New Zealand Fashion Week, presented by Giltrap Group (NZFW) has revealed the eight designers selected for the 2025 Future of Fashion Showcase, delivered by DHL.
This initiative supports New Zealand fashion brands with over three years in business that are ready to scale and strengthen their brand identity.
Returning from the 25th to the 30th of August, the NZFW 2025 schedule features a dynamic mix of established and emerging designers, with a spotlight on the next generation throughout the schedule, including The Graduate Collections, Walk The Line and Future of Fashion.
From 18 entries, eight finalists were chosen by industry leaders Thistle Brown, James Bush, Holly Burgess and Dan Ahwa, based on their business potential and design clarity. The final group represents a diverse mix from footwear to swimwear, emphasising brand building and product excellence in today’s fast-paced fashion landscape.
NZFW sponsor DHL has come on board to deliver the event and support this next wave of designers with the return of the DHL Fashion Scholarship. The scholarship will see a winner and first runner-up receive international freight credit and mentorship with a focus on sustainability, business and operations with a variety of respective leaders.
“DHL Express is proud to partner with New Zealand Fashion Week to deliver the Future of Fashion runway show, a celebration of emerging talent shaping the next wave of New Zealand fashion,” said Selina Deadman, Vice President Commercial, DHL Express.
“We’re especially excited to bring back the DHL Fashion Scholarship, awarding NZD 10,000 in international shipping credit to help one standout designer take their vision to the world. Congratulations to all the selected finalists, we can’t wait to see your work on the Future of Fashion runway, proudly delivered by DHL.”
The designers have gone through a one-on-one session with stylist and creative director Dan Ahwa to talk through the show expectations, and they will be going through pre-production meetings with NZFW head producer and design liaison Rebecca Lawson, connecting each designer with a leading producer.
Designers are now working on their show pieces of 8 to 10 looks for the runway with the guidance and support of NZFW, which will provide production support, mentorship, models, hair, make-up and the opportunity to have their collections showcased on the runway at NZ Fashion Week.
“This year's Future of Fashion entries were all highly commended for their effort and their creativity, and it was difficult to make finalist selections,” said Ahwa.
“Future of Fashion is about giving designers an opportunity to stay true to their design identity in the context of a group show, and providing insights about the realities of the industry and what it truly takes to build a business that stands the test of time and goes beyond the whims of hype.”
As NZFW has redefined its role in the fashion ecosystem, The Future of Fashion Showcase stands as a dynamic opportunity for the next generation of brands to connect, grow, and thrive.
