Runway moves south
Christchurch is set to get a whole lot more fashionable.
Ōtautahi Christchurch will host its first-ever New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) event this year, with the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival presented by NZFW running from 7–9 November. The festival will feature a large-scale spring/summer runway showcasing a curated mix of iconic and emerging designers from across Aotearoa, with a strong focus on local Ōtautahi talent.
“We want to deliver a series of events that includes some of our iconic NZFW 2025 shows alongside experiences that shine a spotlight on Christchurch and the southern region. We’ve been inundated with interest from brands that want to be involved, so we’re exploring ways for local designers and labels to show up and have a platform to connect with their fans,” says Liam Taylor, NZFW Board Director.
Beyond the main runway, the festival will bring fashion to the city in new ways. Pop-up retail-based shows will activate key locations across Christchurch, while the Beyond the Runway series will feature panel discussions, styling sessions, and a designer lunch.
“Beyond the Runway is our speaker series. It’s about encouraging positive conversations and discussions within the industry, providing opportunities for our community and audiences to be inspired by designers and fashion leaders,” says Liam. “The series can take many forms – from panel discussions and lunch-and-learn experiences to podcasts, social content, and other platforms where people can engage with or learn from our designers.”
The festival marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between NZFW and ChristchurchNZ. From November each year, Christchurch will host a consumer-focused, high-end fashion showcase as part of the city’s On Show spring events calendar, complementing Auckland’s August edition. While Auckland’s NZFW Kahuria remains industry-led, Christchurch’s programme will centre on cultural storytelling, local business collaborations, and community engagement. In addition, NZFW will work with Ngāi Tūāhuriri to gift a name for the Christchurch festival.
Liam says the timing is perfect for Ōtautahi. “Christchurch has a vibrant and growing creative community, and we feel the time is right to bring our platform south to help fuel this creativity. We also know Christchurch is a key destination for many of our designers, and the community here has a genuine love for fashion.”
One of those designers is Untouched World, the globally recognised Canterbury-based brand known for its sustainable knitwear. Founder and CEO Peri Drysdale welcomes NZFW’s arrival.
“We have a thriving, positive city and region that would love the opportunity to engage with NZFW. For fashion to be truly sustainable, transparency isn’t just a bonus – it’s essential. That’s why we’re proud to be based in Canterbury, surrounded by an incredible network of local farmers and producers who make traceability possible from the ground up,” Peri says.
“There’s something special about having the same farmer who supplies your merino wool popping into your store as a regular customer. It’s a reminder that fashion should be personal, local, and deeply connected to community. We’re thrilled to see this vibrant regional network step into the spotlight at Fashion Week, because where your clothes come from matters.”