Karen Walker returns to New Zealand Fashion Week for the second consecutive year - international show CHINA NOW and Saben added to the schedule - New Zealand Indigenous Fashion Symposium by Kiri Nathan
For the second consecutive year, Karen Walker has confirmed her commitment to New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW). As part of the final additions to the stacked schedule, group showcase CHINA NOW and an offsite retrospective from Saben join Karen Walker, while Kiri Nathan launches the first-ever New Zealand Indigenous Fashion Symposium to take place during NZFW.
After a fifteen-year hiatus, Karen Walker made an unforgettable return to NZFW in 2025 and will look to leave the same impact this year with an offsite show in partnership with long-time collaborators Lexus, adidas originals and Levi’s on Wednesday night to create the ultimate runway adventure.
As part of NZFW’s commitment to being a platform to spotlight international talent, the CHINA NOW showcase will celebrate contemporary Chinese design, featuring two renowned Chinese labels - Gu Axin and J by HO.
An Eastern ethnic brand rooted in China, Gu Axin launched a fashion movement called “Guizhou Village T” in remote mountain villages - bringing the runway to terraced fields and ancient wind-rain bridges. Gu Axin will bring the spirit of “Guizhou Village T” to New Zealand Fashion Week for the very first time, presenting an Eastern ethnic couture spectacle to the Southern Hemisphere.
J BY HO is an independent, China Top Ten Designer and high-street brand that emphasises the interpretive power of its products. J BY HO will be bringing their Reign Robe collection to the NZFW runway, crafted for those who shine in their independence, and will feature extended trains, mermaid silhouettes, and precision tailoring, paired with cascading haute couture pearl jewelry that chimes with each step.
Taking place next door to NZFW at The Cloud, Kiri Nathan is set to produce a landmark indigenous fashion programme with the inaugural New Zealand Indigenous Fashion Symposium, bringing together Indigenous designers, artists, cultural practitioners, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from Aotearoa, the Pacific and around the world for a week-long celebration of Indigenous creativity, innovation, commerce and cultural exchange.
Celebrating 20 years of Saben’s iconic Tilly Bag, the trusted hand luggage label will host an invite-only offsite retrospective exhibition on 20 August, celebrating two decades of an enduring icon. The celebration continues at SABEN's Ponsonby flagship from 21–23 August, where all are invited to discover a curated retrospective honouring 20 years of the iconic Tilly handbag.Public tickets to New Zealand Fashion Week 2026 are on sale now via nzfashionweek.com.
