New Zealand Fashion Week has announced a three year partnership with ChristchurchNZ to bring a version of the event to Christchurch for the first time.
The Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival presented by New Zealand Fashion Week will run from November 7 to 9, featuring a large scale spring and summer runway show with both established and emerging designers. The event will also showcase Christchurch based designers.
The programme will include pop up retail shows across the city and a “Beyond the Runway” speaker series with panels, styling sessions and a designer lunch. Live streamed programming will give both local and international audiences access to shows and discussions.
Christchurch fashion influencer Mary Outram said it was long overdue.
“There’s something so cool about fashion coming to the South Island. Christchurch has this understated but bold energy and I’ve always said we have style… we just do it our own way. I can’t wait to see the city come alive with NZFW energy.”
Owner of New Zealand Fashion Week Feroz Ali said Christchurch was the right fit. “We’re thrilled to bring the spirit of New Zealand Fashion Week to Christchurch for the first time in our history.
This partnership marks a bold new chapter not just for NZFW, but for fashion in New Zealand. Christchurch is a city that knows how to reinvent, push boundaries, and celebrate its creative community with quiet confidence.”
ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie said hosting the event the weekend before Cup and Show Week would help highlight the city’s fashion industry. “With New Zealand Fashion Week’s proven history of supporting growth in the fashion and creative sectors in Auckland over the past 21 years, bringing a NZFW event to Christchurch has the potential to generate significant regional industry opportunities, particularly through partnerships with local brands and designers.”
Canterbury fashion brand Untouched World will take part in New Zealand Fashion Week for the first time this year.
Founder and chief executive Peri Drysdale said the Christchurch event would spotlight the region’s strong fashion networks. “There’s something pretty special about having the same farmer who supplies your merino wool popping into your store as a regular customer. It’s a reminder that fashion should be personal, local, and deeply connected to community. We’re thrilled to see this vibrant regional network stepping into the spotlight at Fashion Week, because where your clothes come from matters, and we believe the future of fashion starts right here.”
The Christchurch edition will be held each November as part of the city’s On Show campaign, complementing Auckland’s long running August event. While Auckland will continue to focus on its traditional designer led and industry driven programme, Christchurch’s version will be aimed at consumers with a high end fashion experience, cultural storytelling and public engagement.
