On a crisp winter evening, Fashion Quarterly and Lexus came together to host another intimate and inspiring edition of our Let’s Talk series. Building on a shoot featured in our Winter ‘25 issue, this evening invited guests to pause and reflect on a compelling question: What drives you?
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. The blustery weather outside was quickly forgotten as our guests mingled and admired the stunning floral installations by Blush Flowers that filled the ever so stylish space.
For this edition, FQ editor-in-chief Sarah Murray led a compelling conversation with iconic fashion designer Karen Walker, gallerist Elle Föenander, and Auckland Design Week founder Jen Jones. Arriving in style courtesy of Lexus, our panelists were chauffeured to the venue in two striking hybrids – the Lexus RX 450h+ in Titanium and the Lexus NX 450h+ in Sonic Copper – setting the 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 What Drives You: take home notes
As expected, a standout thread throughout the evening was the idea of drive – what fuels it, how it evolves, and what to do when it feels depleted. All three panellists spoke candidly about the challenges of staying energised in industries that demand both vision and endurance. Karen reflected on decades of creative leadership and the mindset shifts that come with experience. For Elle, it’s about championing emerging artists and finding meaning beyond the market. Jen acknowledged the behind the scenes demands of building Auckland Design Week from scratch and the importance of surrounding yourself with a team who wholeheartedly believe in your vision.
The panel didn’t shy away from vulnerability either. Setbacks were reframed not as failures but as recalibrations or lessons in resilience and boundary-setting. Karen shared how she carves out space to protect her creativity in a high-pressure, fast-paced brand environment, as well as how she navigated her business through a pandemic. Elle spoke movingly about the importance of staying rooted in your purpose, while Jen candidly admitted that “a totally unproven belief that it would work; paired with absolutely no backup plan for what I’d do if it didn’t” got her through the first year of Auckland Design Week.
While we’re barely scraping the surface on the breadth of topics and questions that were explored, we felt confident that everyone in the audience identified with one or more of our panelists’ journey’s. We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated, raised their hand, and gave us their time. From the outset we have always maintained that our FQ Let’s Talk series is not just an event, but a testament to the strength that emerges when women come together to support and uplift each other.
Inside the goody bags…
Our generous partners from Revitalash, Be Pure, 200 Doors and Silky Otter ensured our guests went home with plenty of goodies. Alongside a copy of Fashion Quarterly’s Winter ‘25 ‘Nesting’ issue, our guests received Be Pure’s Magnesium Restore capsules, Revitalash Cosmetics revolutionary Revitalash Advanced eyelash conditioner, Dermalogica’s Biolumin-C Serum travel, a Skintopia voucher, and a complimentary movie ticket from Silky Otter.
Acknowledgements
A huge thank you to our principal sponsor Lexus for making this incredible evening possible. We also thank our brilliant panel host, Sarah Murray, editor in chief of FQ, for steering the conversation, and to our wonderful guest speakers for sharing their experiences: fashion designer Karen Walker, gallerist Elle Föenander and Auckland Design Week Founder Jen Jones.
And to our sponsors who made this evening so special: The Hotel Britomart, Blush Flowers, Revitalash, Be Pure, 200 Doors and Silky Otter – thank you.
Images: Katie Begbie.
