New Zealand Fashion Week has announced that it will be returning to Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Square from 30th August – 5th September 2021.
According to a press release, organisers embrace the coronavirus sub-trend by digitally amplifying runway shows to reach a larger audience.
Over four days, the best of New Zealand’s fashion will be on display, followed by the public-facing two-day celebration for Fashion Weekend.
The decision to revive the event was taken after positive feedback from sponsors, partners and designers, according to Dame Pieter Stewart, founder and managing director of New Zealand Fashion Week.
“The primary objective of New Zealand Fashion Week has always been to support the wonderful creative industry, designers and partners who are fundamental to its success,” said Dame Stewart. “The impact of COVID-19 on the fashion industry has been severe, with many of our designers facing an unprecedented challenge. We know New Zealand Fashion Week is an important platform to promote our wonderful industry and we promise to work more closely with local fashion leaders than ever before.”
New Zealand Fashion Week Returns after Coronavirus
NZFW indefinitely postponed this year’s event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A disappointing decision, as plans were underway to celebrate 20 years of the event. But Dame Stewart believes that “New Zealand fashion will come out of this stronger.”
“Next year will be the 20th anniversary of New Zealand Fashion Week – and we look forward to staging a phenomenal event that showcases the best of our local designers.”
“While online platforms have become much more important to designers, digital events cannot take the place of the excitement, emotion and buzz generated at live gatherings, or the value of interacting directly with the consumer and I expect going forward that designers will hold their customer at the centre of their promotions”.
The news of New Zealand Fashion Week’s return has been warmly welcomed by fashion leaders, who highlight its importance as a promotional and commercial platform for the local industry.
“New Zealand Fashion Week is the centrepiece of our local fashion industry. It is hugely important not only to the designers but also to our photographers, stylists, media, creatives, publicists and make-up artists. It has a fundamental role in supporting a significant chunk of our creative industry, and we’re very pleased to hear it will return in 2021.” — Elisabeth Findlay, Zambesi
Last year New Zealand Fashion Week consisted of more than 50 events for over 100 designers and was attended by 30,000 people.
Full details on the event programme, sponsor line-up and activation plans will be unveiled early next year.
Stay with The Last Fashion Bible for more New Zealand Fashion Week news.
Main image Paris Georgia courtesy of NZFW.
