New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) has unveiled its initial 2026 schedule, with the event set to return to Shed 10 on Auckland's Queen's Wharf from August 17–22.
Presented in partnership with Giltrap Group, the week will bring together established designers, emerging talent and the wider creative industry across runway shows, activations and panel discussions.
Leading womenswear designer Caitlin Crisp will headline the schedule, presenting the first solo designer show of the week in her Auckland catwalk debut. Crisp previously appeared as a headline designer at the inaugural 2025 Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival presented by NZFW, and her flagship retail store is also located in the city.
"NZFW is where it all started for me. Eight years ago I was part of a graduate show and this year we are the opening designer," said Crisp. "Summer is always a strong season for us and I cannot wait to bring the collection to life on the NZFW runway."
Cashmere label Elle & Riley will make their NZFW debut at the 2026 event, too, marking the brand's 10th anniversary, while Wellington cult favourite Twenty-Seven Names will return for a solo show coinciding with their own 20-year milestone in business. Returning to the schedule are Kathryn Wilson, Taylor and The Shelter, alongside Kāhui Collective and Pacific Fusion — two shows celebrating Māori and Pasifika design talent.
The Iconic, meanwhile, will present a group show building on its runway debut at last year's Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival, and childrenswear label Sonnie returns for a second year. Youth showcase Walk The Line, a secondary school design talent platform, has also secured its place on the schedule. Christchurch-based label Tough Auto will present a public-facing 'food and fashion' event in collaboration with chefs from Christchurch restaurant Londo and Auckland's No. 7 restaurant.
NZFW will again present three of its own produced shows — VIVA Presents Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, and Future of Fashion Driven by Giltrap Group — alongside a new addition to the programme titled The Studio. Curated by NZFW creative director Dan Ahwa, The Studio will spotlight contemporary designers including Harris Tapper, Rebe, Longform, Penny Sage, Fringes and Bronwyn Footwear. Ahwa will also curate the Official 2026 Opening Event, following last year's well-received ‘Into The Archives’.
NZFW executive director Liam Taylor said the response from designers following last year's event had been strong. "We've had an incredible response from designers looking to present collections on the runway, which shows us that New Zealand Fashion Week remains an incredibly important platform for them,” Taylor said.
Taylor noted the 2026 event would place increased focus on domestic and international visitation, with support from central government via the Events Boost Fund and ongoing backing from Tataki Auckland Unlimited. "Expect more activations from your favourite brands, interactive pop-ups and even more ways to stay and play in Auckland during NZFW," he said.
Further programme details and designer additions will be announced in coming months. Tickets to a selection of NZFW 2026 shows go on sale Wednesday, May 6.