Feroz Ali, the owner of New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW), has established a new governing board aimed at guiding the event into a “new direction and reinvigoration” ahead of its 21st year in 2025. The board, which includes key industry figures, will oversee the planning and execution of NZFW 2025, scheduled to take place at Auckland’s Shed 10 from August 25 to 30.
The newly appointed board features Liam Taylor as its director, along with Natalie Xenita, former Vice President and Managing Director of IMG’s fashion events in the Asia Pacific, and Dan Ahwa, a journalist and fashion stylist. Murray Bevan, a senior PR and marketing specialist and founder of Showroom 22, also joins the board, completing the team that will steer the future of the event.
As NZFW enters its milestone 21st year, the event’s format will be redefined by the new board to better align with evolving trends and needs. Organizers emphasize a focus on “maintaining relevance” and adapting the event to be more inclusive, with enhanced public access and an expanded range of both online and in-person activations.
Ali expressed his enthusiasm for the new team, noting that their combined expertise and fresh ideas would help address the challenges facing the fashion industry while amplifying the visibility of New Zealand designers. “The newly-assembled board brings a refreshing breath of ideas and vision for New Zealand Fashion Week,” Ali said. “Under the experienced guidance of the board and leadership of Liam Taylor, New Zealand Fashion Week will respond to the challenges faced by our fashion industry, with a focus on amplifying our New Zealand designers’ reach.”
Taylor, for his part, expressed his excitement about the opportunity to design an event that will attract a broader array of fashion, beauty, and design partners than in previous years. “I’m really excited about the new board’s collective vision for New Zealand Fashion Week and how I can play my part in moving this iconic event into a new era,” Taylor said. “Together we have amassed decades of fashion, business, marketing, events, and media experience into the leadership group, and I’m confident we will deliver an event that can set a new standard for New Zealand Fashion Week.”
While NZFW 2024 was canceled due to economic challenges in New Zealand, several elements from past events will return, including Tailored Studio, which will manage social media marketing, and Satellite, a data management and guest services company.
Ahwa, reflecting on the changes, stated, “The overarching sentiment is that people do want a Fashion Week that celebrates the tremendous work of our industry – from the pattern makers to the people tasked with selling our designs on the shop floor. As much as our designers have had to adapt quickly to a changing market, so has Fashion Week. As an event I’ve grown up with behind the scenes, it’s an honor to be part of a board with diverse skills who are tasked with steering the event in a direction that can see it stay relevant for the next generation of fashion leaders.”
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