On a crisp autumn evening, Fashion Quarterly and Lexus came together to host another intimate and inspiring edition of our Let’s Talk series. Building on the themes explored in a shoot featured in our Autumn ’26 issue, the evening invited guests to reflect on power, precision, and purpose.
Attracting a passionate and engaged group of women, The Hotel Britomart’s Papuke Room was swiftly filled with cheerful chatter as drinks were poured and platters were passed through the crowd. Our guests mingled and admired the stunning floral installations by Kensal that filled the ever so stylish space.
For this edition, iconic fashion designer Karen Walker led a compelling conversation with fashion designer Kiri Nathan, fine artist and designer Bec Snelling, and FQ editor-in-chief Sarah Murray. Arriving in style courtesy of Lexus, our panelists were chauffeured to the venue in two striking hybrids – the Lexus RZ 500e Dynamic and the Lexus NX450h+ – setting thee tone for an evening that celebrated drive in every sense of the word.
Once on stage, our panelists shared the pivotal moments, mindset shifts and lessons that have defined their journeys. From staying grounded in fast-paced industries to pushing through setbacks with grit and clarity, the panel offered honest insights into what it means to lead with purpose today.
Let’s Talk: take home notes
The evening unfolded as a deeply personal and thoughtful conversation around leadership, creativity, and resilience. Across fashion, media, and design, each panellist reflected on the realities of building something meaningful — and the determination required to sustain it.
A recurring thread throughout the discussion was the idea that power is rarely loud. Karen Walker framed it as the ability to remain calm and clear-headed amid chaos, while the panel collectively explored how confidence often comes not from certainty, but from continuing forward even when improvising. Kiri Nathan spoke candidly about the importance of community and whakapapa in giving her the courage to lead fearlessly, while Sarah Murray reflected on the responsibility that comes with shaping narratives in media and championing New Zealand fashion through Fashion Quarterly. Bec Snelling noted that “a strong foundation takes a long time to build”, also touching on the strength found in discernment, boundaries, and knowing when to say no.
Precision also emerged as something far more nuanced than perfectionism. The conversation moved beyond technical excellence into the emotional weight of maintaining high standards across their fields. The panel discussed the the tension between meticulousness and the freedom to let go. There was an honesty to these reflections that resonated deeply: the acknowledgment that precision can be both a strength and a burden, and that some of the most meaningful growth comes from moments of imperfection.
As the evening turned toward purpose, the discussion became increasingly introspective. Rather than treating purpose as a business strategy or buzzword, each panellist spoke about it as something deeply personal — a guiding force that shapes decisions, values, and creative direction over time. The conversation touched on sacrifice, legacy, and the challenge of remaining aligned with your vision even as external pressures evolve. Particularly moving were reflections on what the next generation of creative women in Aotearoa might inherit: not just careers or businesses, but examples of resilience, cultural integrity, and possibility.
While it would be impossible to capture every moment from the evening, what lingered most was the generosity of the conversation itself. There was vulnerability, humour, honesty, and a shared understanding that success is rarely linear.
Inside the goody bags…
Our generous partners from Glasshouse Fragrances, BePure, Bouf, No7, ghd and Shadey Cosmetics ensured our guests went home with plenty of goodies. Alongside a copy of Fashion Quarterly’s Autumn ’26 issue, our guests received Glasshouse Fragrances Car Diffuser in A Tahaa Affair, Be Pure’s soon to be released NMN 1000mg powder, Bouf’s bestselling Flouf Factor Growth Leave-In Mask, No7’s Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum 30ml, ghd’s Rehab Split End Sealer Cream, and Shadey Cosmetics viral Peel Off Lip Stain.
Acknowledgements
A huge thank you to our principal sponsor Lexus for making this incredible evening possible. We also thank our brilliant panel host, Karen Walker, for steering the conversation, and to our wonderful guest speakers for sharing their experiences: Kiri Nathan, Bec Snelling, and Sarah Murray
And to our sponsors who made this evening so special: The Hotel Britomart, Kensal Flowers, Glasshouse Fragrances, BePure, Bouf, No7, ghd and Shadey Cosmetics – thank you.
Photography: Felix Jackson.
