New Zealand Fashion Week just wrapped its 25th anniversary in Auckland, and the energy was pure future nostalgia. Held at the heritage-listed Shed 10 on Waitematā Harbour, the event mixed established icons with fresh Indigenous talent, delivering a masterclass in elevated streetwear, genderless silhouettes, and Y2K-era experimentation. For anyone tracking the global shift toward bold, wearable fashion, these are the shows that mattered.
The Icons Return With a Twist
Karen Walker’s Grand Tour
The queen of Kiwi cool took over Auckland Art Gallery for a showcase blending archival pieces with fresh Adidas Originals and Levi’s collaborations. Customized Japanese denim for Levi’s Blue Tab line stole the spotlight, proving that heritage brands can still feel hyper-relevant when remixed with streetwear energy.
Zambesi’s Harbor Serenade
Zambesi turned a 200-meter wharf into a runway for their spring 2026 collection, “Song to the Siren.” Featherlight tulle, mesh, and silk in sea foam and mint layered with fluid tailoring and raffia details — pure magic against Auckland’s harbor views. It was soft, sensual, and effortlessly cool.
Nom*D Hits Collection 81
Margi Robertson split her presentation between Plume’s international picks (think Comme des Garçons) and her own Nom*D line. The 81st collection popped with primary colors and superhero-style graphics — retro swing jackets, two-tone sack dresses, and boxy culottes that screamed Y2K playfulness.
New Stars to Watch
Claudia Li’s Romantic Rebellion
The Central Saint Martins grad and former Haus of Gaga designer has returned to Auckland. Her made-to-order collection featured sculptural silk taffeta wedding dresses and occasion wear — romantic, full-blown silhouettes that felt both nostalgic and forward. If you’re into dramatic volume, this is your new obsession.
By Kai’s Fijian Minimalism
Auckland stylist Kai Makaira Lee debuted her resort wear line with a palette of ecru, khaki, and olive green, accented by canary yellow and vintage floral. The standout? A khaki safari jacket with Nehru collar paired with deep-pocket cargo pants. Accessories woven from traditional Fijian voivoi added a cultural layer that felt fresh, not forced.
Jung-Ying’s Upcycled Tailoring
Former ballet dancer William Fitzgerald launched his menswear label with fluid tailoring made from deadstock and upcycled fabrics. The collection nods to his Chinese-Malaysian heritage and is already stocked at Auckland concept store The Shelter. Sustainable doesn’t have to mean boring — this proves it.
Indigenous Excellence & Genderless Streetwear
Kāhui Collective’s Massive Show
Kiri Nathan’s collective presented 16 Māori and Indigenous designers from Australia, Fiji, Taiwan, and Alaska in a nearly two-hour showcase. Veteran artist Shona Tāwhiao hinted this might be her last runway — a moment of respect and reverence. Meanwhile, Āhuru’s debut featured labor-intensive knits using generational hand-spinning techniques. This was fashion as cultural preservation.
Iti Clothes: One Size, All Attitude
Christchurch-born Jeorge Bradford makes every piece himself in a backyard studio in Australia. His genderless streetwear brand uses only cotton drill and poplin in vibrant primaries — all one size. Boxy shirts, voluminous balloon pants, and intricate woven panels make this a masterclass in accessible, high-impact design.
Twenty Seven Names Goes Back to School
Returning to NZFW after six years, founders Rachel Easting and Anjali Burnett delivered collegiate references galore — varsity jerseys, Peter Pan collars, and academic gowns. The deadstock fabric series included a mint green miniskirt suit and a lime trapeze coat in 100% nylon. Preppy but punk.
Comparison: The Key Aesthetic Directions
| Brand | Vibe | Key Materials | Standout Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karen Walker | Heritage streetwear | Japanese denim, sneakers | Custom Levi’s Blue Tab jacket |
| Zambesi | Ethereal minimalism | Tulle, mesh, silk | Raffia-trimmed tunic |
| Nom*D | Y2K comic pop | Cotton blends, nylon | Superhero graphic swing jacket |
| Claudia Li | Romantic drama | Silk taffeta | Sculptural wedding dress |
| By Kai | Resort utility | Cotton, silk, voivoi | Nehru collar safari suit |
| Jung-Ying | Fluid upcycled | Deadstock fabrics | Tailored draped trousers |
| Iti Clothes | Genderless primary | Cotton drill, poplin | Balloon pants |
| Twenty Seven Names | Preppy nostalgia | Deadstock, nylon | Mint green miniskirt suit |
FAQ: What You Need to Know
When did NZ Fashion Week 2026 take place?
It ran in late August 2026 across Auckland venues, primarily at Shed 10 on Waitematā Harbour, with shows also at Okahu wharf and Kingy restaurant.
Who are the breakout designers this year?
Claudia Li, By Kai, Jung-Ying, and Iti Clothes are the names generating buzz — each bringing unique cultural perspectives, from Fijian weaving to upcycled tailoring.
Why is the Indigenous program significant?
The Kāhui Collective show featured 16 designers from Māori, Pacific, Taiwanese, and Alaskan communities, plus the inaugural Indigenous fashion symposium — a major step for representation in the industry.
Where can I buy pieces from these collections?
Jung-Ying is currently stocked at The Shelter in Auckland. Other brands are rolling out releases through their own channels and select retailers over the coming months.
What’s the biggest trend from this year’s shows?
Elevated utility with a nostalgic twist — think cargo pockets, deadstock fabrics, and schoolgirl collars, all reworked for a modern streetwear audience.
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