Style and attitude at NZ Fashion Week 2017. Photo:Kelsey Gee.
NZ Fashion Week takes place for the 17th time at Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland 27th August-2nd September. The most glamorous event on the calendar has a stronger designer line-up than ever. With talents ranging from rising stars to industry heavyweights, it’s one of the most anticipated kiwi happenings of the year.
This year’s event presents an exciting mix of in-season shows, seminars, exclusive shopping, and fancy parties. With more than 30,000 attendees, along with its wider reach through the millions of dollars of media coverage and social media engagement, it’s the ideal platform for local designers to grow their business globally.
Summer in Style by Dame Trelise Cooper, one of New Zealand’s most successful
and internationally accomplished fashion designers. Photo: NZFW.
We invited Janey Evett, Business Development Manager of New Zealand Fashion Week, for a Q&A session about what makes NZFW so special, and how to get the most out of the experience.
Why is NZ Fashion Week important?
NZFW is the leading, longest-running creative industry event in the country. During this week, everyone is paying so much attention to the fashion industry. The event attracts a huge amount of national and international hype and exposure.
Who will be attending the event?
The NZFW guests are comprised of industry delegates which include media, buyers, stylists, and influencers. Over the course of the week, the audience also includes invited guests of participating designers and NZFW sponsors and their teams.
In order to come to NZFW, one has to either be a registered delegate or a guest of a designer. At NZ Fashion Weekend, tickets are available for purchase, so the audience is much broader.
This year we are expecting a really exciting mix of international guests as well including influencers, media and buyers from Australia and further afield.
How would you describe this year’s line-up of designers?
We have a very exciting schedule this year with some of the biggest names in NZ Fashion set to show on the runway. As NZFW is also a huge supporter of emerging talent, we also have a nice mixture of up-and-coming designers confirmed. We can expect those designers to put on some really creative shows as this is, in many cases, their NZFW debut.
Photo: NZ Fashion Week
What makes this event different from previous years, anything that you and your team are extra proud of?
We have some exciting new partnerships such as the one with M Social Hotel and we are also excited to confirm that Viaduct Harbour has also come on board as an official NZFW partner this year, so you can expect to see some exciting things happening around the area.
As always we are extremely proud of the strong portfolio of sponsors and incredible lineup of designers. We are expecting NZFW 18 to be amazing!
Many think that the Fashion Week helps to educate consumers about local fashion. How would you describe NZ fashion?
I’m not from NZ, so this is just my perspective, but I feel that the kiwis have their own distinctive way of putting an outfit together. They are stereotypically known for wearing so much black, but having lived in NYC for 10 years, I don’t even notice that!
In my opinion, the kiwis have perfected the casual, effortless look, which is also quite functional. The weather is so unpredictable here, especially in Auckland, and kiwis have perfected the almost season-less approach to dressing. Rain is such a constant threat in Auckland, and most Kiwis own a stylish trench coat that they wear throughout the year in a variety of ways.
What makes the Kiwi approach to style unique?
Photo: NZFW
Because NZ is so far removed from the rest of the world, the kiwis really seem to utilize what is in their own backyard. So many pieces are made by hand right in the studios of the designers, which I find so impressive. The focus on NZ made fashion and the overall emphasis on sustainability is huge here, something I am proud to support. I’ve found that NZ merino is such a staple here. It’s so luxurious and plays a part in so many designers’ collections.
The Maori culture is something that sets NZ apart from the rest of the world. Would you like to say anything about how the Maori culture is being reflected in the shows this year? In Mira Moda there is a competition to decide who gets to show their collection for example.
Please feel free to expand on this year.
NZ Post Miromoda Showcase at New Zealand Fashion Week 2016. Photo: NZFW.
Dame Pieter and I were both judges this year at the Miromoda competition and we were absolutely blown away by the level of talent that we saw. We know that this year’s show is going to be incredible.
The designers each have such a unique approach to their collections. It’s fascinating to learn about how various aspects of the Maori Culture have inspired the pieces you will see on the runway.
Apart from the runway, what other formats are available for designers to show their collections?
We encourage designers to present their collections in the way that is most effective and relevant to their brands. As each brand is so unique and diverse, you can expect to see this reflected in how each chooses to utilize the NZFW platforms.
While some will opt for shows for 700 people in attendance in the main runway showroom, others will choose to do more personal installations and presentations. I’d expect that we will see many incorporating film and tech elements.
We don’t say no to a party. What are this year’s highlights outside of the shows?
Beau Joie Champagne Bar lets you enjoy your favourite bubbles with amazing views of the harbour without missing any of the NZFW action thanks to the live feed on the big screen TV’s.
The entire city will be buzzing as NZFW takes over Auckland for a full week. You can expect to see M Social fully packed with the fashionable crowd and all of the local bars and restaurants packed with those grabbing a bite pre and/or post shows.
There will naturally be some brands having after-parties. Huffer and Stolen Girlfriends generally make sure everyone is out and until quite late on the school nights!
Any insider tips to get the most out of the experience?
Wear the best shoes you have even if your feet might never recover. 🙂 If you are in the front row, your feet might end up in all of the runway shots and video content. You might as well embrace your subtle fashion debut and make the most of it!
Lastly, a few more personal questions…
Which shows do you look most forward to at this year’s event and why?
I always love seeing what the Contemporary Salon designers do. This is quite often the first time that these up and coming designers have had a solo show. It is so exciting to see what they do with this opportunity to do pretty much whatever they want, and choose every single detail/element going into their show.
What NZ designers do you find most inspiring?
The ones that have been around for such a long time and continue to have such a huge following and loyal fan base. And then the ones that are emerging and brave enough to jump into this crazy industry!
And of course, everyone in between. They are all so inspiring and brave in my opinion.
What would you say are the new fashion trends the coming year that you think will start showing up in the street?
I think mixing prints and unexpected layering is something we will see more of on the streets, as well as all sorts of textures and pops of colour.
It really feels like anything goes at the moment. This is exciting and will hopefully give everyone courage to have fun with their outfits and take some risks. That’s what makes fashion fun after all!
Kelly Coe’s brand is all about that special occasion and luxe daywear. Photo: NZFW.
A Limited Number of VIP Packages To NZ Fashion Week Available
Would you like to attend the biggest happening on the fashion calendar?
We’re offering exclusive Bespoke Black Label VIP Packages to NZ Fashion Week in collaboration with the organizers. With a combo of premium hosting, a personal concierge, a private guided tour backstage, gourmet food and beverages, and more, you won’t miss a thing.
Contact me for more information about the limited number of VIP Packages and secure your Exclusive Experience while there still is availability.
The NZ Fashion Packages can also be combined with other Auckland Experiences. With gorgeous beaches, a vibrant city life and beautiful wineries around the corner, it’s hard not to be charmed by our most diverse city.
>> Reserve My Exclusive NZ Fashion Package