Christopher Esber Is Heading to New Zealand Fashion Week for the First Time
NZFW Debut
By Kiri Johnston | 22nd July 2026One of Australia’s most celebrated designers is officially joining the New Zealand Fashion Week 2026 lineup. Christopher Esber has been announced as part of THE ICONIC presents The Front Row, a headline runway event taking place on Friday 21 August at Shed 10 in Auckland. The appearance marks the first time the Australian designer has presented on a New Zealand runway. A regular fixture on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, Esber’s inclusion is one of the biggest announcements from this year’s programme, bringing his internationally recognised aesthetic to Aotearoa as part of a showcase celebrating leading Australian and New Zealand fashion.
Presented by THE ICONIC, the multi-brand runway will also introduce several Australian labels to the New Zealand runway for the first time, including BLANCA, CLEA, One of Others and CENDRÉ. New Zealand favourites Paris Georgia and Deadly Ponies will also feature in the lineup, alongside THE ICONIC’s in-house brands AERE and MINIMA ESENCIALES.
New Zealand Fashion Week returns this August
Running from 17–22 August 2026, New Zealand Fashion Week presented by Giltrap Group returns to Auckland with six days of runway shows, presentations, exhibitions and industry events celebrating the country’s fashion community. Now celebrating 25 years, the event continues to provide a platform for established designers alongside emerging talent, with collections presented through runway shows, installations and creative experiences across the city.
This year’s calendar features many of New Zealand’s most recognised fashion names, including Juliette Hogan, twenty-seven names, Caitlin Crisp, Kathryn Wilson, Yu Mei, Zambesi, Sonnie, Beach Brains, BY KAI, taylor, Kāhui Collective, NOM*d & PLUME and Claudia Li, alongside graduate showcases, collaborative presentations and public fashion events.
Paris Georgia is also in the lineup
Paris Georgia
Founded in Auckland by designers Georgia Cherrie and Paris Mitchell Temple, Paris Georgia has become one of New Zealand’s most internationally recognised fashion labels. The brand has built a loyal global following for its modern tailoring, understated silhouettes and elevated wardrobe essentials, with its collections stocked by leading luxury retailers around the world.
Deadly Ponies returns to the runway
Deadly Ponies
Also founded in Auckland, Deadly Ponies has earned an international reputation for its premium leather handbags and accessories. Since launching in 2005, the brand has expanded well beyond accessories into footwear and ready-to-wear, while remaining synonymous with considered craftsmanship and timeless design.
Tickets on sale now
With more designers and events still to be announced, New Zealand Fashion Week 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest editions yet. Tickets for public shows are available now, with the full programme running from 17–22 August across Auckland.
Imagery: @blanca_studio, @christopher_esber, photographed by @dianalouisebartlett in Costa Rica, @deadly_ponies
