NZ Fashion Week Schedule: Behind the Scenes with Stephanie Rumble
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What is the NZ Fashion Week Schedule Really Like?
Where is NZ Fashion Week Held?
How to Get NZ Fashion Week Tickets
Who Are the Top NZ Fashion Week Designers in 2025
Can You Volunteer for Fashion Shows Like NZFW?
A Personal Perspective from a Stylist in Christchurch
What Are the NZ Fashion Week Dates?
Spotlight on Sustainable Fashion in New Zealand
Behind the Curtain: Who Owns NZ Fashion Week Now
Final Thoughts: Fashion, Connection, and Confidence
New Zealand Fashion Week is more than just a runway event. It's a celebration of style, culture, sustainability, and connection. In this episode of the Style for Life podcast, Stephanie Rumble – a leading stylist in Christchurch and founder of Bright Red – takes listeners behind the scenes of her personal NZ Fashion Week schedule, sharing insights on what to expect, how to get involved, and why this year is shaping up to be unforgettable.
Whether you're attending as a stylist, designer, or enthusiast, this article brings together the key insights from the podcast, offering a first-hand look at what NZ Fashion Week is really like from Stephanie’s perspective.
What is the NZ Fashion Week Schedule Really Like?
To see what’s happening across the entire week, the official NZ Fashion Week schedule includes daily listings of designer showcases, panel discussions, exhibitions, and more.
In the podcast, Stephanie begins by reflecting on her past experiences at New Zealand
Fashion Week, particularly in 2023, when she attended nearly every show. While exhilarating, the packed schedule left her feeling burnt out. This year, she’s approaching things differently—curating her NZ Fashion Week schedule with intention, focusing on meaningful connections, creative inspiration, and protecting her energy throughout the week.
"This year, I’m being intentional with my energy. I want to really absorb what’s happening and be present." ~ Stephanie Rumble
This year, Stephanie has taken a more thoughtful approach to her Fashion Week calendar. Rather than attending every show available, she’s prioritising events that offer real value to her clients and align with her brand’s philosophy of mindful style and connection. Her curated selection is designed to spark inspiration, foster meaningful relationships, and create content that benefits her community.
Expect:
Carefully chosen shows from top NZ fashion designers like Juliette Hogan, Claudia Li, Kathryn Wilson, Untouched World, Karen Walker and adidas.
Behind-the-scenes access to exclusive afterparties and designer meet-and-greets
Plans to record interviews with designers for future podcast episodes, depending on scheduling and logistics
These aren’t just passive events; they’re hand-picked experiences where Stephanie can absorb the latest trends, spot fresh talent, and network with long-time industry friends. Her selections are informed by years of styling real clients and an eye for what’s wearable and impactful on the runway.
"I always learn something new. Even after all these years, Fashion Week still surprises me." ~ Stepanie Rumble
Stephanie’s personal calendar includes shows at venues such as Shed 10, The Shelter, and stylish hotels like Hotel Indigo Auckland, blending fashion with functionality and a bit of fun. Her styling work often draws from events like these, especially when working with women during one-on-one wardrobe sessions. For readers interested in revamping their style or gaining a deeper understanding of what suits their body and lifestyle, Stephanie offers both in-person and virtual personal styling services tailored to each individual, blending fashion with functionality and a bit of fun.
Where is NZ Fashion Week Held?
NZ Fashion Week takes place right in the heart of Auckland, with venues like Shed 10 on the waterfront setting the scene for many of the week's most exciting shows and events.
From harbourside glamour to inner-city innovation, the venues that host NZFW help create the visual and emotional backdrop for the entire week. Stephanie points out that the choice of location can significantly impact the feel of a show — whether it's sleek and industrial or intimate and artsy, the setting matters just as much as the clothing on the runway.
Key locations mentioned in the podcast include:
Shed 10 for most designer showcases
Offsite shows across central Auckland
Social and networking events hosted by sponsors like Westfield Newmarket and 1800 Tequila
Cultural collaborations with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, reflecting the rich bicultural heritage of Aotearoa
Beyond the logistics, Stephanie describes Auckland’s energy during NZFW as electric — a dynamic mix of street style, designer glamour, and community engagement. Whether you're new to fashion or deeply immersed, it's a place to be inspired.
How to Get NZ Fashion Week Tickets
Gone are the days when Fashion Week was only for insiders. Stephanie confirms that many events are now open to the public. So, if you're wondering how to get NZ Fashion Week tickets, here's what you need to know:
Visit the NZFW official website to browse events
Tickets are available for individual shows, panels, and exhibitions
Prices vary depending on access level (general public vs delegate)
In the podcast, Stephanie also notes that some of the best experiences come from public-access events. These include interactive exhibitions and shows where you can get a true feel for the brand. VIP experiences, meanwhile, can offer more access and enhanced viewing opportunities, including a closer look at the designers' work and occasional post-show interactions.
She encourages listeners to view NZFW as not just a show, but an educational and cultural experience that any fashion lover should attend at least once.
Who Are the Top NZ Fashion Week Designers in 2025
The NZ fashion designers featured at this year’s event reflect the diversity, talent, and sustainability focus of New Zealand's creative scene.
"Fashion Week is a pulse check. What are people feeling? What are they trying to say through clothing?" ~ Stephanie Rumble
Some of the designers Stephanie is attending or referencing include:
Karen Walker and adidas
These designers aren’t just well known — they’re deeply respected for their ability to combine innovation with wearability. Stephanie describes how their collections align with the needs of her clients, from editorial styling to special events and everyday wardrobes.
Also highlighted is the Future of Fashion show delivered by DHL, which focuses on next-generation designers. Stephanie sees it as a must-attend, where emerging voices often signal what’s next in both form and philosophy.
Can You Volunteer for Fashion Shows Like NZFW?
Yes, and Stephanie encourages it. For those Googling "nz fashion week volunteer" or "volunteer for fashion shows", you’ll be happy to know there are roles open to students and aspiring fashion professionals.
Opportunities include:
Front-of-house ushering
Backstage dressing and coordination
Media and social content support
General event assistance
These roles aren’t just great for gaining experience. They’re a gateway into the fashion industry. For organisations wanting to educate their staff on workplace presence and confidence, Stephanie also runs impactful education workshops that address personal presentation, de-escalation, and communication. Stephanie recalls meeting several volunteers at previous events who have gone on to build careers in styling, event management, and media. Volunteering is a chance to be immersed in the energy of NZFW, while also building practical skills and industry connections.
Backstage dressing and coordination
Media and social content support
General event assistance
Stephanie shares how these volunteer roles often open doors to exciting opportunities in the industry, helping young creatives build networks and gain real-world experience. Volunteers build connections, learn how shows are run, and often make lasting impressions that lead to internships or paid work later on.
For young fashion students or anyone wanting to break into the industry, it’s one of the best entry points available in New Zealand.
A Personal Perspective from a Stylist in Christchurch
As a stylist based in Christchurch, Stephanie brings a unique regional perspective to Auckland Fashion Week. While many attendees are based in Auckland or Wellington, Stephanie highlights the importance of South Island voices in the national fashion conversation.
Her experience across fashion, fitness, wellness, and education allows her to:
Interpret runway trends for real women aged 25–75
Focus on body-positive styling across sizes and ages
Create wardrobe strategies that are practical yet aspirational
Being outside of the main fashion hubs gives Stephanie a grounded viewpoint that clients appreciate. Her signature approach includes accountability coaching, supporting clients on personal transformation journeys that go far beyond the clothes they wear.. She often translates high fashion into real-life looks for businesswomen, mums, and women rediscovering their style.
What Are the NZ Fashion Week Dates?
The official NZ fashion week dates for 2025 are 25–30 August, with various exhibitions and public events running throughout.
Fashion weeks around the world follow seasonal rhythms, and NZFW is no exception. Strategically placed in late August, it acts as a preview for the upcoming spring and summer collections in New Zealand. This timing gives both designers and stylists a clear view of what trends are about to emerge.
Key schedule highlights include:
Opening Night and Archive Exhibition: 25 August
Designer Shows: 26–29 August
Public Shows & Retail Events: 30 August
These dates aren’t just about timing — they’re strategically placed to help forecast summer fashion trends in New Zealand. Stephanie sees the week as a pulse check on what’s coming next, both in style and industry direction. She also uses the event as a time to reconnect with fellow stylists, meet with current clients in Auckland, and scope opportunities for future collaborations.
Spotlight on Sustainable Fashion in New Zealand
Sustainable fashion in New Zealand is no longer a trend – it's a movement. NZFW 2025 places strong emphasis on:
Eco-conscious materials
Ethical production
Circular fashion practices
Longevity over fast fashion
Stephanie talks about wearing her Karen Walker top for over five years and a pair of Country Road trousers from the 90s. These pieces still look current because of their quality and cut. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful fashion purchases can stand the test of time—something that aligns closely with the values of today's sustainable fashion movement. This anecdote reinforces the idea that investing in well-made, versatile pieces is not only smart style but also a responsible choice for the planet. for over five years and a pair of Country Road trousers from the 90s. These pieces still look current because of their quality and cut.
The inclusion of groups like Mindful Fashion NZ, K āhui Collective, and cultural partners such as Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei signals a deeper shift in the fashion industry — one where values and aesthetics go hand in hand.
Stephanie believes that as consumers become more conscious, NZFW plays a pivotal role in educating and leading by example. If you're part of an organisation looking to improve resilience, reduce stress, or build a healthier workplace culture, her customised workplace workshops can help integrate these values into your team’s day-to-day.
Behind the Curtain: Who Owns NZ Fashion Week Now
Feroz Ali, a visionary entrepreneur and leader in education, is the current owner of New Zealand Fashion Week.
He purchased NZFW in 2021 and revitalised it with:
A stronger sustainability and diversity mission
Closer ties to art and design institutions like Whitecliffe College
Wider public accessibility through ticketed events
Stephanie credits Feroz Ali and his team for making NZFW feel inclusive, relevant, and exciting again. His leadership has helped NZFW become more than a show. It's now a platform for innovation, representation, and cultural connection.
Final Thoughts: Fashion, Connection, and Confidence
Stephanie's NZ Fashion Week schedule is more than a calendar. It’s a reflection of the multifaceted work she does—from empowering personal clients to running corporate speaking engagements across New Zealand.. It’s a reflection of her purpose: to inspire, connect, and lift others through style.
This podcast episode is a reminder that fashion isn’t just about clothes. It's about:
Building confidence at any age or size
Supporting New Zealand designers and artisans
Participating in a cultural and creative movement
Staying curious about where fashion is headed
Whether you’re attending Auckland Fashion Week, volunteering, shopping sustainably, or following along online, NZFW offers something for everyone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is NZ Fashion Week held?
NZ Fashion Week is held in Auckland, New Zealand, with most events taking place at venues like Shed 10 on the waterfront. The city provides a dynamic backdrop, combining fashion with culture, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
How do I get tickets to NZ Fashion Week?
Tickets to NZ Fashion Week are available to the public through the official NZFW website. You can purchase passes for individual shows, panels, or exhibitions. Delegates and industry members can apply for special access, but many events are open to fashion lovers of all levels.
Who owns NZ Fashion Week?
NZ Fashion Week is currently owned by Feroz Ali, a well-known entrepreneur and education leader. His vision has brought renewed focus to sustainability, diversity, and accessibility within the event, transforming it into a more inclusive platform for designers and attendees alike.
Can I volunteer at NZ Fashion Week?
Yes, NZFW has many volunteer opportunities for students and emerging professionals. Roles include ushering, backstage support, media assistance, and more. It’s a valuable way to gain hands-on experience in the fashion industry and make meaningful connections.
What kind of designers show at NZ Fashion Week?
NZ Fashion Week features a diverse mix of established labels and emerging talent. Designers like Karen Walker, Zambesi, Untouched World, and Juliet Hogan are often featured, alongside newer names in shows like the Future of Fashion. Sustainability, innovation, and cultural identity are strong themes.
How do I prepare to attend NZ Fashion Week?
Start by checking the official NZFW schedule and selecting the shows or panels that interest you most. Plan your wardrobe, arrive early, and be ready to network. If you're unsure what to wear or how to present yourself, working with a personal stylist can help you feel confident and polished.
Is NZ Fashion Week open to the public?
Yes, NZFW is now more accessible than ever. While some events are invite-only or industry-exclusive, many are open to the general public. Fashion lovers can attend runway shows, exhibitions, and talks with a standard ticket. Keep an eye on the official schedule for public access listings.
What trends can I expect to see at NZ Fashion Week?
Expect to see a strong focus on sustainability, inclusive sizing, and cultural representation. Many designers are blending traditional elements with modern silhouettes. NZFW is also a great place to spot colour trends, fabric choices, and statement pieces before they hit retail stores.
Can attending NZ Fashion Week help my fashion career?
Absolutely. Whether you're a student, a stylist, or an aspiring designer, NZFW offers unparalleled exposure to industry professionals, new ideas, and potential collaborators. Volunteering or attending key events can be a powerful stepping stone for your fashion journey.
How can I get help building my own personal style?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by fashion choices or unsure what suits you, working with a professional stylist can be transformative. Stephanie Rumble from Bright Red offers both in-person and virtual styling services to help you develop confidence, clarity, and a wardrobe that works.
