New Zealand Fashion Week – it’s only the beginning!

New Zealand Fashion week has arrived, and with it a whole host of spin-off gatherings. It’s also a reminder fashion events take place all over our country and in virtually every month of the year! Consider this your cue to suss out what’s on offer and make fashion events just the beginning of destination breaks and road trips with besties or family!

New Zealand Fashion Week itself is now entering its 21st year, bringing together local designers, and giving them the opportunity to showcase their wares to the nation and the world. More importantly, for Fashion Week’s adoring national public, it’s a chance to take a first-hand peek into trending fashion design via runway tickets, fashion-focused speakers, fashion films, and fashion-themed exhibitions. If you’re in Auckland for the events, we hope you have a ball! If you’re in other parts of the country, you may like to check out the following events, and mark them on your calendar. Because Kiwi fashion gatherings pop up everywhere, and in the most unexpected places! So, in no particular order, we have …

Orewa

Orewa’s Wedding Dress through the Decades is froth and finery at its best, and what’s more, when you head out to the evening event, you’ll be supporting Harbour Hospice. If you’re looking for a way to treat an older member who’s celebrating a wedding anniversary, or a friend or family member who’s busy planning their own upcoming wedding, this is the event to attend. Why not treat your group to a meal out at Orewa, beforehand!

Dunedin

Fashion at McGlashan showcases top designers and doesn’t skip our nation’s love of the big outdoors, with Hunting and Fishing and Rodd & Gunn represented along with the likes of home-grown and locally-loved Plume. Mark August 28 in the diary and be sure to wrap up warm to take in the southern city’s chill!

Whanganui

If there’s one thing even more fun than watching a fashion event, it’s being part of it! Whanganui Vintage Weekend (2026 dates to be announced) is a January opportunity to dress up in the vintage era of your choosing, and strut your stuff in the city’s vibrant centre. Judges will be on the lookout for outstanding entries, and there are prizes galore. It’s fun on the run!

Timaru

From charitable trust, Little Yellow Chair comes Art in Motion, a wearable art extravaganza in its inaugural year. Be part of an event showcasing creative talent from around the country, and shop the best of South Canterbury design while you’re at it! Best of all, Art in Motion offers both matinee and evening shows, so if you’re not a night owl, the PM event is for you!

Napier

The city’s ‘Art Deco Fashion on the Foreshore competition’ is another opportunity to dress up, or simply enjoy watching, and there are loads of exciting prizes. To whet your appetite, last year’s categories included ‘Best Dressed Child,’ ‘Most Chic,’ and ‘Bathing Belle or Beau!’ Mark February 19-26 on your 2026 calendar, and check out details closer to the date for entry forms.

Alexandra

WoolOn is a fashion festival must-see for farmers, and all lovers of natural fibre garments. Now a regular feature on Central Otago’s event calendar, the show attracts entries from around the country, and the world. Garments must be 75% wool, and at last count there were nine categories in the show. Check out WoolOn’s site for details of 2026 dates, and remember Queenstown’s international airport is just a hop away from Alexandra!

Whether you’re a fashion-follower, designer, or simply looking for a great excuse to gallivant, New Zealand fashion events have you covered!