The Latest in Fashion
New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) has unveiled its initial 2026 schedule, with the event set to return to Shed 10 on Auckland's Queen's Wharf from August 17–22. Presented in partnership with Giltrap Group, the week will bring together established designers, emerging talent, and the wider creative industry across runway shows, activations, and panel discussions.
Leading womenswear designer Caitlin Crisp will headline the schedule, presenting the first solo designer show of the week in her Auckland catwalk debut. Reflecting on her journey, Crisp said: "NZFW is where it all started for me. Eight years ago I was part of a graduate show and this year we are the opening designer." Cashmere label Elle & Riley will make their NZFW debut, marking the brand's 10th anniversary, while Wellington cult favourite Twenty-Seven Names will return for a solo show celebrating their 20-year milestone.
Returning to the schedule are Kathryn Wilson, Taylor, and The Shelter, alongside K?hui Collective and Pacific Fusion — two shows celebrating M?ori and Pasifika design talent. The Iconic will present a group show building on its runway debut at last year's Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival, while childrenswear label Sonnie returns for a second year. The youth showcase Walk The Line, a secondary school design talent platform, has also secured its place, and Christchurch-based label Tough Auto will present a public-facing 'food and fashion' event in collaboration with chefs from London and No. 7 restaurants.
NZFW will again present three of its own produced shows — VIVA Presents Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, and Future of Fashion Driven by Giltrap Group — alongside a new addition titled The Studio. Curated by creative director Dan Ahwa, The Studio will spotlight contemporary designers including Harris Tapper, Rebe, Longform, Penny Sage, Fringes, and Bronwyn Footwear. Ahwa will also curate the Official 2026 Opening Event, following last year's well-received 'Into The Archives'.
NZFW executive director Liam Taylor said the response from designers had been strong. "We've had an incredible response from designers looking to present collections on the runway, which shows us that New Zealand Fashion Week remains an incredibly important platform for them." Taylor added that the 2026 event will place increased focus on domestic and international visitation, with support from the Events Boost Fund and Tataki Auckland Unlimited. Further programme details will be announced in coming months. Tickets to a selection of NZFW 2026 shows go on sale Wednesday, May 6.
