Now in its third year, the FQ Fashion Awards has cemented its place as the most anticipated evening in New Zealand’s fashion calendar. Born from a desire to shine a light on the extraordinary creative talent shaping Aotearoa’s fashion industry, the awards have grown into something truly special — a night that honours not just designers, but the entire ecosystem that brings fashion to life: the photographers, stylists, writers, makers, models, and visionaries who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
“After two incredible years we know exactly what this night is about: celebrating the creative minds who make our fashion industry what it is,” says Sarah Murray, editor in chief and owner of Fashion Quarterly. “We’ve kept most of the same experienced judging panel and the same categories that sparked so much excitement, building on what works. These awards exist for the designers, makers, and visionaries — and this year, we’re celebrating them louder than ever.”
This July, get ready as the red carpet rolls out once again
The categories
Spanning 21 categories across fashion and design, creative direction, and fashion media and communications, the FQ Fashion Awards recognises excellence at every level of the industry. This year, both the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Rising Star Award have been extended to recognise all creatives and brands across the fashion industry — not just designers — reflecting the awards’ commitment to honouring the full breadth of Aotearoa’s creative talent.
The process
Nominations are open to everyone — whether you’re a fashion professional, a devoted industry observer, or someone who simply wants to champion a talent they admire. Nominees submit a portfolio of work to be assessed by our external judging panel against a stringent set of criteria covering success in their given category and their contribution to New Zealand fashion.
Once the marking is completed, FQ Editor in Chief Sarah Murray facilitates a roundtable discussion with the panel to work through the results — ensuring every voice is heard before the final winners are determined. So, support your favourites, and have your say.
Nominations close 22 June 2026. Click here to nominate.
Category One: Fashion & Design
From the runway to the retail floor, these are the makers, creators, and visionaries
building the future of New Zealand fashion one collection at a time.
Designer of the Year
The force shaping New Zealand fashion
2025 winner: Claudia Li
2024 winner: Rory William Docherty
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Footwear Designer of the Year
Because great shoes change everything
2025 winner: Commonplace Essentials
2024 winner: Kathryn Wilson
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Jewellery Designer of the Year
Crafting the pieces we’ll treasure forever
2025 winner: Alice Herald
2024 winner: Jasmin Sparrow
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Bag Designer of the Year
Carried by everyone who knows
2025 winner: Yu Mei
2024 winner: N/A
Best Contribution to Māori Fashion
Honouring Māori identity through fashion
2025 winner: Noa Blanket Co.
2024 winner: Kiri Nathan
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Best Contribution to Pacific Fashion
Championing Pacific craftsmanship
2025 winner: Ohn
2024 winner: Nora Swann
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Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Leading the way for the industry
2025 winner: Untouched World
2024 winner: Kowtow
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Fashion Retailer of the Year
Making a space worth showing up for
2025 winner: Ruby
2024 winner: N/A
Emerging Designer of the Year
The new voice we’ll all be talking about
2025 winner: Natalie Robb of Amélie
2024 winner: Adrion Atelier
Category One Judges
Annabel Davidson
Annabel Davidson has spent over two decades writing about the global jewellery industry for the likes of British Vogue, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times.
Dan Ahwa
Dan Ahwa is a leading creative director, stylist, and journalist with more than 20 years of experience. He is currently FQ’s contributing fashion editor-at-large.
Tatum Savage
Tatum Savage works with founder-led brands across fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shaping stories that resonate with purpose and authenticity.
Category Two: Creative Direction
Behind every great fashion moment is a team of extraordinarily talented individuals — the photographers, stylists, hair artists, make-up artists, and videographers who bring it all to life.
Stylist of the Year
Behind every great image, there’s a stylist
2025 winner: Rachel Morton
2024 winner: Natalie Cantell
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Fashion Photographer of the Year
Framing New Zealand fashion at its finest
2025 winner: Guy Coombes
2024 winner: Olivia Kirkpatrick
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Model of the Year
The face defining fashion
2025 winner: Isabella Moore
2024 winner: Jordan Daniels
Fashion Videographer of the Year
Bringing fashion to life in motion
2025 winner: Greta van der Star
2024 winner: N/A
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Hair Stylist of the Year
The finishing touch that counts
2025 winner: Danny Pato
2024 winner: Danny Pato
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Make-up Artist of the Year
Elevating every shoot and show
2025 winner: Lochie Stonehouse
2024 winner: Kiekie Stanners / Rae Sacha
Visionary Vanguard
Designing the future of fashion
2025 winner: Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa
2024 winner: N/A
Category Two Judges
Chris Sisarich
Chris Sisarich is a multi-award-winning photographer based in Auckland whosen personal work has been exhibited in galleries across NZ, Australia, and the U.S.
Ngahuia Williams (Ngāpuhi, Ngāitupango)
Ngahuia Williams is a photographer and creative with more than two decades in the fashion industry as a model, mentor — and formerly director of N Management.
Leisa Welch
Leisa Welch is an acclaimed Auckland-based make-up artist with decades of experience across fashion, editorial, and commercial projects.
Category Three: Fashion Media & Communications
The storytellers, the communicators, and the digital voices
keeping New Zealand fashion in the conversation.
Fashion Writer of the Year
Giving fashion the story it deserves
2025 winner: Emma Gleason
2024 winner: Isabelle Truman
Fashion PR Person of the Year
The behind-the-scenes powerhouse
2025 winner: Tatum Savage
2024 winner: Murray Bevan
Content Creator of the Year
Making fashion impossible to scroll past
2025 winner: Lauren Brodie
2024 winner: Jessie Kirk
Category Three Judges
Zeenat Wilkinson
Zeenat Wilkinson is the founder and creative director of Sauce — a platform dedicated to championing diverse voices — and a multidisciplinary creator.
Lucy Slight
Lucy Slight brings 18 years of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle journalism experience across Australasia’s most iconic titles. She is currently FQ’s beauty editor.
Amanda Linnell
Amanda Linnell is a freelance writer, editor, and publicist. She spent 15 years as editor for Viva, working at the forefront of New Zealand’s lifestyle and fashion media.
Our Most Prestigious Honours
One looks back on a career that has shaped an industry. The other looks forward to one that will. Together, they are the heart of the FQ Fashion Awards and are judged by the whole panel.
