Every year around this time (when it’s just cold enough to wear your cool winter coat, and just warm enough to wear your cool spring outfit underneath), fashion folk flock to the Viaduct Events Centre - the hub of New Zealand Fashion Week, the biggest fashion event in the country.
New Zealand Fashion Week runs from the 28th - 31st August and is predominantly a trade event showing Autumn/Winter 2018 collections to buyers and media. Those four days are followed by New Zealand Fashion Weekend (1st - 3rd September), which is open to the public and is a three day fashion and beauty bonanza, including shows offering a glimpse into new season (Spring/Summer 2017) collections, seminars, a beauty hub and the much anticipated designer pop-up sale.
The whole weekend event is pretty overwhelming and there’s a lot on, so here’s my top picks for what to do!
- Go to a show. There are a lot of great shows on over the weekend, but if you’re going to narrow it down to three, I would choose the Friday night opening show, WORLD, for theatrics, showmanship and a great time - the brand is super established and they’re bound to put on a fun show, Kneufermann for a slick, beautiful and polished presentation, and for those who are time poor and can’t choose, the FQ show will be a great edit of current trends and pieces for this season.
- For those who love a bit of pampering, the Beauty Hub is made for you. There are seminars to help you master runway looks, beauty pop ups (think nail bars, dry bars, barber trims and makeup touch-ups) from all your favourite brands, including Smashbox, Essie and L’Occitane.
- Another must do at NZ Fashion Weekend, is stop by the Designer Pop-Up Sale - open on both the Saturday and Sunday, the sale is the most anticipated highlight of the whole event. Tonnes of New Zealand designer labels (fashion, footwear and accessories) gather together samples and end of season pieces and retail these at a fraction of the usual cost. Previous designers involved in the sale have included Lonely, Hailwood, Sass & Bide and Tigerlily so expect surprise gems and bargains, especially for those who get in early - you can purchase a VIP ticket upgrade to get in at 8am (an hour before the normal opening) and avoid having to queue up. (Note: if you buy a ticket to a NZ Fashion Weekend show, access to the Designer Pop-Up Sale is included). Pro tip: wear something easy to get on and off for ease of trying on clothes in a crowded, bustling environment. It might seem silly but it’ll save you time and time is money! Smart shopping is key!
Happy Fashion Weekend!
Find out more about New Zealand Fashion Week and get your tickets here.