Founded in 2001 by Dame Pieter Stewart, New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) proudly forms the backbone of the New Zealand fashion industry, enabling local designers to promote and profile their brand, and sell both nationally and internationally. In 2021 the event was acquired by Aligroup Ltd (Feroz Ali).

NZFW connects emerging and established fashion designers with buyers, media, and consumers on a global scale, offering a world-class, sustainable and inclusive event to champion, nurture, and grow designers in Aotearoa. 

The reimagining of NZFW prioritises responding to, empowering, and collaborating with the ever-changing and dynamic fashion landscape, working in collaboration with the industry to achieve great outcomes. A vital part of the event is the commitment to championing a circular fashion ecosystem in Aotearoa, with innovation and creativity at its forefront. 

NZFW owner, Feroz Ali is a visionary entrepreneur and business leader with a deep commitment to the growth and evolution of New Zealand’s fashion and creative industries. As the owner of New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) and Whitecliffe Colleges globally, he is dedicated to fostering innovation, education, and industry connections.

Now heading into its 21st year as an iconic New Zealand event, the 2025 format will be refined by a new governing Board assembled by Feroz Ali. The Board is a collective of industry experts that will oversee a new direction and reinvigoration of the prestigious Aotearoa fashion event with the aim of maintaining relevance and adapting the event’s ability to allow a more inclusive and elastic format. The move is in keeping with International Fashion Week events that have adapted to new formats, allowing greater public access and a wider range of online and real-life activations.

The NZFW Board is directed by Liam Taylor, founder of DARKHORSE and a highly respected business strategist and creative leader with over 15 years experience in brand building, marketing and events. Joining Ali and Taylor on the Board is Natalie Xenita, the ex-Vice President & Managing Director of IMG Fashion Events & Properties Asia Pacific and previous custodian of Australian Fashion Week from 2016-2024, alongside creative and fashion director Dan Ahwa, and senior PR and marketing specialist Murray Bevan, Director and Founder of Showroom 22.