New Zealand Fashion Week has just announced the indefinite postponement of the 2020 event as a result of COVID-19.
According to a press release, founder Dame Pieter Stewart made the decision “after consultation with local fashion designers and in consideration of recent public health developments.”
“We want to make the right decision that supports the wonderful creative industry, designers and partners who are very close to us. Individually, many of them are hurting already — and I wish each one of them the best during this trying time,” said Dame Stewart.
“I have no doubt in my mind that we will come out of this stronger — we need to look out for each other, love and care for our colleagues, and look for new ways to reinvent ourselves in the future.”
The NZFW team believes most sponsors and partners are supportive of a shift in date. At this time, no further decision has been made in terms of timing or event format, however, will be made in full consultation with the New Zealand fashion community.
New Zealand Fashion Week is the latest casualty in a long list of local and international events being cancelled due to COVID-19. In Australia, MBFWA and the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival had both been cancelled. Here in New Zealand, iD Dunedin Fashion Week announced they will be moving the International Emerging Designer Awards online.
“We will use this time to sharpen what we already have planned and streamline our approach,” said Dame Stewart. “The fashion industry will bounce back, and we will be ready. Our unwavering support for our local designers has not dimmed, and we look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of New Zealand Fashion Week when the time is right.”
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