The NZFW 2025 schedule just dropped—and it’s giving nostalgia, new energy, and a whole lot of fashion

The wait is over—this morning, New Zealand Fashion Week finally released its full 2025 schedule, and yes, it’s stacked. The dates (25–30 August) were already circled in the calendars of fashion insiders, stylists, students and showroom girls across the country, but now? We have actual names, actual times, and actual confirmation that Karen Walker is really returning to the NZFW runway after more than 15 years.

There’s something uniquely thrilling about a schedule drop, like festival line-ups or long-haul boarding calls, that activates a very specific part of the brain. And this one delivers. Whether you're there for the heritage heavyweights (Zambesi, Juliette Hogan) or the names shaping what's next (Harris Tapper, Claudia Li, Rory William Docherty), this year’s programme promises fashion with range, relevance, and a bit of glamour.

NZFW’s Designer Liaison and Lead Show Producer, Rebecca Lawson, calls it 'a representation of the world-class talent this country is home to,' while Creative Director Dan Ahwa adds that the week is 'book-ended by nostalgia and the future.' That rings especially true in the return of beloved names, the emergence of exciting first-timers, and an increase in off-site shows and public-facing events.

It’s not just for the industry anymore, either. With more shows open to the public, and off-site events like the Ensemble Fashion Film Festival and Kiri Nathan’s Te Kuneroa o Kākahu Māori presentation, the 2025 schedule feels more democratic—and more culturally vital—than ever.

Below, the full schedule so far. Start plotting. Tickets are available here.

Monday, August 25
NZFW Opening Event – 5pm
Into The Archives: Two Decades of New Zealand Style – 6:30pm

Tuesday, August 26
Yu Mei – 2pm (Offsite)
Juliette Hogan – 6pm
Taylor – 7:30pm (Offsite)
Harris Tapper – 8:30pm (Offsite)

Wednesday, August 27
The Diamond Shop Trunk Show – By appointment (Offsite)
Claudia Li - 11am
Adrion Atelier - 1pm
Kāhui Collective - 3pm
Kathryn Wilson - 6pm (Invite only)
Kathryn Wilson - 7.30pm
Rebe - 7.30pm (Offsite)

Thursday, August 28
Jasmin Sparrow – 10am (Offsite)
Untouched World – 1pm
Future of Fashion presented by DHL – 3pm
Auckland FC Kit Couture – 4pm (Offsite)
Karen Walker & adidas – 6pm
Zambesi – 8:30pm

Friday, August 29
Rebe Trunk Show – By appointment (Offsite)
Breast Cancer Cure Designer Showcase – 1pm
Love Ponsonby – 3pm
Kowtow Designer Clothes Swap – 4pm
Augustine – 6pm
Into The Archives: Two Decades of New Zealand Style – 8pm

Saturday, August 30
New Zealand Designer Breakfast at The Shelter – 9:30am (Offsite)
Walk the Line – 10am
Sonnie – 12pm
Rebe Trunk Show – Open showroom, 12pm–4pm (Offsite)
The Graduate Collections – 2pm
Pacific Fusion Fashion Show – 4pm
The Keep – 4pm & 5pm (Offsite)
Knuefermann – 6pm (Offsite)
Greatest Hits – Volume 1: The Best Looks of NZFW 2025 – 7pm
Greatest Hits – Volume 2: The Best Shoppable Looks, presented by Viva – 8:30pm

Events
Kiri Nathan presents: Te Kuneroa o Kākahu Māori – August 25–30 (Shed 10)
Rory William Docherty Creative Installation – August 25–30 (Britomart)
Into The Archives – Exhibition – August 26–27 (Shed 10)
NZ On Screen NZ Music Video x Style Collection - Anytime (Online)
Ensemble Fashion Film Festival - August 25-28 (Academy Cinema)