Christchurch is set to become the centre of New Zealand’s fashion scene next month as the first ever Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival takes place from November 7 to 9, 2025.
The three day event marks a new partnership between New Zealand Fashion Week and ChristchurchNZ, with the city now joining Auckland as a dual host for the country’s leading fashion showcase.
The festival will feature runway shows, designer events and panel discussions, bringing together some of New Zealand’s most acclaimed fashion talent for a weekend of creativity and style.
New Zealand Fashion Week owner Feroz Ali said the event was an exciting new chapter for both the brand and the city.
“Christchurch champions creativity and innovation, and it’s a privilege to bring this event to such a vibrant region,” he said. “Our goal is to create a celebration that brings designers, customers, and the community together in one place.”
The festival will open at the James Hay Theatre with THE ICONIC presents The New Guard, a major runway show featuring designers such as Harris Tapper, Claudia Li, Wynn Hamlyn, Caitlin Crisp, Rebe, and Rory Docherty.
One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend will be the Caitlin Crisp x BONNIE show, where Christchurch born designer Caitlin Crisp will debut her Resort 2025 collection. The show will blend nautical inspired design with a celebration of summer style.
Another highlight, The Spring Edit, curated by New Zealand Fashion Week’s Creative Director Dan Ahwa, will feature new season looks from leading designers including Juliette Hogan, Karen Walker, Kathryn Wilson, Ruby, Kowtow, Knuefermann, and Twenty Seven Names.
Beyond the runway, the festival will include public talks and workshops across the city.
The Fashion in Focus series at Christchurch’s Centre of Contemporary Art will host panel discussions with industry leaders including Juliette Hogan, Glassons CEO April Ward, and stylist Dan Ahwa, exploring how they built their careers and the evolving face of New Zealand fashion.
Meanwhile, Merivale boutique Taylor will host designer meet and greet events and the launch of a limited edition fragrance, while Lyttelton will come alive with I Made My Coat a Mountain, a group show spotlighting avant garde fashion and design.
ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie said the festival was an exciting addition to the city’s creative calendar.
“This is an amazing moment for Christchurch. It’s a chance to showcase our fashion sector and celebrate our designers with three days of colour, style, and creativity filling the city this November,” she said.
Tickets for the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival go on sale Tuesday, October 14, at ticketmaster.co.nz, with prices starting from 45 dollars for talks and 80 dollars for runway shows.
