Influence isn’t new – we’ve been shaping each other’s tastes long before social media.
But in 2025, New Zealand’s fashion industry is experiencing a shift that’s impossible to ignore. Traditional media worries about diminishing power, yet influencers continue to thrive; meanwhile, budgets shrink, platforms evolve, and the old hierarchy of who holds influence is turning upside down.
This year’s FNZ Creators Power List reflects that evolution. The list is smaller, sharper, and no longer dominated by digital newcomers. Stylists, writers, photographers, marketers and models now sit alongside influencers, proving that influence comes from expertise, creativity and connection — not just follower counts.
As brands rethink where they spend and local creators step into new roles, the industry is moving toward a “less but better” mindset. Real-world experiences, authentic voices and tightly focused storytelling are shaping the next era of fashion influence in Aotearoa – one where everyone has a place, and evolution is the point.
On Monday 24th November, we were privileged to have the expertise of Guy Coombes to capture almost all of this year’s Power Listers in the comfort of their own skin and their own looks: no stylist, no hair and make-up team, just 2 lights, a backdrop and a sharp eye. Each portrait captures energy, spirit and creativity and we are so grateful to Guy for using his decades of experience to shape the way we see these industry leaders.
We hope you enjoy celebrating the 2025 Creators Power List as much as we enjoyed compiling it for you.
RACHEL SOO THOW
@thelitlist__ ~ 160k followers
Discover why Rachel made the Power List…
ESTELLE SCHULER
@estelle.schuler ~ 5.8K followers
Discover why Estelle made the Power List…
JANE JOO
@imjanejoo ~ 83.9k followers
Discover why Jane made the Power List…
SAMMY SALSA
@sammysalsastyle ~ 10.5k followers
Discover why Sammy made the Power List…
LAUREN BRODIE
@elbeefrivolousfashion ~ 106k followers
Discover why Lauren made the Power List…
JESSIE KIRK
@jessiekirk_ ~ 112k followers
Discover why Jessie made the Power List…
JULIETTE PERKINS
@julietteperkins_ ~ 95.3k followers
Discover why Juliette made the Power List…
JUNGWON JO
@jungwonjo ~ 175k followers
Discover why Jungwon made the Power List…
BROOKLYN ELLIS
@br00klynellis ~ 25.5k followers
Discover why Brooklyn made the Power List…
ARIANE EILAGAN
@arianeeilagan ~ 11k followers
Discover why Ariane made the Power List…
GEORGIA PAYNE
@georgiaapayne ~ 3.8K followers
Discover why Georgia made the Power List…
CONNIE LANGBROWN
@connielangbrown ~ 8.5K followers
Discover why Connie made the Power List…
MAYA SILWOOD
@mayasilwood ~ 7.9K followers
Discover why Maya made the Power List…
TROI ATKINS
@troiatkins ~ 3.3K followers
Discover why Troi made the Power List…
EMMA GLEASON
@emmagleason ~ 4.9K followers
Discover why Emma made the Power List…
SOPHIE DE RENZY
@sophiederenzy ~ 8.1K followers
Discover why Sophie made the Power List…
JOSH YOUNG
@joshalexyoung ~ 9K followers
Discover why Josh made the Power List…
ROSE KWON
@rose.kwon ~ 8.8K followers
Discover why Rose made the Power List…
KAREN INDERBITZEN-WALLER
@kinderbitzenwaller 5.2K followers
Discover why Karen made the Power List…
MARY OUTRAM
@mary_oh_ ~ 19.7K followers
Discover why Mary made the Power List…
COURTNEY JOE
@courtneyjoe_ ~ 2.8K followers
Discover why Courtney made the Power List…
DAN AHWA
@danahwa ~ 6.3K followers
Discover why Dan made the Power List…
ROSALIE BURNS
@rosalieburns ~ 90.6k followers
Discover why Rosalie made the Power List…
