The event, aimed at shining a light on the fashion industry’s emerging and established talent, returns to Auckland this August after taking a break amid a challenging retail market last year.
Zambesi, Karen Walker, Juliette Hogan, Kathryn Wilson, and Kowtow are among the just-announced list of labels confirmed to be taking part.
The line-up confirmation is an exciting reinvigoration for the event, that will return in its new biennial format from August 25th– 30th. Shows will be housed in a new venue this year, at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront.
Zambesi is a long-time supporter of New Zealand Fashion Week, having delivered memorable and striking runway presentations at nearly every Fashion Week over the years. A notable return is Walker’s appearance on the list of those taking part, the first time in more than 15 years the label has presented on schedule.
Having recently announced a design partnership with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Rory William Docherty is back at the event following his solo debut in 2023, with a creative installation in neighbouring Britomart; while Kiri Nathan’s involvement will see her create a pou installation at Shed 10.
Glamourous Auckland label Knuefermann, designed by Turet Knuefermann, is marking 20 years of enduring success by returning to the NZFW 2025 schedule with a runway show at the Northern Club.
Auckland-based avante-garde mavens Taylor are also set to present an eclectic event on the official schedule and in another creative approach to taking part in the event, sustainable fashion label Kowtow will hosting a New Zealand designer label clothing swap.
Newcomers to the NZFW event include Rebe and Claudia Li, two exciting designers bringing an international design aesthetic to New Zealand fashion.
NZFW itself is presenting three key events during the week. Retrospective runway show Into The Archives will open the week’s proceedings, the show celebrating the event’s history by taking a looking back at over two decades of New Zealand fashion. Speaker series Beyond the Runway will see industry leaders discussing issues such as navigating the global fashion landscape, creating cult followings, and what it takes to build a thriving business. The end of the week will feature a Greatest Hits show, featuring the best looks of NZFW 2025.
Founded in 2001 by Dame Pieter Stewart, New Zealand Fashion Week was acquired in 2021 by businessman Feroz Ali. Earlier this year it was announced a new governing board had been appointed with the aim of taking a fresh approach to elevating local design while achieving commercial success for the event and its participants.
Earlier this month it was announced NZ automotive business Giltrap Group would be taking on naming rights for the event in a three year partnership.
To mark the announcement and celebrate the lead in to the 2025 event, an official campaign shoot has been created to further spotlight Kiwi fashion. The images feature a number of faces familiar in the local fashion scene and beyond. They include Adam Banoori, Carrie Berkey, Molly Dennis, Juliette Perkins, Kaarina Parker, Sophie Song, Vinnie Woolston and Yasmine Mohamud. The campaign was directed by NZFW Board Member and Creative Advisor Dan Ahwa and photographed by Mara Sommer.
Full list of participants
Those confirmed in the ‘first wave’ of shows and presentations announced:
Breast Cancer Cure Designer Showcase
Claudia Li
Juliette Hogan
Karen Walker
Kahui Collective
Kathryn Wilson
Knuefermann
Kiri Nathan
Kowtow,
Pacific Fusion
Rebe, Rory William Docherty
Sonnie
Taylor
The Keep
The Shelter
Untouched World
Zambesi
NZFW 2025 Tickets On Sale
Tickets for select shows are now available via the NZ Fashion Week website.
Fashion credits for images (top): Sophie Song wears Giulia Zigliani; Juliette Perkins wears Zambesi blazer, Ruby dress and Nicole Pollard earrings; Carrie Berkey wears Adrion Atelier jacket, Rebe skirt and Jasmin Sparrow earrings.
