Rory William Docherty is returning to New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) for 2025 with a week-long pop-up installation in Auckland’s vibrant Britomart, bringing his unique vision to the country’s premier fashion event. Known for his distinctive approach that blends artistic sensibility with everyday wearability, Docherty’s work is a testament to the power of authentic design.
In this exclusive interview, Docherty shares the creative process and inspirations behind his new collection, his upcoming international debut at London Fashion Week and how his brand remains relevant through a commitment to seasonless, slow fashion.
Your new collection is set to be a highlight of NZFW. How does it feel to be back on the runway, and what’s the main feeling you want the audience to take away from the show?
It feels deeply grounding and energising to be part of NZFW again. This is where I first felt that powerful sense of possibility and connection with my creative community. I want people to walk away with an emotional connection, to feel both inspired and seen and to understand the care and authenticity that goes into every piece.
Every one of your collections starts with an original painting. Can you walk us through how a piece of art becomes a beautiful garment?
My process is rooted in storytelling, so each painting becomes the DNA of the collection. It informs the palette, texture, and mood, which then translate into fabric choices, prints, and silhouettes. Every garment is essentially a continuation of that original artwork.
Your clothes are often described as “poetic but practical.” What does that mean to you, and how do you make sure your artistic vision is also wearable for everyday life?
For me, it is about emotional resonance meeting real-world utility. I want people to feel something when they wear my clothes, but also to live in them, not just keep them for special occasions. The craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure each piece has longevity and functionality.
What inspires you most about New Zealand’s unique landscapes and urban environments, and can we see any of that in your new collection?
NZ is where I feel most grounded, from the quiet drama of the landscapes to the creative pulse of our cities. That duality always makes its way into my work, whether it is through colour stories, fluid silhouettes, or unexpected textural contrasts.
You’re taking your brand to London Fashion Week soon. How has the support and energy from NZFW helped you get ready for that big international step?
NZFW was the beginning of my journey towards this milestone. It gave me not only a platform but a sense of grounding and possibility. The support of the local fashion community has been instrumental at every stage, and I would not be preparing for London without that foundation.
You recently collaborated with the Royal New Zealand Ballet to create costumes for Shaun James Kelly’s Chrysalis. How does working with other creative people push you as a designer?
Designing for Chrysalis challenged me to think about movement and storytelling in a new way. Collaborations like this open up different creative muscles and often spark unexpected ideas that feed back into my fashion work.
Your brand is built on the idea of “seasonless slow fashion.” How do you keep your designs feeling fresh and new without following the traditional fashion calendar?
By focusing on authenticity and emotional connection rather than trends. Each collection evolves naturally from the last, with new stories and details emerging from my ongoing creative process.
Don’t miss the Rory William Docherty Creative Installation at Britomart, August 25-30.
Stay with The Last Fashion Bible for all the latest New Zealand Fashion Week news.
