New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria: Josh Emett, Melodownz, Lorraine Downs model at opening night
The diverse line-up of models included a chef, a rapper, an opera singer and poet wearing NZ designs mixed with items on loan from NZ Opera. RNZ Life reporters17 August 20263 min readCaption:Chef Josh Emett wears Crane Brothers tuxedo jacket, shirt and trousers at NZFW…
New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria: Josh Emett, Melodownz, Lorraine Downs model at opening nightThe diverse line-up of models included a chef, a rapper, an opera singer and poet wearing NZ designs mixed with items on loan from NZ Opera. Chef Josh Emett and rapper.
Models walked amongst high-end cars in the showroom of the Giltrap Group, the car company that is the event's main sponsor. Other special guests on the diverse catwalk included former Miss Universe Lorraine Downes, fashion historian and designer Doris de Pont, opera singer Isabella.
What Happened
Pieces by New Zealand designers were worn alongside vintage garments and pieces on loan from The NZ Opera and Royal New Zealand Ballet. Guests at the bustling opening night cocktail party included Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour amongst.
RNZ Life reporters17 August 20263 min readCaption:Chef Josh Emett wears Crane Brothers tuxedo jacket, shirt and trousers at NZFW 2026.Photo credit:SuppliedThere was little hint at Monday night's buzzing opening of New Zealand Fashion Week.
Rapper Melodownz wears Doris de Pont blazer and shirt from 1986, Beach Brains trousers, a woven hat borrowed from stylist Dan Ahwa's personal archive, Ula fala from NZ Opera's (m)Orpheus by Tracey Grant Lord.
Opera singer Isabella Moore wears Juliette Hogan top and skirt, Peni Taehi coat and Meadowlark pearl earrings at opening night of NZFW 2026.
Key Details
Sammy Salsa wearing a black vintage blazer, Kowtow shirt and vest, COS culottes and skirt and bag from Bri Leon. The week-long event gives an industry under pressure a moment to breathe in a year plagued by well-known brands announcing their closure.
Restauranteur and actress Geeling Ching wearing embroidered coat from NZ Opera's Semele by Tracy Grant Lord, Liz Mitchell shirt and skirt at NZFW 2026.
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Why It Matters
It’s the second year for the revamped New Zealand Fashion Week, which has shifted from an industry event to a public-facing celebration. This includes dozens of ticketed runway shows that include iconic brands such as NOMd and Karen Walker alongside up-and-coming designers.
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What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
Continued reporting by RNZ as more details emerge
