This year’s event returns after a three-year hiatus under new ownership and is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 29th August until Saturday, 2nd September 2023 at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.
What makes this year’s fashion week different?
In response to global changes within the fashion industry, the NZ Fashion Week 2023 event will provide designers’ opportunities to present collections that are best suited to their business model and audience in an inclusive and innovative platform. “This year we are prioritising increasing the presence of Māori fashion designers, industry led panel discussions and networking sessions – we’ll share details of our programme in June,” says general manager of New Zealand Fashion Week Yasmin Farry.
“NZ Fashion Week has evolved to a consumer and trade hybrid model, with an expanded public programme offering more opportunities for the public to connect with designers and their collections during the full week which we are really excited about.”
“Our long-term vision for NZ Fashion Week is to be a leading, globally recognised fashion, arts and culture event and we’re working hard to make this a reality. The priority for NZ Fashion Week remains to respond to, empower, and collaborate with the ever-changing and dynamic industry landscape, which has seen a change to buying habits and the way designers connect to their customers over the last few years. In collaboration with the industry, NZ Fashion Week has evolved to offer a more sustainable, inclusive and flexible platform in order to prioritise a premium and high-profile environment that stimulates sales and promotion across Aotearoa and beyond,” she adds.
Which designers will be there?
Among the talented designers who will be showcasing their latest collections at New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 are Kiri Nathan, Kathryn Wilson, Kate Sylvester, Campbell Luke, Juliette Hogan, and NOM*d.
For Kate Sylvester, who was the first designer to sign on for the new-and-improved 2023 show, this year marks her brand’s 30 year milestone.
Designer Juliette Hogan says she is thrilled to be showing at fashion week this year. “I really appreciate the way a show pushes me and my team to be more creative, and it is so rewarding when all the hard work comes together with the energy and magic that only a show can really achieve.
“New Zealand Fashion Week has definitely played an important part in the Juliette Hogan story, and we are excited to be showcasing a summer collection at Fashion Week for the first time,” she says.
Juliette Hogan.
Who will be opening New Zealand Fashion Week?
The organisers confirmed that Kiri Nathan will open New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 – the first Māori designer to do so. “The Kiri Nathan collection for New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 is based on the haerenga of fashion for Māori, from kākahu muka through to today and a look into the future,” says co-founder Kiri Nathan.
What can we expect from this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week?
Yasmin Farry, general manager of New Zealand Fashion Week, says “the fashion industry lies at the heart of New Zealand Fashion Week.”
“This high-calibre group is a true reflection of the bold vision we have to showcase inclusivity, innovation, and creativity on the global fashion event circuit.”
In addition to the runway shows, New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 will also feature a range of seminars, workshops, and exhibitions. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the latest fashion trends, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the creative process of some of New Zealand’s most celebrated designers.
The event is also an opportunity for emerging designers to showcase their work and gain exposure in the industry. This ensures that the event has something for everyone, from established designers to up-and-coming talent.
New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 promises there will be a wider focus on sustainability, innovation, inclusivity, and digital technologies to support the evolving circular fashion ecosytem in Aotearoa.
The traditionally trade-only show will also be a more consumer-friendly one – allowing the general public the chance to attend more shows than ever before.
Tickets for the 2023 event will be on sale from early July 2023.
