The new era of NZFW begins—with Giltrap at the wheel
After a few uncertain years, New Zealand Fashion Week is officially back—and it’s returning with a fresh name, a firm date, and a major partner that signals the stakes have never been higher. In 2025, New Zealand Fashion Week will hit the runway with the Giltrap Group as its new presenting sponsor. And just like that, the country's biggest fashion event has its engine running again.
The new partnership marks more than just a logo on an invitation—it’s a vote of confidence in the future of Aotearoa’s fashion industry. Giltrap, best known for bringing the world’s most coveted cars to local streets, is lending its weight to a cause that’s every bit as tied to craftsmanship, aspiration and design-led thinking: fashion.
'This is a true partnership,' says Giltrap Group CEO Steve Kenchington. 'We’re committed to investing in creativity and innovation here in Aotearoa—and that means supporting platforms that help our designers thrive.' The collaboration has been locked in for three years, giving the event time to evolve, expand, and find its rhythm again after a few stop-start seasons.
If past fashion weeks have been about exclusivity, 2025 is about access. This year’s iteration introduces a three-day public programme alongside the trade schedule, making the week feel less like a closed-off industry summit and more like a citywide cultural celebration. Expect runway shows, exhibitions, talks, and a sense of renewed energy around what it means to engage with fashion today, from both sides of the catwalk.
It’s a welcome reframe. NZFW has always held space for emerging talent and iconic names alike, but now it has a long-term foundation to build from. With Giltrap on board, the production value and brand support level up—without losing the local identity that’s always made it distinct.
The countdown begins now. The campaign launches this month, the schedule’s in the works, and the buzz is already building. After a few years of 'will it or won’t it,' the answer is finally here—and it’s a confident yes.
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