New Zealand Fashion Week, in their words—four stalwart designers on style, legacy, and the future

As New Zealand Fashion Week reaches the final days, four of our nation’s most compelling designers share what they’re creating, how they’re feeling, and why this moment matters.

CLAUDIA LI

Marking both your brand’s 10th year and a return to NZFW, how does this milestone feel—and what reflections are behind this collection?
Reaching the 10-year mark feels both surreal and grounding. So much has changed, but the core of why I started—storytelling through clothing—remains the same. This collection is a quiet reflection on time: what we hold onto, what we release, and how memory becomes form. This return to the runway feels like a quiet homecoming, and showing in Aotearoa for the first time makes it even more personal. There’s something deeply grounding about bringing the work home, especially in this milestone year.

You’ve consciously slowed your creative rhythm to honour meaning over speed. How will this new intentionality be visible to NZFW audiences?
This collection is about returning to the essence of Claudia Li. I wanted to revisit the forms, the shapes, and the emotional language that have defined the brand—but with more intention. There’s more freedom in the process now, but every decision is clearer, more deliberate—allowing each piece the space to breathe and hold meaning. There’s a quiet nostalgia in the work, but it also speaks to the future—where the brand stands now, and where it’s heading. It’s a deeply personal collection, and also a reflection of the care, time, and heart of everyone who has helped build this brand over the last ten years.

You’ve spoken recently about the rich diversity and intentionality shaping Aotearoa fashion—how do you see representation and cultural voice evolving in NZ design today?
What I really admire is how young designers today are fearless in claiming their truth and celebrating their identity. When I was growing up here, fitting in often felt like the only option, and difference was something to be hidden, tucked away. But now, there’s this beautiful shift: a celebration of people exactly as they are, their stories and talents embraced without apology. That, to me, is powerful and hopeful.

What do you see as the most exciting shifts in NZ fashion right now—and how does your latest collection speak into that moment?
There’s a new wave of designers carving out space in Aotearoa. You see more experimentation, more vulnerability, and deeper connections. I think my collection speaks to that shift — not just in how it looks, but in how it was designed and made. It’s not about chasing relevance, it’s rooted in emotion, self-expression, and storytelling. And that to me is what makes fashion feel alive right now.

KAREN WALKER

This collaborative NZFW show with adidas might come as a surprise to some—what sparked the idea, and how did the concept for a joint showcase come to life?
We’ve been collaborating with adidas for over 11 years to create unique visual expressions of how our brands work together in the retail environment. NZFW is simply a further, physical expression of that collaborative spirit.

You’ve built a globally recognised brand with a very defined visual language. How do you ensure the Karen Walker aesthetic holds its own alongside the equally iconic three-stripes of Adidas?

Our style has always gone well with adidas and this coming together of our two styles, essentially sport with fashion, reflects how people live and express themselves. 

What role do you think collaboration plays in keeping legacy brands like yours feeling fresh and culturally tapped in?

I’m a big fan of collaborations and always aim for them to create a 1 + 1 = 3 moment. 

You’re undoubtedly one of the fashion greats who helped put New Zealand on the global style map. Do you ever feel the pressure to maintain that status—and how do you navigate it?
My motivation is simple: to serve our customers with products, stories and experiences that meet their needs and elevate their everyday. 

As someone who’s seen the ebb and flow of trends and business models, what do you think will always matter in fashion—no matter how the industry changes?
Good ideas.

KATHRYN WILSON

In 2010, you made history as the first designer to present an exclusively footwear show at NZFW—and you’ve returned to the runway every year since. What keeps you coming back to this platform?
New Zealand Fashion Week is a great platform to celebrate our collections with a high-calibre production build that allows our products to shine while creating magical memories with our customers! We are really passionate about supporting all brands and businesses in the NZ fashion industry, and Fashion Week is a great way to connect with other designers to share learnings and celebrate all of our local talent together!

Let's talk about this year’s show—has anything in particular influenced the creative direction of this runway?
Our catwalk shows are built with our brand values in mind; playful, colourful, joyful models and music will be hitting the catwalk in true Kathryn Wilson style! The show styling is powerful yet feminine—a celebration of how our footwear makes the wearer feel: uplifted, empowered and confident.

As one of New Zealand’s longest-standing fashion labels, what advice would you offer the next generation of emerging designers looking to build longevity?
Stay true to your brand values and brand promise to your customers. Keep the design brief concise and clear so that each product has a distinct purpose within the collection. We design to bring joy to our customers—always thinking about what the wearer wants from us and how we can provide designs that will be in their wardrobes for years to come. Most importantly, have fun along the way with your team and celebrate the wins—big or small!

You’re known and loved for your playful, colourful designs. How do you stay grounded in your aesthetic while navigating fast-moving micro trends?
Our Kathryn Wilson collections are designed with longevity in mind. All of our footwear is made to last and is designed with silhouettes that can be kept in your wardrobe for years, while acknowledging international trends of colour and texture with the uppers. We are mindful of offering our customers on-trend styles that are timeless rather than seasonal.

If you could pick one song as the soundtrack to this year’s show, what would it be, and why?
Our show opens to the iconic Michael Jackson track 'The Way You Make Me Feel', which sets the tone of an uplifting show. It's a nod to the late '80s / '90s styling of the garments, and the lyrics celebrate the emotions that people or fashion can evoke. It's also one of my all-time favourite songs for the dancefloor!

LIZ FINDLAY of ZAMBESI

You’ve been a cornerstone of NZFW since its early days. What does this platform still offer for Zambesi, and why is it important to return?
NZFW has always been a great platform to showcase our collections. Being able to express the creative talents of our team is so rewarding, and the anticipation of doing a show lifts your spirits and gives a sense of pride to all involved. We find meaning in participating. I think it's a really important time for our industry to represent itself, to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution we all make to the culture.

Zambesi’s strength lies in its people—from family to your close-knit team of makers. How have those relationships contributed to the identity and longevity of Zambesi? 
We are so lucky to have cultivated a loyal ’ZamFam’, and it feels like a crucial element of the brand identity that resonates well with people. Our people are our strength, our inspiration and our support. Family is everything. We have been fortunate to attract a like-minded, loyal and close-knit team, and those relationships are incredibly important to us. 

How would you describe this latest Zambesi collection in terms of mood, silhouette, and fabrication?
We have named this collection ‘Instrumental’, which is open to interpretation. You can expect the collection to be atmospheric, fluid and sensual. Each piece is designed to be functional yet evocative: a quiet statement of independence, a nod to the avant-garde, and a foundation for individuality. A grounded palette punctuated by bold, vibrant accents, with glimpses into an almost seventies aesthetic. There’s a sense of movement and ease, interrupted by moments of contrast and surprise.

Zambesi has never followed conventional trends. What do you think gives a brand its staying power in an ever-shifting industry?
Our brand ethos has never changed, and our foundations have stayed strong. Our team has an authentic vision and a genuine love for making clothes, while being adaptable to the changes around us. We keep our heads in the clouds and our feet on the ground!