Ōtautahi Christchurch is about to become the new epicentre of New Zealand style this November, with the debut of the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival (CSFF) – a three-day celebration of fashion, creativity, and community.
Running from November 7–9, 2025, the festival marks the beginning of a new three-year partnership between New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) and ChristchurchNZ, bringing the spirit of NZFW to the South Island for the very first time.
The festival joins Christchurch’s On Show spring events campaign and will complement Auckland’s annual August edition of New Zealand Fashion Week. “2025 has been a watershed year for New Zealand Fashion Week,” says NZFW owner Feroz Ali. “Following our Auckland event, it’s a privilege to now bring a bespoke edition to one of New Zealand’s most creative regions.”
A Weekend of Style Highlights
The schedule promises headline runway events, designer moments, and thought-provoking talks across the city:
THE ICONIC Presents The New Guard – Opening the festival, this runway will debut collections from exclusive designers LOVER and minima esenciales, alongside a curated showcase of New Zealand’s rising stars. Styled by NZFW Creative Director Dan Ahwa, expect fresh spring looks from Harris Tapper, Wynn Hamlyn, Caitlin Crisp, Rory Docherty, Rebe, Claudia Li, and more.
Caitlin Crisp x BONNIE – Christchurch’s own Caitlin Crisp returns home for the festival’s only solo designer runway. Her Resort 2025 collection, paired with a beauty collaboration from BONNIE, will be unveiled in front of a 400+ strong crowd. Nautical-inspired, feminine, and designed for golden days by the sea – it’s set to be a standout show.
The George Presents The Spring Edit – Saturday night belongs to New Zealand’s established favourites. Juliette Hogan, Ruby, Karen Walker, Kowtow, Kathryn Wilson, twenty-seven names, Knuefermann, and more will present their seasonal highlights in a runway curated by Dan Ahwa. Expect a high-energy showcase that brings together the best of local design.
Beyond the Runway
Fashion fans will also be able to dive deeper into the industry through a line-up of talks and workshops:
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Beyond the Runway: From Runway to Real Life – Dan Ahwa and stylist Leigh-Anne Rheeder discuss the creative vision behind NZFW, followed by a live styling session and personal shopping experience at Ballantynes.
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Fashion in Focus – Co-hosted by Frame HR and FashioNZ at CoCA, the series includes How’d You Get Your Start? featuring Juliette Hogan, April Ward (CEO Glassons), Dan Ahwa, Rachel Smart (Frame HR), Mary Outram, and more, as well as Meet The Creators with Sammy Salsa, Kaarina Parker, Jessie Kirk & FashioNZ editor Bella Wright. READ MORE, GET TICKETS AND GET EXCITED ABOUT OUR TALKS HERE
Designer-led experiences across the city round out the programme, including Taylor’s fragrance launch, Adrion Atelier’s capsule collection reveal, and I Made My Coat a Mountain, a group presentation in Lyttelton.
A Celebration for Ōtautahi
For Karena Finnie, ChristchurchNZ’s Head of Major Events, the festival represents a landmark for the city:
“This is an amazing moment for Christchurch – to give our designers and creative community a well-deserved spotlight. Spring in Ōtautahi is already buzzing, and three days of fashion will only add more energy and colour.”
