Behind the Scenes at NZFW '26

There’s a lot that happens before the lights dim and the first model steps onto the runway.

Our day at New Zealand Fashion Week began at 8am at Shed 10 with model fittings. Alongside the other designers in the show, we lined up our nine looks and waited as models moved swiftly between brands, trying on outfits and making their way through a carefully choreographed schedule.

As fittings wrapped up, the models headed off for hair and makeup while backstage began to take shape. Garment steamers hummed away, shoes were paired with outfits, accessories were laid out, and final styling decisions were made. Sharing the space with some of Aotearoa's most established fashion houses, including Ruby, Zambesi, NOM*d, and Trelise Cooper, was a reminder of the depth of creativity within New Zealand fashion.

Between preparations, there were moments to peek around the curtain and catch glimpses of China Now, a showcase of contemporary Chinese design making its Southern Hemisphere debut.

EVER IN BLOOM

This season's runway presentation brought together our Spring Summer 26/27 and Autumn Winter 27 collections under the banner of EVER IN BLOOM.

Created by creative collaborators Moira Te Whata and Lucinda Le Heron, the collection draws on Untouched World's 30-year legacy while looking ahead. Rather than presenting two separate seasons, the runway edit explored how pieces can move effortlessly across the calendar through a shared palette, philosophy, and approach to dressing.

Clean, understated silhouettes appeared in cashmere, mohair, woven cotton linen and TENCEL™. Every fibre was selected for its comfort, durability and ability to be worn year after year.

The palette was drawn directly from the natural world, verdant greens sitting alongside warm ochres, olives, soft browns and dusty earth tones. Colours that feel grounded, familiar and enduring.

At its heart, EVER IN BLOOM celebrates clothing designed to outlast trends. Pieces made to be worn by many, and garments that define style rather than age.

Backstage Before the Show

By midday, our racks were moved into the backstage area as final preparations began. DJ Zeisha Fremaux completed her sound check while designers and stylists made last-minute adjustments.

Moira and Lucinda remained backstage styling each look and ensuring every detail was exactly as intended. The pace intensified as showtime approached.

The runway opened with a collective moment, models wearing looks from each participating designer appearing together on the catwalk. Representing Untouched World was our Breast Cancer Cure Kerchief, created using repurposed yarn and designed to support ongoing breast cancer research.

Then the show was underway.

Fashion week moves quickly. One brand leaves the runway and another is immediately preparing to step forward. We were sixth in the lineup.

As our signature kite appeared against a backdrop of dappled light, the first Untouched World look emerged. The Lou Heller Regatta Wrap paired with the Saint Claire Top set the tone for the collection, relaxed, considered and connected to the landscape that inspired it.

One by one, the remaining looks followed, carrying the story of EVER IN BLOOM down the runway.

The Runway Edit

Looking Back

Fashion Week is ultimately about people, the designers, makers, models, stylists, producers and creatives who bring each collection to life.

It was a privilege to be part of New Zealand Fashion Week alongside so many talented designers and brands, and particularly meaningful to use the runway to support Breast Cancer Cure through our partnership collection.

While the runway moment itself lasts only a few minutes, it represents months of design, development and collaboration. Seeing EVER IN BLOOM come to life on the catwalk was a reminder of the creativity, craftsmanship and community that continue to shape New Zealand fashion.