Ready, set, runway
Spring is in the air and fashion is taking centre stage, with the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival returning to showcase the designers and creatives shaping what’s next.
After a successful debut in 2025, the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival returns from 15–18 October, bringing four days of fashion, creativity, and fresh ideas to the city. With Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre providing the backdrop for this year’s headline runway shows, the second edition promises an even bigger celebration of the designers, makers, and creative talent shaping New Zealand fashion now.
One of the highlights to watch out for is The New Guard, a showcase of some of the country’s most exciting contemporary designers and a glimpse at what comes next for New Zealand fashion. Featuring Harris Tapper, REBE, Rhoda Nunn, Awatea, and more, the show brings together a new generation of creative voices who are challenging convention, experimenting with new perspectives, and making their mark on the local fashion landscape. For those wanting to discover the names you’ll be seeing more of, this is a particularly good place to start.
This year’s programme will reach beyond the runway, with a series of events and shows designed to connect with local communities while celebrating both Canterbury talent and makers from around the country. Expect plenty of opportunities to experience fashion in unexpected places and meet the people behind the clothes.
Adding to the festival’s national perspective is Creative Director Dan Ahwa, alongside a wider group of designers, makers, and creative minds travelling to Ōtautahi from across Aotearoa. Their involvement reflects the festival’s ambition to put Christchurch firmly on the fashion map while creating a space where local creativity can sit alongside some of the country’s most influential names.
The festival will also culminate in a suitably stylish celebration with the NZFW Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival Finale, in collaboration with Riccarton Park, Merivale Mall, The Ned, and Avenues magazine. Taking place at The Pavilion, Riccarton Park, on Sunday 18 October, the premium long lunch will bring together fashion, food, and Cup Week glamour, with guests treated to curated wine pairings, a spring racing-fashion runway, a fashion panel featuring Dan Ahwa, and a Best Dressed competition.
Styled by Canterbury locals Lou Heller and Stephanie Rumble, the show promises plenty of inspiration for the season ahead and, naturally, what to wear when Cup Week rolls around. Avenues Food Editor Sophie Petersen will also collaborate with Riccarton Park’s chefs and The Ned on the menu and wine pairings, celebrating the anticipated release of The Ned’s new sparkling wine.
Tickets for the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival Finale are available at nzfashionweek.com.
Second year, bigger vision, fresh talent and a city ready to dress up for the occasion. As the official print partner with NZFW for the Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival, Avenues will be at Te Pae throughout the festival, bringing you all the fashion, faces, and moments worth watching.
The Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival is shaping up to be a celebration of where New Zealand fashion is headed – and we’re proud to see Ōtautahi right at the centre of it.