At first glance NZ Fashion Week’s official full schedule announcement, released today, may seem a little light.
Certainly, solo shows by some familiar household names are missing but if you look closer the fabric of this event, it is a rich tapestry bringing together some of the New Zealand’s most exciting and exceptional designers, and new blood.
One show I’m particularly excited about is The Studio curated by NZFW creative director Dan Awha.
Its lineup includes brothers – Cosmo, Tom and Ike Conway – who are making their New Zealand Fashion Week debut for Sylvester.
And Claudia Li, a fashion industry icon who’s still new to many Kiwis. She’s more famous in New York where she showed ready-to-wear for many years and her clothes have been worn by Lady Gaga. Her first solo show at NZFW last year had us wanting more and we’re very glad she is back.
Claudia Li. Main image: Cosmo, Tom and Ike Conway of Sylvester. Photography Hope Patterson.
Fringes by designer Finn Mora-Hill is also part of The Studio. He is also one of the driving forces behind Āhua Underground Fashion Week. Back in March, Mora-Hill presented his debut runway collection, The Way She Moves, inspired by the evolving role of workwear in today’s social climate, proving he is one to watch.
Finn Mora-Hill of Fringes. Photography Hope Patterson
Adrion Atelier is also part of The Studio. Designs by the Coromandel-based designer Adrion Williams are always a little bit extra! Beautiful, glamorous and bold. Fans and customers of The Shelter flew in from around the country to see his solo presentation at Āhua and to get first dibs on the designs shown. We can’t wait to see what he’ll present at NZFW in August. His debut at NZFW 2025 was a definite highlight.
Adrion Williams of Adrion Atelier. Photography Hope Patterson
The Studio lineup – in alphabetical order – is Adrion Atelier, Bronwyn Footwear, Claudia Li, COMMONPLACE ESSENTIALS, Dominique Healy, Emma Jing, Francie Knitwear, Fringes, Harris Tapper, Liam Lingerie, Longform, Oosterom, Ovna Ovich, Penny Sage, REBE, Rhoda Nunn and Sylvester.
Overall NZFW 2026 presented by Giltrap sees the return of some familiar big names like Juliette Hogan, Twenty-Seven Names, Kathryn Wilson (who is now putting on a second show).
It is also particularly exciting that Yu Mei back on the schedule with an off-site show.
Yu Mei’s debut clothing line presentation at Common Material, Wellington City Gallery.
The Wellington-based leather goods design house led by the talented Jessie Wong recently introduced its first clothing line. The Salon Yu Mei runway show was presented at Common Material (5-7 June) at the Wellington’s City Gallery.
Yu Mei’s debut line exudes sophistication. The capsule collection translates the brand’s signature codes into clothing and draws on the structure of school uniforms and the precision of men’s tailoring. Each piece is crafted in natural fibres including cashmere, wool suiting and silk. And of course there will be beautiful bags that Yu Mei is known for and continuing its commitment to regenerative New Zealand deer nappa leather.
The collection also features custom brass hardware developed with designer Gerard Dombroski, cast from salvaged material sourced from the building that houses the Yu Mei studio! That makes me so happy!
Also not to be missed is The Keep by Lela Jacobs, who will also show off-site. Jacobs is known for her creativity. Going to one of her shows is akin to a spiritual experience. Other offsite highlights include Taylor and made in NZ sustainable fashion brand Annie.
Saben is also making a highly anticipated return after not showing for more than a decade!
That rounds up new additions to the schedule, which was announced a few weeks back. See full schedule above!
We recommend studying the schedule online and choosing shows that best fit your vibe as well as being adventurous. NZFW is also about discovery and creativity.
You’ll find tons of that at Kāhui Collective, Pacific Fusion and The Graduate Collections.
Word on Fashion will be going to everything. See you there!
Tickets to NZFW 2026 shows are on sale now via nzfashionweek.com.
