After three years on pause, this week New Zealand Fashion Week: Kahuria (NZFW) officially returns to the fashion calendar.
Running from Tuesday, 29th August until Saturday, 2nd September, this year's event will be held at Auckland's infamous Viaduct Events Centre. Whilst this is the central hub for ticket holders, VIP delegates have been designated a separate space to relax and mingle.
After announcing the official partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and gifting of the Māori name: Kahuria, it was evident that this year's NZFW would be returning with a bang.
Kahuria is inspired from 'Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri', a figurative term Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei uses to signify their tribal area of interest in central Tāmaki Makaurau. Meaning 'the dog skin cloak of Tuperiri' who is the revered ancestor of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
'Kahu' translated means garment or cloak, and 'Kahuria' means to adorn. NZFW personifies Kahuria by facilitating designers to share their designs with the world.
"We are honoured to be gifted the name Kahuria and to be working in partnership with tangata whenua Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to ensure we build a strong foundation of tikanga Maori into the fabric of this year's event", NZFW Kahuria, general manager Yasmin Farry said.
Initially created in 2001 by Dame Pieter Stewart, NZFW remains to be the country's only international fashion industry event.
Striving to champion Aotearoa's unique designers, this year's event will boast more than 50 runway shows, with 70 designers presenting in total.
Aside from offering designers a sustainable and inclusive platform to showcase their collections, NZFW: Kahuria will further assist in enabling designers to promote their brand to international buyers, media and consumers.
Aiming to collaborate with the dynamic fashion landscape, NZFW has shifted from a trade and industry event to somewhat of a multifaceted fashion, arts, and cultural showcase.
"After a three-year hiatus we are thrilled to showcase a truly wonderful collection of established and emerging creative talents from around Aotearoa on Auckland's waterfront, with an event that has a bold vision to showcase inclusivity, innovation, and creativity on the global fashion event circuit," Farry said.
When it comes to talent, this year's line-up of designers speaks wonders to the country's vast variety of creatives. With more than 10 Maori and Pacifica designers set to showcase, it is clear that NZFW is striving to shine a light on the country's top-performing talent and ultimately putting their names back in the international fashion-sphere.
"We are delighted to reveal the full lineup of world-class designers who are part of our redesigned and reimagined event in 2023" Fary said.
With Indigenous swimwear brand Ihraa Swim set to make its New Zealand debut, along with proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander model Lisa Fatnowna…this year's event will also see a handful of Australian creatives take to the runway.
Other notable designers presenting this week include Kharl Wirepa, Campbell Luke, Kate Sylvester and more.
Whilst the runway is the primary focus, the infamous fashion event is also serving up a series of seminars, industry panels and all-ages events. Offering both ticketed and free options.
With the last NZFW taking place in 2019, this year designers, delegates and board members are encouraging the community to really come forward, join forces and show their support.
Although a three-year hiatus is never ideal, the event's pause has allowed designers to quietly curate almost near-perfect collections. The additional time away from the spotlight saw many take a well-needed break, only to return more eager and enthusiastic than once before.
Buckle up, this is bound to be a big week of fashion.
Tickets to New Zealand Fashion Week: Kahuria, can be purchased online.
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe to the Style Up newsletter.
