New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) has announced a first-ever Award for emerging designers, backed by presenting partner, Giltrap Group.
In line with Giltrap Group and NZFW’s ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of Kiwis, the Giltrap Group Helping Kiwis Fly - Fashion Edition Award is designed to recognise a designer who is beyond the earliest stage of their career, yet still represents the next wave of New Zealand fashion.
The initiative champions and supports creative talent through meaningful mentorship, industry exposure and access to valuable resources.
The Award is open to designers across the entire NZFW schedule, with a finalist shortlist curated by NZFW and Giltrap Group that will then be put in front of a five-strong judging panel, with the winner to be announced during NZFW.
Award judges are Steve Kenchington - Giltrap Group CEO, Natalie O’Brien - Škoda New Zealand Marketing Manager, Dan Ahwa - NZFW Board Member, Natalie Xenita - NZFW Board Member, and Steve Dunstan - Huffer Founder.
The Helping Kiwis Fly - Fashion Edition Award is the latest initiative in NZFW’s mission to champion New Zealand designers on the pulse of change, in addition to the Future of Fashion Showcase, The Graduate Collections, and Walk The Line.
The Award prize is made up of contributions from Giltrap Group and New Zealand Fashion Week. Giltrap Group is investing NZD 5,000.00 of financial support into the winning designer, along with a 12-month vehicle sponsorship provided by ŠKODA New Zealand, reflecting the brand’s values of being human, simplifying life, and delighting through unexpected moments.
ŠKODA New Zealand’s support will provide designers with practical mobility and creative freedom, allowing them to make their dreams a reality.
The winner will also be granted access to a Giltrap Group location to be utilised for commercial purposes, including but not limited to private showings, buyer appointments, curated brand presentations, or a short-term pop-up retail experience.
Giltrap Group will also provide the designer with social media support across owned channels, features in 66 Magazine and EDM channels.
NZFW’s Award inclusions feature media packages from NZME and Ooh Media, business mentorship from fashion designer Kathryn Wilson, Steve Dunstan and NZFW Board Director Liam Taylor, media training from Showroom 22 Director and NZFW Board Member, Murray Bevan, plus a one-year Mindful Fashion membership and mentoring from MFNZ CE, Jacinta Fitzgerald.
