After a three-year covid-induced absence, New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) is back in force for 2023. Regarded as the glittering jewel of Aotearoa’s fashion crown, the event will showcase the country’s greatest designers in a week-long extravaganza at the Viaduct Events Centre from Tuesday, August 29 until Saturday, September 02, 2023.
The first designers have just been announced for NZFW 2023. Local icons Kate Sylvester; Juliette Hogan; Kiri Nathan; Kathryn Wilson; NOM*d and Campbell Luke are all confirmed to be showing their latest collections on the runway in 2023.
“The fashion industry lies at the heart of New Zealand Fashion Week, and we are thrilled to announce the first line-up of incredibly talented, innovative, and world-class creatives from Aotearoa,” Yasmin Farry, general manager of New Zealand Fashion Week, said in a press release. “This high-calibre group is a true reflection of the bold vision we have to showcase inclusivity, innovation and creativity on the global fashion event circuit.”
Juliette Hogan says she is thrilled to be showing at fashion week this year. “I really appreciate the way a show pushes me and my team to be more creative, and it is so rewarding when all the hard work comes together with the energy and magic that only a show can really achieve,” she said. “New Zealand Fashion Week has definitely played an important part in the Juliette Hogan story and we are excited to be showcasing a summer collection at Fashion Week for the first time.”
Kiri Nathan will make history this year as the first Māori designer to open New Zealand Fashion Week. Nathan’s work connects traditional and contemporary Māori fashion and culture with the world.
“We are committed to social cohesion and the informed well-being of people and planet,” Nathan said. “The Kiri Nathan collection for New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 is based on the haerenga of fashion for Māori, from kākahu muka through to today and a look into the future. It’s an honour to be the first Māori designer to open NZ Fashion Week and we’ll be showing our respect to the Māori makers and weavers of kākahu and clothing based on environmental impacts.”
New Zealand’s premiere footwear designer, Kathryn Wilson, is celebrating 20 years of creating innovative, fashion footwear for her loyal fans. Her collection will include a special nod to the impressive anniversary of her premium brand.
“New Zealand Fashion Week is considered the pinnacle event for guests who love fashion and want to support local brands, so we’re thrilled to be back again this year, bringing our footwear to life with beautiful styling, up-lifting music and diverse models to create memorable experiences for customers,” she said.
Campbell Luke, the label of Dr Bobby Luke (Ngati Ruanui, Taranaki), aims to promote a greater understanding of indigenous design culture.
“New Zealand Fashion Week has become both nostalgic and opportunistic,” Dr Luke says. “Fashion Week has enabled designers a platform to showcase their work. Particularly, being able to share what is important to me and the narratives presented through a presentation of Collections.”
Margi Robertson, creative director of NOM*d says, has a long history with NZFW and says she’s excited to be part of the 2023 schedule.
“NOM*d has been involved with New Zealand Fashion Week since its inception in one way or another,” Roberston said. “We believe Fashion Week is an important cultural moment on the calendar and a great opportunity to present our latest collections, of course, but more than that, it is a chance for the wider fashion industry and fashion fans to come together and celebrate New Zealand creativity and support each other. We are excited to be joining the schedule for 2023.”
In addition to exhibiting the finest of the local fashion scene, NZFW 2023 is being revamped for 2023 in response to a changing world, with a key focus on sustainable fashion, inclusion and digital technology.
Traditionally a trade-only event, NZFW 2023 will have more opportunities for the public to attend more shows and experience the event alongside industry and designer guests than ever before.
The spectacular event will be held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre from August 29 to September 02, 2023. Tickets will be on sale from early July 2023. For more information, please visit nzfashionweek.com.
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