Photography Jeri Oporto
ĀHUA Fashion Week is back for a fourth season and the theme for autumn / winter 2026 is Craftsmanship.
It officially kicks off on March 19 with an opening event at The Shelter to celebrate another season of independent fashion and the arts and runs from March 20 to 28.
Its kaupapa is what makes this underground fashion week stand apart: Expressing collective and individual Āhua (identity) through performance-based storytelling and to create a platform where Mauri (energy) flows freely, allowing its creative whānau (family) to express their true selves.
Having attended ĀHUA for the first time in August 2025, Word on Fashion is truly excited by what is in store because of the raw energy and creativity that exudes from these exciting and highly inclusive events that celebrate the spirit of fashion, form and expression which burst forth like a moth emerging from a chrysalis and finding it is just as beautiful as a butterfly.
ĀHUA fosters a strong sense of belonging and mutual support among all involved, building a connected and engaged network. So it is no surprise that Vicki Taylor from The Shelter is there to support.
The Shelter, founded by Vicki Taylor (above) was built on the belief that independent creativity is the
backbone of Aotearoa’s fashion identity.
The Shelter won the ‘Excellence in Community Contribution’ Award at the 2025 Auckland Business Awards recognising a decade-long commitment to nurturing the next generation of New Zealand designers and the creation of its Emerging
Designer Program – an incubator to elevate voices in New Zealand fashion is now a cornerstone of The Shelter’s purpose and community impact.
At both ĀHUA and The Shelter new ideas are embraced and a strong sense of community and belonging and mutual support is fostered among all involved.
Friends of The Shelter on the schedule include Nicole Hadfield (Oosterom), Adrion Atelier and JoJo Ross.
During ĀHUA FW’26 The Shelter is putting on a showroom of ĀHUA designers collections at their space in Mackelvie St, Ponsonby.
During ĀHUA conventions are challenged constructively. Creative and forward-thinking approaches welcomed. It’s collaborative, authentic and imbued with youthful energy.
Organisers say ĀHUA FW’26 should feel like moving through a gallery of creatives’ most honest works.
View the full schedule and find tickets here. The ĀHUA section at The Shelter in Ponsonby will be open to see from 20 to 28 March from 10pm to 5pm.
