The first confirmed designers have been announced for New Zealand Fashion Week 2019 (NZFW19) and it’s an exciting mix of established designers and top emerging brands.
Kate Sylvester, Zambesi, Maggie Marilyn, Stolen Girlfriends Club, footwear maven Kathryn Wilson, Adrian Hailwood, Adhala Lenzo, Olli, Wicken, Jockey, Havilah and Starving Artists Fund have all confirmed that they will be showing at NZFW in September.
Project Runway winner Benjamin Alexander will also be showing, allowing the full breadth of his talent in contemporary womenswear to be showcased.
“We can’t wait to host our solo show at NZFW,” says Alexander. “It’s the first time we have been able to completely control the experience of Benjamin Alexander and offer a glimpse into the world we are creating for the brand.”
This is a big year for Zambesi, as the iconic local label celebrates 40 years as fashion-forward stalwarts of the New Zealand fashion industry, and whose edgy, outside-the-box design aesthetic never fails to carry through to their unmissable runways.
“We are very much looking forward to presenting a show that reflects the significance of 40 years of Zambesi, made in New Zealand,” said Zambesi co-founder Elisabeth Findlay.
Celebrated for her sustainable luxury collections, Maggie Marilyn has quickly emerged as a global leader in the sustainable fashion conversation. Founded by Maggie Hewitt, her pieces are both empowering and optimistic; she believes that style and sustainability should co-exist.
“This will be our debut show globally,” says Hewitt. “We believe in a fashion industry that is regenerative and inclusive. This has inspired our collection and will be clearly visible in our NZFW 2019 show. Expect to see beautiful clothing and walk away with new insight into how the clothing was made and the sustainable fabrications we’ve used.”
Founder and managing director of NZFW, Dame Pieter Stewart, is “thrilled with the calibre of the designers, buyers and brands already on board for New Zealand Fashion Week this year and there are many more to come,” said Stewart in a press release.
NZFW19 is focusing on supporting sustainability, inclusivity and business success in the New Zealand fashion industry.
“We’re passionate about playing a leading role in addressing social issues and encouraging the fashion industry to improve its social impact,” said Stewart.
“And as always, New Zealand Fashion Week provides a unique environment that allows local designers to shine, both creatively and in business, building and supporting an innovative and forward-thinking fashion community.”
For the first time in 15 years, NZFW returns to Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Square. “New Zealand Fashion Week is heading back to where it all began,” said Stewart.
“The bustling arts and culture precinct is at the heart of Auckland city, and the close proximity to the city’s most popular retail spaces and iconic destinations — such as Queen Street, K’ Road and Ponsonby — means the event will be more accessible than ever.”
The beautifully preserved Town Hall, completed in 1911, and Aotea Square, opened in 1979 by Sir Dove-Myer Robinson, have been a hub for cultural and community events across many generations.
The full line up of designers is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out on the Last Fashion Bible for updates on all things NZFW19.
