New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) has unveiled the first wave of designers confirmed for its 2025 programme, marking a bold new chapter for the country’s premiere fashion event as it returns to Tāmaki Makaurau this August 25 – 30.
Leading the line-up are industry heavyweights Juliette Hogan – who is set to present the first solo show of the week – as well as NZFW stalwarts Zambesi and Kathryn Wilson. They join Karen Walker, who announced her return to the official schedule for the first time in over 15 years earlier this year.
This announcement signals a confident reboot under NZFW’s refreshed leadership team, who earlier this year promised a renewed vision focused on local design, consumer engagement and commercial impact.
The week will also see a number of designers participating in a format outside of the traditional runway show. Rory William Docherty will return to NZFW with a creative installation in neighbouring Britomart, while Kiri Nathan will create a striking pou installation (carved wooden posts placed on the land in places of significance) at Shed 10 and Kowtow will host a New Zealand designer label clothing swap.
Adding further momentum to the schedule are two fresh names: Rebe and Claudia Li. Both designers will show at NZFW for the first time, bringing their distinctive aesthetics to New Zealand fashion’s biggest stage.
Other confirmed designers include Untouched World, Taylor, Kahui Collective, The Keep, Sonnie, The Shelter and Knuffermann – who will hold a 20th anniversary celebration show. Also returning is the crowd-favourite group show Pacific Fusion, alongside the introduction of the Breast Cancer Cure Designer Showcase.
NZFW owner Feroz Ali says it’s “heartening” to see the realisation of the board’s renewed vision through this first wave of announcements.
“The NZFW 2025 team have worked hard to curate a family of designers and sponsor partners who we believe embody the reimagined energy and purpose of New Zealand Fashion Week,” says Ali.
In addition to the designer-led presentations, NZFW will host a series of its own events throughout the week. Opening the programme is ‘Into the Archives’, a retrospective runway highlighting over two decades of Aotearoa fashion history. The Beyond the Runway speaker series will bring together industry leaders to discuss topics ranging from international expansion to sustainable growth. Finally, Greatest Hits, a closing night celebration, will feature standout looks from across the week.
As always, the next generation of New Zealand designers will also be given their moment to shine with the Future of Fashion showcase presented by DHL, the university Graduate Collections and Raise Up’s Walk the Line for secondary school students.
Alongside this announcement, NZFW revealed its first campaign in over five years, photographed by Mara Sommer and directed by board member Dan Ahwa.
Featuring eight models – including Fashion Quarterly Spring 2024 cover star Sophie Song, Juliette Perkins, Adam Banoori and Carrie Berkey – the campaign aims to reflect the energy and inclusivity of the event’s next chapter.
Tickets for select shows are now available for purchase, giving the public an early opportunity to secure their spots. Additional tickets and show details will be released in the coming weeks.
