New Zealand Fashion Week 2025: A Fashion Stylist's Insider Take
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Behind the Scenes at New Zealand Fashion Week
Insights From a Fashion Stylist on the Ground
A Shift Toward Sustainable Fashion
Highlights From the NZ Fashion Week Schedule
The People Stephanie Spoke To: Snapshots From the Crowd
Looking Ahead: Fashion Week Christchurch Is Coming
Themes Shaping the New Zealand Fashion Industry
Stephanie Rumble, fashion stylist, accountability coach, and host of the Style for Life podcast, brings us a front-row seat to New Zealand Fashion Week 2025. Recorded shortly after returning from Auckland, this episode captures both the energy of the runway and the backstage grit that makes fashion magic possible.
Unlike past years, this season's event felt more accessible, more community-driven, and more aligned with values like sustainable fashion and inclusivity. From wardrobe wins to unexpected fails, and candid conversations with a range of attendees, Stephanie offers a personal but powerful glimpse into the experience of being part of NZ Fashion Week, not just observing it.
Let’s unpack the key moments, standout themes, and what’s ahead for NZ Fashion Week, including a major new event on the horizon.
Behind the Scenes at New Zealand Fashion Week
As a seasoned fashion stylist, Stephanie has attended many runway events, but this year's Auckland Fashion Week felt different. It was less about closed-door exclusivity and more about inviting the public in. This tone of openness was reinforced by organisers, speakers, and volunteers, many of whom expressed excitement at the evolving direction of the event.
"I had six outfits for five shows. So I had one spare and I walked down to Fashion Week" ~ Stephanie Rumble
Across her time at NZFW, Stephanie moved between shows, interviews, and the occasional wardrobe mishap, all while taking notes not just as a spectator but as someone invested in the future of fashion.
Highlights from her experience included:
Attending standout runway shows from designers like Juliette Hogan, Adrian Hailwood, and Karen Walker.
Observing design elements like luxurious fabrics, colour use, and garment movement.
Engaging in spontaneous conversations that offered unique perspectives on the event.
“Juliette Hogan is a New Zealand designer. She's the maestro of fabrics.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
But beyond those moments was a general feeling of excitement and momentum. Stephanie frequently referenced the renewed energy among both designers and attendees, noting that the atmosphere was a mix of high-fashion glamour and grassroots creativity. That balance made New Zealand Fashion Week feel truly unique.
Insights From a Fashion Stylist on the Ground
Stephanie’s perspective as a professional fashion stylist gave her a unique angle on NZFW. In the podcast, she reflected on the pieces that stood out to her, particularly in Juliette Hogan's show, and shared that some of her clients had reached out to ask about specific looks.
She also shared practical details from her own experience:
Planned six outfits for five shows, explaining her strategy and why she brought an extra look as backup.
Experienced a wardrobe malfunction when wide-leg trousers caught on her stilettos, resulting in a fall, and improvised a fix using Sellotape.
Noted the standout fabric choices in collections by Juliette Hogan and Adrian Hailwood, calling them “dreamy,” “visionary,” and “bold”.
These moments reminded listeners that fashion week is not just about aesthetics, it’s about how fashion functions in real life. Stephanie’s attention to comfort, movement, and practical style helped bridge the gap between high fashion and personal styling. That kind of insight is what makes her voice so trusted in the New Zealand fashion industry.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Fashion
One of the strongest takeaways from this year’s events was a visible commitment to sustainable fashion. Stephanie noted that there was far less paper being handed out, and she appreciated this shift.
Throughout her commentary, she touched on:
The reduced use of printed materials at the event
Her personal appreciation for sustainability as a theme
Her admiration for collections that used fabrics with intention and quality
The move toward sustainability wasn’t just a logistical change, it was part of a broader design philosophy. Stephanie described how brands such as Untouched World delivered collections that felt aligned with long-term wearability and ecological responsibility. These weren’t throwaway looks; they were pieces with purpose. The growing demand for New Zealand fashion brands to prioritise environmental values seems to be reshaping the industry’s core identity.
Highlights From the NZ Fashion Week Schedule
Stephanie’s time in Auckland was packed. She attended multiple runway shows and industry events, all while recording interviews and sharing her perspective with followers online.
Her standout show experiences included:
Juliette Hogan: Described as “visionary,” with “dreamy” fabrics and consistent styling. Stephanie purchased a Juliet Hogan outfit in advance, carefully selecting something she could wear and love.
Adrian Hailwood: A surprise show she attended after a scheduling mix-up, which ended up being a pleasant discovery.
Karen Walker + Adidas: A standout show featuring a sporty obstacle course-style runway, which blended athleisure with high fashion. Stephanie described it as a “mindset shift” that inspired her to reconsider how to style sportswear and fashion together.
Kathryn Wilson: Stephanie appreciated the difficulty of showcasing shoes on a runway and applauded the creative presentation.
While these shows were certainly impressive, Stephanie also emphasized that Auckland Fashion Week was about more than what happened on the runway. Between shows, she connected with fellow stylists, buyers, and fashion lovers who were equally inspired by what they saw, not just in the spotlight, but in the street style and behind-the-scenes buzz that shaped each day.
The People Stephanie Spoke To: Snapshots From the Crowd
While NZFW was a massive event with hundreds of participants, Stephanie managed to capture a handful of interviews that added colour and texture to her podcast.
Stephanie’s interviews captured a cross-section of those involved in making the event happen — from organisers and brand leaders to boutique owners, stylists, and volunteers — offering listeners a well-rounded view of the talent and collaboration behind the scenes.
Some notable insights included:
Becky Dennison, Hyde Boutique owner, described her dual role attending shows and attending buying appointments.
Stacey Beatson, a fellow stylist, spoke about the vibrancy of the scene and her appreciation for fabric and colour returning to the forefront.
Mel Radford Brown of Portfolio Models spoke about her models walking in key shows, including Kathryn Wilson.
Nooki, a VIP concierge volunteer, shared what it’s like to help guide guests through the event, and celebrated the inclusivity of this year’s model casting.
Myken Stewart is the daughter of Dame Pieter Stewart, the former founder of New Zealand Fashion Week.
Chichi Nyangoni, founder of Mode Magazine, praised the ambiance and energy of the event.
Rachale Davies, Liam Taylor, and Feroz Ali all shared thoughtful reflections on the event's evolution, leadership, and future.
"We're really wanting to kind of create an inclusive model. Fashion going... a really consumer centric... but we really wanna see, you know, everyday consumers get to become an experience special." ~ Liam Taylor
These interviews were just a sampling, informal chats that helped bring the event to life through a variety of lenses. Each voice added a layer of authenticity to the event, giving listeners a wider view of how fashion shows connect people across different roles and regions.
Looking Ahead: Fashion Week Christchurch Is Coming
One of the most exciting announcements in the episode was the news of a second New Zealand Fashion Week, this time in Christchurch, running November 5–7, 2025.
"Actually the vibe is pretty, pretty, pretty awesome." ~ Feroz Ali (Owner of NZFW)
This expansion is significant for several reasons:
It decentralises fashion from Auckland and gives South Island designers a platform.
It reflects the broader mission of making fashion shows more accessible to a national audience.
It positions Christchurch as an emerging style hub, something Stephanie is personally excited to support.
“I’m very much looking forward to the Fashion Week that we are gonna have in Christchurch between the 5th and 7th of November.” ~ Stephanie Rumble
The announcement of Fashion Week Christchurch represents a big moment for regional fashion. It suggests a desire to democratize the runway and offer greater visibility to New Zealand designers from outside the usual metropolitan centres. As Stephanie noted, she’s already exploring ways to get involved.
Themes Shaping the New Zealand Fashion Industry
Throughout the podcast, several industry-wide themes emerged:
Inclusivity: From model casting to street style, diversity was central to this year’s fashion week, a point echoed by volunteers and attendees alike.
Public Access: A shift away from closed-door elitism, with organisers embracing wider community involvement.
Collaboration: Stylists, designers, educators, buyers, and students all contributed to the experience.
Education: Institutions like Whitecliffe continue to feed talent into the industry pipeline.
These themes weren’t abstract, they were visible throughout the event. Volunteers came from various educational backgrounds. Students, professionals, and creatives mingled freely. This ecosystem of participation shows how the schedule for NZ Fashion Week has become more than just a list of shows, it’s a network of learning, inclusion, and shared creative growth.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Style for Life wasn’t just a play-by-play of shows, it was a personal and thoughtful account of what New Zealand Fashion Week looks and feels like through the eyes of someone living and working in the industry.
Stephanie’s candid storytelling, wardrobe insights, and casual interviews helped create a rounded perspective of NZFW, not as an exclusive insiders’ club, but as a dynamic, evolving event with room for everyone.
With Fashion Week Christchurch just around the corner, the momentum continues. If this episode is any indication, the future of New Zealand fashion brands and designers is looking both inclusive and bright.
To learn more about Stephanie’s workshops on resilience, wellbeing and professional development in business settings, explore her education programmes.
If you’re part of an organisation looking to create impactful, values-based change, Stephanie also delivers corporate training and speaking engagements throughout New Zealand.
And if you're ready to take your next steps in health and lifestyle, explore Stephanie’s accountability coaching services for a supportive, non-judgemental approach to personal change.
Stay tuned for more from Style for Life as Stephanie continues to explore the stories behind the style.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was Stephanie Rumble’s role at New Zealand Fashion Week?
Stephanie Rumble attended NZFW 2025 as a fashion stylist and podcast host. She recorded interviews, observed shows, and shared behind-the-scenes insights with her Style for Life audience. Her goal was to document the event through the lens of personal style, industry connections, and authentic fashion experiences.
Which designers stood out at NZFW 2025?
Stephanie highlighted collections from Juliette Hogan, Adrian Hailwood, Karen Walker x Adidas, Kathryn Wilson, and Untouched World. Each brought a unique design vision, with special praise given to their use of fabric, movement, and sustainability-driven aesthetics.
How did sustainability show up at New Zealand Fashion Week?
Sustainability was a visible theme at NZFW 2025, from reduced paper usage to conscious material choices. Stephanie appreciated the intentionality behind many collections, and brands like Untouched World embodied a commitment to wearable, long-term fashion that aligns with sustainable living.
What was different about NZFW 2025 compared to past events?
According to Stephanie and her interviewees, this year’s event was more inclusive, open to the public, and centred on collaboration across the industry. It reflected a clear shift away from exclusivity, creating space for voices from across the fashion community to contribute.
What did Stephanie wear to NZFW?
Stephanie planned six outfits for five shows, carefully choosing looks that reflected her style while considering function and versatility. She shared candidly about a wardrobe malfunction that led to a creative fix using Sellotape, showing how real-life fashion is always a balance of form and function.
Who did Stephanie interview during NZFW?
Stephanie spoke to a wide range of people, including stylists like Stacey Beatson, boutique owners like Becky Dennison, media figures like Chichi Nyangoni, and event leaders like Feroz Ali. These voices offered unique perspectives on the evolution of NZFW and the direction of New Zealand fashion.
Is there another fashion week happening in Christchurch?
Yes, a second NZFW event is planned for Christchurch in November 2025. Stephanie highlighted this expansion as an exciting development that broadens access to fashion events beyond Auckland and gives South Island designers a bigger platform.
How can personal styling help you apply runway trends to real life?
Runway fashion can feel aspirational, but a personal stylist helps translate those trends into wearable, everyday looks. Stephanie offers personal styling services that help clients build confidence, simplify their wardrobe, and express their style in a practical, grounded way.
What are the biggest takeaways from this podcast episode?
This episode showed that fashion week is about more than clothes — it’s about people, values, and evolving cultural expression. Themes like inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration, and education stood out as key pillars shaping New Zealand’s fashion future.
Can fashion week experiences help with confidence and self-expression?
Absolutely. For many attendees — including Stephanie’s clients and podcast listeners — events like NZFW are a reminder that fashion is personal. When supported by a stylist or coach, these moments can become powerful tools for self-expression, creativity, and showing up with confidence.
