiwi accessories favourite Saben joins NZFW to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its perennially popular ‘Tilly’ handbag with a retrospective exhibition event.
Taking place next door to NZFW at The Cloud, Kiri Nathan is set to produce a landmark indigenous fashion programme with the inaugural New Zealand Indigenous Fashion Symposium, bringing together Indigenous designers, artists, cultural practitioners, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from Aotearoa, the Pacific and around the world for a week-long celebration of Indigenous creativity, innovation, commerce and cultural exchange.
Shopping platform THE ICONIC is staging its own show, bringing labels from its stable of designers including Christopher Esber, Paris Georgia, Deadly Ponies BLANCA, CLEA, One of Others, The Tales, Cendre to the runway in Auckland. The show will also feature looks from THE ICONIC’s own labels AERE and mínima esenciales.
Well-known Australian content creator and entrepreneur, Sophia Begg aka Sopha Dopha has been confirmed to speak at the Creators’ Assembly hosted by Showroom22.
Meanwhile, Kiwi clean beauty brand Aleph will be behind the makeup creation for many of the key NZFW shows. Founder Emma Peters heads an experienced team to deliver polish and radiant looks with its multi-tasking skincare and makeup products.
And if all that makes attendees a bit peckish, they will be very well catered to, as Daily Bread is the official food partner. The popular Auckland bakery and eatery is bringing its delicious baked goods (a spelt pretzel with goat’s cheese and hot honey is the snack we’re looking forward to!), salads and treats to the NZFW venue via a Daily Bread Pop-Up Café.
The best part is is, the public is invited to attend many events, with tickets available to purchase now via the NZ Fashion Week website.
