On Wednesday evening, the world outside Morningside’s Glasshouse venue fell away as our community’s attention was turned to the collective achievements of Aotearoa’s fashion industry. Friends, colleagues, and finalists gathered in anticipation of who would be named the very best in their category. The invitation read: “Aotearoa produces some of the finest fashion creatives. Let’s celebrate them” – and celebrate we did. The venue was dressed immaculately with deep fuschia and red florals by Floral Stylist Co. and furniture by Flock Events; there was a chrome runway created by Rilee’s where a spring/summer show curated by stylist Courtney Joe would follow; and wine by Villa Maria, Moët & Chandon, and Almighty mocktails that flowed. Upon arrival an activation by Belvedere Vodka provided a coat check, cocktail and caviar bump.
Plinths lined the edges showcasing Shark Beauty’s innovative styling tools, as well as Butter Butter’s very instagramable cake creations. Crocs lockers also held a position allowing guests to slip into comfortable party shoes where they could not only embellish their new shoes with FQ Jibbitz™, but also dance freely to the upbeat tunes provided by Jupiter Project. Everywhere you turned there was something joyful to behold. In the crowd, New Zealand designs, both new and emerging, could be sighted on guests who had pulled their strongest looks for the cocktail/black tie dress code. Some, even, designed by people present in the room. In the months that preceded, hundreds of nominations came through, some from the public, some self-nominated, prompting those hoping to advance to submit a portfolio of work to be assessed by our external team of judges. Amanda Linnell, David K. Shields, Katherine Lowe, and Zeenat Wilkinson cast their discerning eyes over the applications, assessing them against a series of stringent criteria.
Before the clock struck 7pm, Fashion Quarterly’s editor in chief and publisher Sarah Murray, and host Wilhelmina Shrimpton 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. It was a night that not only honoured the achievements of today but also inspired the possibilities of tomorrow. The inaugural FQ Fashion Awards set a high standard for the future, leaving everyone excited for what’s to come next year. As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the FQ Fashion Awards had 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.
2024 HALL OF FAME
Accessory Designer of the Year: Jasmin Sparrow / Kathryn Wilson
Content Creator of the Year: Jessie Kirk
Contribution to Māori Fashion: Kiri Nathan
Contribution to Pacific Fashion: Nora Swann
Designer of the Year: Rory William Docherty
Writer of the Year: Isabelle Truman
Hair Stylist of the Year: Danny Pato
Lifetime Achievement Award: Zambesi
Make-up Artist of the year: Kiekie Stanners / Raeesah Sacha
Model of the Year: Jordan Daniels
Photographer of the Year: Olivia Kirkpatrick
PR Person of the Year: Murray Bevan
Rising Star: Rebe Burgess
Stylist of the Year: Natalie Cantell
Sustainability Award: Kowtow
The Shelter Emerging Designer Award*: Adrion Atelier
*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 Adrian Williams of Adrion Atelier to display his collection at The Shelter. He will also have the opportunity for a window display, a brand led in store activation, and get help from The Shelter to promote Adrion Atelier on their social media and database, while also providing mentoring support across all functions required to run a successful brand.
