The 2026 Schedule, Revealed
Tuesday 6 May, 2026.
On a Tuesday evening in early May, the doors of Giltrap Audi opened to a room that felt like the beginning of something.
Designers, creatives, stylists, buyers, models, partners, sponsors, and friends of the industry gathered on Auckland's waterfront for the first look at the NZFW 2026 schedule. It was the kind of room that only comes together once a year, and this year, it had plenty to celebrate.
The evening marked the official unveiling of the initial 2026 designer and show lineup, presented in partnership with Giltrap Group. As the schedule was revealed, the energy in the room said everything. A lineup defined by momentum, return, and firsts.
Caitlin Crisp will open the week as the first solo designer to headline the schedule, eight years on from her NZFW graduate debut. Elle & Riley make their NZFW debut, marking a decade in business. twenty-seven names return for a solo show, also celebrating 20 years. Juliette Hogan, Kathryn Wilson, Taylor, The Shelter, Kāhui Collective, and Pacific Fusion are back. And new for 2026, The Studio, a contemporary group show curated by NZFW Creative Director Dan Ahwa, joins the programme alongside the returning Future of Fashion Driven by Giltrap Group and VIVA Presents Greatest Hits Vol. 1 and Vol. 2.
The room reflected the breadth of what NZFW has become. Not just a runway event, but a platform, a community, and a moment that the New Zealand fashion industry gathers around each August.
Executive Director Liam Taylor spoke to the crowd on what this year represents. With Government support through the Events Boost Fund secured for the first time in 15 years, and the continued backing of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Giltrap Group, NZFW 2026 is set to be a step up in every sense.
More activations. More ways to experience the week. More reasons to make the trip to Auckland.
The first wave of the schedule is out. More announcements are still to come.
Tickets are on sale now at nzfashionweek.com
New Zealand Fashion Week presented by Giltrap Group. 17–22 August 2026. Shed 10, Auckland Central.