A personal reflection from NZFW Creative Director Dan Ahwa on the journey from his first experience of Fashion Week in 2004 to returning as Creative Director. Exploring the people, perspectives and creative voices shaping the future of New Zealand fashion, Dan reflects on the importance of collaboration, cultural diversity and creating opportunities for the next generation.

For NZFW’s 2026 campaign, Creative Director Dan Ahwa took fashion out of the studio and into the streets of Tāmaki Makaurau. We spoke with Dan about the concept, the collaborators, and why Auckland is a city worth celebrating.

We spoke with Amanda Butterworth from NZ Fashion Revolution about transparency, collective action, and what it means to engage with fashion more consciously.

Kiri Nathan is paving the way for a flourishing and authentic Māori fashion movement.

Hamish Miller, Giltrap Group, on what brings fashion and automotive together, and what this year holds.

Estelle Schuler, Fashion Stylist, on the jobs she said yes to, the ones she turned down, and what keeps her showing up.

As Creative Director for New Zealand Fashion Week presented by Giltrap Group, Dan Ahwa is shaping what the 2026 event looks and feels like from the inside.

Vicki Taylor, Creative Director, taylor & The Shelter

In conversation with Tessa Patrick on coming full circle - what she has learned, and why this industry is worth every bit of it.

Sarah Murray on her path to Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Fashion Quarterly, her first encounter with NZFW, and what continues to inspire her.