A BRIGHTER STAR: NZ FASHION WEEK RETURNS WITH GILTRAP GROUP
Jul 31, 2025
Celebrating style, design and innovation, and with unprecedented access for fashion fans, New Zealand Fashion Week is back and bigger than ever. And a newly announced multi-year alignment with Giltrap Group as the prestigious event’s official naming rights sponsor is anticipated to help fuel Kiwi fashion talent locally and on the global stage.
Returning from August 25th to 30th, New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) will see a stacked schedule of established and emerging designer runway shows, alongside panel events and a myriad of activations, big and small. In the lead-up to the official launch, NZFW announced a three-year partnership with Giltrap Group as the official naming rights sponsor of the event.
The multi-year alignment marks a significant milestone for the commercial growth and impact of NZFW, ensuring it will remain a fundamental platform to elevate and celebrate the New Zealand fashion industry for years to come. Giltrap Group has largely supported events via its individual automotive brands, however the new partnership with New Zealand Fashion Week marks the first time all brands represented by the Group will come together in a sponsorship capacity. The investment also means NZFW will be able to return to an annual schedule.
“Giltrap Group and New Zealand Fashion Week are two iconic brands coming together to celebrate the best of New Zealand talent. While we’re known for backing Kiwis on the track – from Formula One to Le Mans – we’ve also long supported innovation and creativity across industries, including fashion.
“This collaboration is about more than sponsorship; it’s about showcasing design, performance, and passion – values that unite both our worlds. We’re proud to help New Zealand’s fashion talent fly on the global stage. And we’re excited about supporting an event that not only celebrates creativity and progress but also brings people together and strengthens the local community.”
Underlining Giltrap Group’s commitment to supporting New Zealand’s fashion talent, the company also announced the establishment of the Emerging Designer Award, fondly referred to as “Helping Kiwis Fly: Fashion Edition” — a nod to the decades of support Giltrap Group has provided to Kiwi motorsport talent taking on the world. Proudly funded by the Group, the award includes a substantial package for the recipient, including a cash prize, vehicle, and property access. The Giltrap Group Emerging Designer Award will represent a huge opportunity for up-and-coming talent.
As NZFW redefines its role in the fashion ecosystem, the commercial opportunity for sponsors and investors has become ever larger. NZFW 2025 recognises the role fashion fans and customers play in shaping the fashion industry and will provide unprecedented public access to its events. It’s a shift in focus that is being welcomed by those showcasing their latest creations.
“New Zealand Fashion Week is different to other more traditional fashion week events, which can often feel more exclusive and geared inwardly to the industry itself,” says designer Rory William Docherty.
“The new team is turning it into a festival of creativity for everyone’s benefit. There’s a massively diverse array of brands engaging with it now, which is hugely encouraging.”
Having recently announced a design partnership with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Docherty is returning to the NZFW 2025 schedule after his solo debut in 2023, with a creative installation in Auckland’s Britomart precinct.
“I really wanted to be onboard and stay present with the fashion community. New Zealand Fashion Week has evolved into something far broader than just the fashion community. It feeds into retailers, hospitality, end consumers – it has become a really unique platform that brings people together.”
With a renewed vision for NZFW – one that prioritises local design talent and commercial success – in early July the organisers announced the first wave of designer shows and presentations. A familiar face at NZFW in recent years, Juliette Hogan will present the first solo show for the 2025 event.
“There’s a real buzz in our team for this unique partnership with New Zealand Fashion Week,” says Giltrap Group CEO, Steve Kenchington.
Also no stranger to the runway, Kathryn Wilson will return with her usual effervescent style, while legendary Kiwi designer Karen Walker is set to present on the schedule for the first time in over 15 years. Other well-regarded names set to appear at NZFW 2025 are sustainable fashion trailblazers Untouched World, cult favourite Zambesi, Kahui Collective, and children’s label Sonnie. Knuefermann returns to the NZFW 2025 schedule with a 20th year celebration, and Auckland based avant-garde mavens Taylor are also set to present an eclectic event on the official schedule. Similarly, Wellington’s Kowtow will join the schedule, hosting a New Zealand designer label clothing swap.
Newcomers for NZFW 2025 include Rebe and Claudia Li, two exciting designers bringing an international design aesthetic to New Zealand fashion. Resident designers of The Keep, a creative stronghold founded by Lela Jacobs, will offer a collaborative presentation, while The Shelter will host a designer breakfast. Returning to the NZFW schedule will be crowd-favourite group show Pacific Fusion, alongside the introduction of the Breast Cancer Cure Designer Showcase.
As always, the next generation of the local fashion industry will also get to shine. University show The Graduate Collections, and Raise Up’s Walk the Line for secondary school students are scheduled to take place alongside a revitalised Future of Fashion showcase delivered by DHL.
Previously known as the Next Gen show, the reimagined Future of Fashion concept reflects NZFW’s commitment to long-term designer support and industry impact. The showcase is tailored for brands with over three years in business that demonstrate strong potential for commercial success and a readiness to scale. With a strong focus on building brand awareness and commercial viability, the showcase is set to deliver applicants unparalleled exposure to media, buyers, and industry leaders.
The 2025 schedule will also see a series of NZFW-owned events, including Into The Archives – a retrospective runway show to open the week, looking back at over two decades of contemporary iconic New Zealand fashion. Speaker series Beyond the Runway will see industry leaders discussing issues such as navigating the global fashion landscape, creating cult followings, and what it takes to build a thriving business, as well as insights on how to develop a career in fashion.
The end of the week will feature a Greatest Hits show, featuring the best looks from NZFW 2025.
“It’s heartening to see the realisation of our vision through this first wave of announcements,” says NZFW owner Feroz Ali in summing up the revitalised event.
“The NZFW 2025 team have worked hard to curate a family of designers and sponsor partners who we believe embody the reimagined energy and purpose of New Zealand Fashion Week.”
See the full NZFW 2025 designer line-up and programme of events at www.nzfashionweek.com