As the sun dipped below the horizon and dusk settled over the Waitematā Harbour, OKAHU became the backdrop for an evening of celebration highlighting the collective achievements of Aotearoa’s fashion industry. The setting was one of pure splendour, as guests entered through what is typically Kelly Tarlton’s daytime exit, which had now been reimagined as an immersive underground tunnel installation. Awash in blue light and cascading drapery, the transformation set a tone of cinematic grandeur from the moment they arrived. But, of all the evening’s polished arrivals, none were quite as refined as our esteemed panel of judges, who made a suitably stylish entrance in a chauffeured fleet of vehicles courtesy of Lexus.
Beyond the entryway, a carefully constructed world reminiscent of an editorial shoot awaited. Conceived and designed by artist and OKAHU director/owner Sarah Jayne Kavali (with furniture by Flock Events) the evening was a masterclass in immersive storytelling – one that brought the very essence of Fashion Quarterly to life. Champagne flowed courtesy of Moët & Chandon and wine by Rockburn delighted discerning palates, while DJ Mac Mylo set the tone for the evening with the perfect celebratory soundtrack. In the crowd, designs by both emerging and established New Zealand talent could be spotted, proudly worn by guests who had embraced the brief with their most striking interpretations of black tie. Everywhere you turned there was something joyful to behold. Think flickering candle light, ocean views and pure fashion fantasy.
Before the awards officially began, the industry’s best and brightest were invited to step into the spotlight with Samsung’s Style Check cover experience, capturing their own moment of editorial glamour using the new Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 to create a digital FQ cover worthy of any newsstand. At the bar, guests were also able to choose between a delectable selection of mocktails or Roku gin cocktails, brought to life by Schweppes’ Indian Tonic and Classic Soda Water.
As the clock hit 7pm, Fashion Quarterly’s editor in chief and publisher Sarah Murray, and host Laura McGoldrick made their way onto the stage, and the moment our finalists had been waiting for had arrived. The atmosphere was electric as each category was announced, and the winners took to the stage to accept their awards. The categories ranged from Rising Star to Sustainability Initiative of the Year, showcasing the diverse talent within Aotearoa’s fashion community. This year’s finalists represented the bold and the brilliant – the artists, makers, and innovators redefining the future of fashion in Aotearoa.
Once the final award had been announced and applause faded into clinking glasses, there was only one thing left to do: celebrate. But the night still had one final flourish. As the ceremony wrapped up, the second issue of the Fashion Quarterly Daily broadsheet was rolled out on a luggage trolley courtesy of Cordis Hotel, offering guests a tangible keepsake from an evening already etched in memory. With coats and awards in hand, guests were treated to a final indulgence: a late-night slice of pizza in custom-designed boxes, alongside gift bags filled with restorative and radiant La Roche-Posay skincare serums and Two Islands Electrolyte⁴ for the morning after.
As the lights dimmed over OKAHU, it was clear that the FQ Fashion Awards had yet again achieved their goal: celebrating the brilliance and creativity of New Zealand’s fashion industry in a style that would be remembered for years to come.
2025 HALL OF FAME
Rising Star brought to you by Newmarket Business Association:
Amélie
Bag Designer of the Year:
Yu Mei
Footwear Designer of the Year:
Commonplace Essentials
Jewellery Designer of the Year:
Alice Herald
PR Person of the Year:
Tatum Savage
Visionary Vanguard of the Year brought to you by Schweppes:
Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa
Fashion Writer of the Year:
Emma Gleason
Content Creator of the Year brought to you by PH Digital:
Lauren Brodie
Stylist of the Year brought to you by Bared Footwear:
Rachel Morton
Photographer of the Year brought to you by Samsung:
Guy Coombes
Videographer of the Year:
Greta van der Star
Make-up Artist of the Year brought to you by Dermalogica:
Lochie Stonehouse
Hair Stylist of the Year brought to you by Joico:
Danny Pato
Model of the Year brought to you by Rabanne:
Isabella Moore
Contribution to Pacific Fashion:
Ohn
Contribution to Māori Fashion:
Noa Blanket Co
Sustainability Initiative of the Year brought to you by Kowtow:
Untouched World
People’s Choice Award brought to you by La Roche Posay:
Oosterom
The Emerging Designer Award brought to you by The Shelter:
Natalie Robb of Amélie
Fashion Retailer of the Year brought to you by One Music NZ:
Ruby
Lifetime Achievement Award brought to you by Lexus:
Kate Sylvester
Designer of the Year brought to you by Dulux:
Claudia Li
Photography: Katie Begbie and Hope Patterson
*This award was the brainchild of The Shelter’s Vicki Taylor who wanted to offer a designer an opportunity to showcase their collections at The Shelter. As part of their emerging designer program, The Shelter will place the brand alongside NZ labels like JimmyD and international designers such as Rick Owens and Issey Miyake. The award (valued at $6000) will give a 6 month contract to Natalie Robb of Amélie to display her collection at The Shelter. She will also have the opportunity for a window display, a brand led in store activation, and get help from The Shelter to promote Amélie on their social media and database, while also providing mentoring support across all functions required to run a successful brand. Two 2-hour strategy sessions with the Head of Strategy at PH Digital, valued at up to $6000. These sessions are tailored to support the emerging fashion designer in setting a clear digital direction, from identifying the right platforms and tools, to understanding how to structure campaigns that drive awareness, engagement, and conversion. She will also receive a 12 month road map, and a three month PR retainer from Someday Studios valued at $20,000 and a media package with Fashion Quarterly valued at $50,000.
