Winnie Solomon, the emerging designer behind her Winnie Catherine brand, has been named the winner of the Future of Fashion award presented by Giltrap Group at New Zealand Fashion Week.
Solomon showcased Winnie Catherine’s latest styles during a runway presentation last week, alongside seven other finalists, including Anthurium, Heather Brennan Evans, iTi Clothes, Laurence Sabrine, NIQ Atelier, Rhian and Zoe Langley.
This is the second major accolade for Winnie Catherine in 2026, with the brand’s founder also being named the ‘Emerging New Zealand Fashion Designer of the Year' for Remix Magazine.
The Future of Fashion win includes financial support, mentorship, industry connections and a year-long Skoda New Zealand vehicle sponsorship.
Solomon said the win will be used to scale her local production output, including finding or contracting a machinist to help make some of her garments.
Winnie Catherine was founded in early 2024, selling purely online, with all her products designed and made by her in New Zealand. Earlier this year, the brand expanded into physical trading through a partnership with The Shelter, a fashion retailer.
The brand’s ranges are priced around the mid-three-figures, with coats selling for over $1,000 AUD.
Solomon is also keen to host an event in her hometown of Wellington from the win.
“I really want to do something in my own city,” Solomon said. “That is where my family, my network, my people, a lot of the friends of Winnie Catherine are based.
“I think with the help of Giltrap Group, we can put something on, and that's going to be really exciting.”
The award was presented by local car dealership company Giltrap Group, the major sponsor behind New Zealand Fashion Week. Head of motorsport and group partnerships, Hamish Miller, presented the award alongside NZFW executive director Liam Taylor.
According to NZFW, Winnie Solomon’s work stood out to the judges for its strong conceptual and commercial appeal, resonating with New Zealand women while showing real potential to scale.”
Contemporary design, heritage details, slow production and a focused approach to storytelling came together in a collection with a clear point of view.”