After a three-year hiatus, New Zealand Fashion Week is back in August as big and bold as ever to again champion local and international designers and showcase their collections.

Leading the charge from New Zealand designers is Kharl WiRepa. The haute couture wunderkind from Rotorua has already taken on London and Paris fashion weeks and was the first Māori designer to be featured in Vogue.

Kharl will present two shows during New Zealand Fashion Week: Kahuria, as it is now named. His luxurious designs reflect his cultural heritage while also pushing boundaries. His affluent and fashionable clients seek elegance and style, often with a bit of shock factor. All New Zealand-made, each garment will showcase the designer’s vision.

There are plenty of opportunities for the public to be part of the action as Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre is transformed into an immersive fashion hub from 29 August – 2 September.

More than 30 trade runway shows are planned across two rooms at the Viaduct Events Centre: The Runway and The Studio. Showcasing a diverse range of designers, including more than 10 Māori and Pasifika designers, these shows provide a platform for local and international buyers to discover exceptional talent.

Selected runway shows will be live-streamed on the NZFW website, allowing fashion enthusiasts worldwide to join the excitement.

In addition to trade shows, the public programme offers a wide range of events for all audiences. Across the week, the public can snap up tickets to enjoy consumer runway shows, events and industry panel discussions. These events will take place at the venue, satellite spaces and various locations across Auckland. The programme offers both ticketed and free options, ensuring accessibility for all fashion enthusiasts.

Kicking off on day one, award-winning designer Kiri Nathan will look at Māori fashion through the ages. Kiri’s show will be followed by Rory William Docherty, Jacqueline-Anne, Campbell Luke, Juliette Hogan, and NOM*d all taking to the runway for what promises to be a spectacular start to the week.

Day two opens with a Graduate Show featuring emerging designer talent from Whitecliffe, Otago Polytechnic and Massey University, followed by Kathryn Wilson celebrating 20 years and Kharl WiRepa’s couture collection.

Thursday’s programme sees Viva Next Gen designers, Jockey and a Miromoda Group Show take to the runway before Kate Sylvester’s 30^th anniversary show in the evening.

On Friday, a high-energy curation of in-season collections from the week’s scheduled designers will take the runway. As part of the NZFW Discussion Series the Ministry of Social Development will present Moving the Dial on Diversity, which aims to highlight the significance of diversity in the workplace.

Friday night is Fashion Night, a new addition to the programme. This event focuses on promoting emerging talent, fostering an inclusive and diverse environment and celebrating creativity and individuality.

Attendees will get a glimpse into cutting-edge trends and unique designs from up-and-coming underground labels One of None, Nineteen99 and The House of VA, who will be showcasing their collections in The Runway. Audiences can also look forward to a variety of captivating entertainment, including performances from The Dance Plant Collective, ANDYHEARTTROB, MaeSteal Collective, and more.

The final day of the event, on Saturday 2 September, will feature Walk the Line, New Zealand’s biggest fashion show for young designers, featuring I Love Ponsonby, Tangaroa Te Ihi Moana – The Sea is Rising and many more.

Viaduct Events Centre, Tue 29 August – Sat 2 September 2023
nzfashionweek.com/schedule