Following the first-look designer announcement back in May, New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) presented by Giltrap Group has now confirmed its complete 2026 lineup. The event returns to Shed 10 at Auckland’s Queen’s Wharf from August 17 to 22, running over a six-day programme that marks 25 years of bringing Aotearoa’s fashion industry together.
The Studio Expands to Fifteen Labels
The Studio, NZFW’s new contemporary group runway show curated by Creative Director Dan Ahwa, has grown to feature fifteen different labels. The latest additions are Claudia Li, Adrion Atelier, Liam Lingerie, COMMONPLACE ESSENTIALS, Dominique Healy, Emma Jing, Francie Knitwear, Oosterom, Ovna and Sylvester. They join previously confirmed names Harris Tapper, REBE, Longform, Penny Sage, Fringes, Rhoda Nunn and Bronwyn Footwear. Together, the lineup is billed as reflecting Aotearoa’s considered, evolving and purposeful fashion offering.
Off-Site Schedule Grows
NZFW’s off-site programme, which sees designers curate experiences unique to their own brand identity beyond the main runway, has been extended with the addition of Yu Mei, The Keep and ANNIE.
Returning Shows
The Graduate Collections is back for 2026, showcasing leading design graduates from Whitecliffe, Massey University and Otago Polytechnic.
The Breast Cancer Cure Designer Showcase also returns, continuing its reputation as one of the week’s most upbeat presentations.
Kathryn Wilson has added a second, consumer-facing show to her schedule this year.
Speaking on the announcement, NZFW Designer Liaison and Show Producer Rebecca Lawson said the team is thrilled to present a schedule representative of the industry’s dynamism and can’t wait to bring it to life.
“The response from designers this year has been incredible, and it’s really shown that last year’s event provided a fantastic foundation for designers to understand how fashion week can support their business long-term. We’re thrilled to present a schedule representative of our dynamic industry, and can’t wait to bring it to life in August.”
Menswear Makes Its NZFW Debut
In a further reveal, NZFW confirmed its third wave of designers, headlined by the event’s first ever dedicated menswear show. Beach Brains, a label exploring the tension between urban living and an instinctive connection to the outdoors, will present the show in a late night slot on Thursday, August 20. The brand is coming off a strong selling period at Paris Fashion Week and is now stocked by more than 30 premium retailers worldwide, making it one of New Zealand’s most successful young menswear labels.
A Runway Debut and Two Icons Return
Makaira Lee’s contemporary label BY KAI will make its runway debut at NZFW 2026. The collection features relaxed tailoring, elevated occasion pieces and timeless wardrobe staples. This marks Lee’s first solo venture after a decade working in stylist and art director roles, and draws on her Fijian heritage to explore modern resort dressing through refined silhouettes and considered construction.
Two of New Zealand’s most established labels also return to the schedule. Zambesi, a mainstay of NZFW and one of the country’s most loved names, will present an off-site show on the morning of Friday, August 21. The Keep by Lela Jacobs will curate an off-site installation titled COLLAR, exhibiting a collection of bespoke collars by select makers from across Aotearoa. Claudia Li will also present an off-site event, following her successful New Zealand runway debut at NZFW 2025.
An Invite-Only International Salon
Margi Robertson’s label NOM*d will team up with boutique PLUME for an invite-only, salon-style event blending new season NOMd pieces with PLUME’s international edit. The hand-picked global selection includes Ann Demeulemeester, Comme des Garçons Mainline, Melitta Baumeister and Undercover.
Don’t Miss the Vodcast
Alongside the runway announcements, NZFW has partnered with NZME to launch This Is a Fashion Show, a weekly vodcast hosted by stylist Sammy Salsa exploring the people and culture behind the industry. New episodes land every Thursday, with guests spanning KOLs, designers, stylists and broadcasters covering topics from sustainable shopping to the 25 year legacy of NZFW itself. It is a worthwhile companion listen for anyone following the road to Shed 10 in August.
Full Designer and Group Show Lineup (A-Z)
- Beach Brains
- BY KAI
- Caitlin Crisp
- Claudia Li
- Elle & Riley
- Fashion for a Cure, Runway
- Juliette Hogan
- Kathryn Wilson
- Kāhui Collective
- Khadi Beyond Borders
- NOM*d & PLUME
- Pacific Fusion
- Saben
- Sonnie
- taylor
- The Keep presents… COLLAR
- The Graduate Collections
- THE ICONIC presents The Front Row
- The Shelter
- Tough Auto
- twenty-seven names
- The Y Raise Up, Walk the Line
- Yu Mei
- Zambesi
NZFW’s Owned Shows
- New Zealand Fashion Week 2026 Opening Event (invite only)
- The Studio
- Future of Fashion Driven By Giltrap Group
- VIVA Presents Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and Vol. 2
The Studio Designer List
- Adrion Atelier
- Bronwyn Footwear
- Claudia Li
- COMMONPLACE ESSENTIALS
- Dominique Healy
- Emma Jing
- Francie Knitwear
- Fringes
- Harris Tapper
- Liam Lingerie
- Longform
- Oosterom
- Ovna
- Penny Sage
- REBE
- Rhoda Nunn
- Sylvester
About the Owned Shows
The Studio is curated by NZFW Creative Director Dan Ahwa and showcases some of the best contemporary designers shaping the next chapter of New Zealand fashion, reflecting the industry’s considered, evolving and purposeful direction.
VIVA Presents Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 are shaping up to be two of the week’s most anticipated shows, giving audiences the chance to gather on the Auckland waterfront and witness the artistry of renowned Kiwi designers across the very best runway looks from NZFW 2026.
Future of Fashion Driven By Giltrap Group is a 360-degree programme previewing New Zealand’s most promising design talent from across the country. Curated by an expert panel of judges, one designer will win a full year’s fashion scholarship, including a cash prize and industry mentoring, made possible by presenting partner Giltrap Group.
Tickets to NZFW 2026 are available now at nzfashionweek.com.
