I spent a year in Ōtautahi, so arriving at the inaugural Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival (CSFF) felt like coming home – but with strategic lighting and a serious dose of fashion adrenaline.
The Christchurch I once knew – R.M. Williams & Swandri galore – had somehow morphed into a full-blown fashion spectacle. And I was so here for it.
Let’s be real: launching a full-on fashion festival in a matter of weeks is no small feat. But hats off to the whole team at New Zealand Fashion Week and the local crew in Christchurch, the backstage was immaculate, the schedule tight, the vibe celebratory. The talent of the local models, the energy of the designers, and the mix of panels and runway shows all made this weekend feel like something special in the making.
Here’s a little breakdown of what I attended – fun, self-aware and maybe a touch nostalgic (after all, I used to call this city home).
Friday 7 November
Opening Event – THE ICONIC presents The New Guard
Right off the bat, the festival hit the ground running. The opening show at the James Hay Theatre felt slick, polished and full-on. Seeing the theatre-turned-runway filled and the local creative community come together reminded me just how far our local style scene has come. (The ODT article even noted that the city is “nipping at Auckland’s fashionable heels”.)
My verdict: Pumped, professional, and exactly the right way to kick off.
Saturday 8 November
Zambesi’s ‘Instrumental’ collection showing at the Naveya & Sloane Jewellery Showroom
Sneak-peek style, boutique venue, jewellery and textile interplay – it felt a little quieter than the main runway events, but in a good way. A moment to appreciate craft rather than spectacle.
My verdict: Calm, creative, intriguing.
PANEL TALK: ‘How’d You Get Your Start?’ at CoCA Gallery
Our panels with Frame HR were a highlight. Hearing fashion industry insiders talk candidly about their beginnings, the risks, the pivots – it grounded the weekend.
My verdict: Smart, talky, and a welcome chill between shows.
PANEL TALK: ‘Meet The Creators’ at CoCA Gallery
Another panel unpacking the creative world – models, editors, content creators. Sammy Salsa’s flight may have been fogged out, but the rest of the crew stepped up, and FNZ’s Murray Bevan jumped in to MC like a pro.
My verdict: For the creatives, by the creatives.
SHOW: Caitlin Crisp × BONNIE
Heavy hitting from start to finish. Local designer Caitlin Crisp returned home with a bang, teaming up with a local beauty collab from BONNIE, and the crowd was completely hooked. The energy was electric, the looks immaculately polished, and Caitlin and Mary’s signature positivity radiated through every detail of the show. The post-show discussion kept the audience engaged, and the cheeky Caitlin Crisp & BONNIE giveaway had everyone scrambling to remember their seat numbers – proof that the girls know how to make fashion fun and interactive.
My verdict: 9/10. Stand-out moment of the day.
SHOW: The George presents The Spring Edit
A big closing moment for Saturday – local heavyweights, designers with established names, slick production, local model talent shining.
My verdict: Big moment. Big city energy in a “quick-turn” festival format.
Sunday 9 November
BEYOND THE RUNWAY with Ballantynes: The Art of Style featuring NZFW Creative Director Dan Ahwa
A cool wrap-up. Live styling masterclass, chats, insight from someone steering the creative vision at NZFW – felt like a full-stop on the weekend.
My verdict: Stylish, instructive, and just enough to send you home inspired.
A Few Final Notes
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The local model talent deserves major applause – poised, present, confident. It was clear Christchurch has creatives ready to step up.
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Backstage was well-oiled. As someone who’s been backstage once or twice, the coordination, calm and energy was standout.
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The festival was pulled together in a remarkably short timeframe – and you could feel that “this is just the beginning” momentum.
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My stay at Drifter Christchurch (96 Lichfield Street) was brilliantly suited to the weekend’s mood: design-led, comfortable, social and right in the heart of the city. Drifter
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For a city where fashion hasn’t always been front-and-centre, it’s becoming that. Christchurch is staking a claim.
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Best of all? It’s only going to get better. With this first edition done, the promise for next year is huge.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for glitz, runway spectacle and that “I’m coming to town for something big” sort of feeling – CSFF delivered. If you’re looking for substance, local talent and a city hitting its stride – I’d say we’re witnessing the early chapters of something very good indeed. Having lived here for a year, this felt extra sweet: familiar streets, fresh energy. Christchurch, you’re on.
So mark your calendar for next time: FNZ will definitely be back.
