New Zealand Fashion Week has just dropped the first major wave of designer announcements for its 2025 event, and it’s nothing short of a fashion lover’s dream.
This first glimpse of the schedule comes on the heels of a bold relaunch earlier this year, which promised a renewed focus on local design and commercial growth. If today’s reveal is any indication, NZFW 2025 is delivering.
In a headline-making comeback, iconic kiwi designer Karen Walker is set to present at NZFW for the first time in over 15 years. She joins a lineup of heavy hitters including Juliette Hogan, who will open the week with a solo show, Kathryn Wilson, Zambesi, and Rory William Docherty, who follows up his acclaimed 2023 debut with a creative installation in Britomart.
The official campaign for NZFW 2025 also launched today, alongside a slew of exciting names new and familiar. Sustainable stalwarts Untouched World, Kiri Nathan, and Kowtow will feature, with the latter hosting a designer clothing swap, while Knuefermann celebrates 20 years in the industry with a special show.
Emerging labels Rebe and internationally acclaimed Claudia Li are set to bring fresh energy, while collaborative efforts from The Keep and The Shelter round out the first drop of events.
Event owner Feroz Ali called the announcement “a realisation of our vision,” adding that the 2025 curation reflects a new era for NZFW.
In addition to designer shows, the official schedule includes NZFW-owned events like Into the Archives, a retrospective runway celebrating 20+ years of Kiwi fashion; Beyond the Runway, a speaker series tackling everything from global expansion to career-building; and the highly anticipated closing show, Greatest Hits of NZFW 2025.
As always, the platform will spotlight future talent through DHL’s Future of Fashion, The Graduate Collections, and Walk the Line, a student-led runway presented by Raise Up.
With less than two months to go, this first look sets the tone for what promises to be a landmark year for New Zealand fashion.