New Zealand Fashion Week Revamps for Public Engagement in 2025

New Zealand Fashion Week has made a significant comeback in 2025, shifting its focus towards public engagement after a three-year hiatus. This transformation is designed to make the event more accessible, allowing consumers to experience fashion in real-time rather than waiting months for collections to hit stores.

The inaugural New Zealand Fashion Week took place in 2001, founded by Elisabeth and Neville Findlay, who faced an unexpected challenge when no clothes racks were available for the show. Fashion journalist Hilary Alexander had to step in with a creative solution, showcasing the improvisational spirit that has characterized the event from its inception.

The fashion landscape has changed dramatically since then. The event was cancelled in 2024 due to economic uncertainties and a lack of designer participation. However, under new ownership by Vancouver businessman Feroz Ali and the management of Yasmin Farry, New Zealand Fashion Week returned to Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre in 2023, marking a renewed commitment to the fashion community.

Transforming the Fashion Experience

In 2025, the event has adopted a consumer-facing approach, with the majority of shows now being ticketed for the public. Designers will showcase in-season collections that are immediately available for purchase, creating a festival-like atmosphere. In addition to runway shows, the schedule includes a fashion film night, panel discussions, and clothing swaps, further engaging the community.

Dan Ahwa, a fashion journalist and stylist with over 20 years of experience, noted that despite challenges, the industry united to create a vibrant event. He highlighted the return of renowned designer Karen Walker, who is collaborating with Adidas for her first show at the event in a decade. “It’s an event that we can be proud of,” Ahwa remarked, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing Auckland’s retail and hospitality sectors.

New Zealand Fashion Week aims to celebrate local talent while also providing a platform for emerging designers. The event has waived the traditional participation fee of $10,000 for designers, ensuring that more creators can showcase their work. Most ticket prices start at around $80, making it a more accessible option for the public.

Comparing Global Fashion Weeks

While New Zealand Fashion Week embraces public access, other global fashion events maintain exclusivity. Emma Gaultier, a Parisian pattern maker now based in Auckland, noted that Paris hosts six fashion weeks annually, focusing on high-profile guests, including fashion editors and celebrities. Attendees at these events often need to secure exclusive invites, creating a different kind of allure.

The shift towards public participation in New Zealand aligns with trends seen at events like New York Fashion Week, which has also begun allowing more public access. Gaultier expressed her surprise at the increasing availability of tickets for New Zealand’s event, appreciating the unique atmosphere it creates.

Emerging label REBE is taking engagement a step further by inviting the community into its creative process. Rather than a traditional runway show, the brand is hosting a live campaign shoot, allowing fans to witness the behind-the-scenes work that goes into crafting a collection. Founder Rebe Burgess emphasized the importance of community, stating, “I like the fact that it is sort of letting people into our world.”

Zambesi, another cornerstone of the New Zealand fashion scene, will showcase its collection at the main hub, Shed 10. Elisabeth Findlay remarked on the satisfaction of sharing their creative vision with the audience, highlighting the continued effort that goes into each presentation.

As the event progresses, it is clear that community engagement will be a central theme. The final day of the week will feature a collaborative runway show showcasing design graduates.

With its renewed focus on inclusivity and local talent, New Zealand Fashion Week is positioning itself as not just a fashion event, but a celebration of creativity and community spirit in Auckland. This approach not only elevates new designers but also strengthens the connection between fashion and the public, creating an exciting new chapter for New Zealand’s fashion industry.