New Zealand Fashion Week scrapped for 2024
The New Zealand fashion industry has been struck another blow, with NZ Fashion Week not returning for 2024.
The organisers announced yesterday that they will not hold an event this year due to the “economic downturn and pressures on consumer spending”, with the “strategic decision” to transition to a biennial schedule. They plan to hold it again in the second half of 2025.
In a statement, NZFW owner Feroz Ali said that while they had a “strong cohort” of early support from designers and sponsors, “we didn't have enough for a robust week long schedule to make the event viable this year”.
“The reality is that consumer confidence is at an all-time low and the fashion retail industry has been particularly affected by the reduced consumer spending.” he said.
Ali said the team had listened to the industry and considered feedback, “who tell us they need dedicated time and space to focus on their core retail business”.
The statement also noted the impact of the prolonged closure of the Wynyard Quarter crossing bridge, outside NZFW’s Viaduct Events Centre venue. “A pause will also allow time for the Wynyard Quarter crossing bridge to be fixed, its continued closure presenting a significant challenge for public attendance and access to the venue.”
The NZ fashion industry is facing tough times. Last month designer Kate Sylvester announced her decision to close in 2025. That was closely followed by Trelise Cooper selling her Auckland apartment with the intention to relocate to the US, while keeping her namesake brand open and operating from NZ.
Other, smaller fashion brands have also announced closures this year.
On Monday, industry body Mindful Fashion NZ will release the results of its Threads of Tomorrow report with Ernst Young – a timely reflection on the state of the local fashion, clothing and textile industry from a business and economic perspective.
Like the industry it supports, NZ Fashion Week has also gone through a tumultuous few years. The event returned in 2023 after a four year hiatus and several pandemic related cancellations and postponements.
Ali purchased NZFW in 2021 from founder Dame Pieter Stewart. Ali also owns Whitecliffe College, the largest privately owned art and design school in New Zealand.
The news of NZFW’s postponement reflects shifts within the wider events industry. In April Splore announced it would not hold a 2025 edition after a “challenging” festival season in 2024, as did the NZ Agricultural Show.
– Zoe Walker Ahwa is the editor of
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