New Zealand Fashion Week announced this morning the return of Future of Fashion Driven by Giltrap Group to the 2026 event schedule. The show spotlights eight emerging designers, showcasing the next generation in the New Zealand fashion industry. Bronwyn Footwear won last year's Future of Fashion.
This year, the programme is paired with the 2025 Giltrap Group Helping Kiwis Fly Award: Fashion Edition, which was awarded to REBE. This award merger will create a significant prize package designed to help one designer take the next step in their career. The new 2026 award includes financial support, mentorship, media opportunities and a 12-month ŠKODA vehicle sponsorship.
The 2026 Future of Fashion judging panel includes:
- Vicki Taylor, Founder and Creative Director of Taylor and international concept store The Shelter
- Wynn Crawshaw, Fashion Designer, Wynn Hamlyn
- Steve Kenchington, Giltrap Group CEO
- Dan Ahwa, NZFW Creative Director
Vicki Taylor’s long-standing involvement in the New Zealand fashion industry makes her a perfect judge for the 2026 Future of Fashion Award. Vicki’s own label stands up as one of Aotearoa’s most successful womenswear brands, and her work alongside husband Mark Thomson in curating global brands alongside local names at The Shelter is an exceptional example of Vicki’s taste and commitment to the future of fashion in all forms.
Wynn Crawshaw’s global success has made him one of the most well-loved fashion brands of the past 10 years. Wynn began his career in a similar vein to that of designers aspiring to win the 2026 Future of Fashion Award, allowing him to see the future of the industry through a young designer’s eyes and to help select the best candidate for the 2026 award.
Applications are open now via www.nzfashionweek.com and will close on July 3rd. Eight finalists will be announced on July 13th, and the showcase will take place at NZFW on August 20th.
