New Zealand Fashion Week Showcases Resilience and Local Talent

New Zealand Fashion Week celebrated local talent and creativity, with a notable highlight being the debut of **Katherine Anne**, a brand focused on empowering women of all shapes and sizes. The event, which took place in early October 2023, underscored the resilience of the fashion industry in New Zealand, despite ongoing challenges faced by designers. The atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the importance of supporting local design and manufacturing.

**Katherine Anne**, founded by designer Katherine, emerged from her passion for fashion and her desire to create clothing that celebrates inclusivity. Her involvement in the **Kāhui Collective**, established by designer **Kiri Nathan** in 2017, played a significant role in her journey. The collective, which has grown to include over 40 Māori and indigenous designers, aims to foster community, provide resources, and promote cultural integrity within the fashion industry.

The opportunity to showcase at New Zealand Fashion Week arose as a result of Katherine’s long-standing commitment to the collective. She noted, “It felt like the perfect opportunity for this, and I was lucky to be one of the six designers to present in the show.” This collaboration reinforces the collective’s mission: “One lifts, we all lift.”

Katherine’s first memories of fashion involve playful dress-up sessions with vintage fabrics, which sparked her lifelong passion for clothing. She pursued textiles in high school and later studied at **Otago Polytechnic**, where she completed her honours degree. Influenced by her experiences, she aimed to create a brand that reflects her values as a designer, particularly in providing positive experiences for plus-size women.

The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of deadstock fabrics. Katherine explained, “There are already so many textiles in the world, and sadly, textile waste is one of the biggest issues in the fashion industry. Using deadstock fabrics is a way of working against that.” This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures that each piece remains unique.

Looking ahead, Katherine Anne plans to expand its offerings, including bespoke and made-to-measure services. Scheduled to launch in late October 2023, this service aims to create custom pieces that resonate with individual clients. “There’s something so rewarding about working closely with someone to bring their vision to life,” Katherine said.

Launching a fashion label in **Dunedin** presents its own set of challenges, particularly due to the geographical distance from major wholesalers and suppliers. Yet, the strong support network within the local fashion community has been instrumental in building the brand. Katherine has lived in **Ōtepoti** for 13 years and works from a sunlit studio in her home, which she describes as an inspiring space filled with natural light.

As she prepares for the release of part two of her “Heritage” collection, Katherine Anne is enthusiastic about reaching new audiences and ensuring plus-size women are represented both in her designs and throughout the fashion industry. She also plans to participate in various markets and pop-up events, further connecting with the community.

Katherine’s roots in the **Maniototo** region continue to influence her work. “The landscape there inspires a lot of my design work,” she noted, highlighting her connection to local culture. Katherine Anne’s designs are stocked at **Lohi**, a store in Ranfurly that champions local talent and offers a welcoming space for community interaction.

With a focus on growth and sustainability, Katherine Anne is poised to make a significant impact on New Zealand’s fashion landscape, advocating for inclusivity and local craftsmanship. The brand’s journey reflects a commitment to not only creating beautiful clothing but also fostering a supportive environment for indigenous designers.