Fashion In Focus Brings NZ’s Fashion Heavyweights to Christchurch
Words re-posted by Fashionz.co.nz
FashioNZ and Frame HR are joining forces this November to present ‘Fashion In Focus’, a series of two intimate panel talks that shine a light on the people shaping New Zealand’s fashion landscape.
Held at Christchurch’s Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki on Saturday, November 8, the talks are part of the inaugural Christchurch Spring Fashion Festival 2025.
With two different sessions on offer – one centred on industry leadership and the other on creative storytelling – Fashion In Focus promises rare access to the minds driving New Zealand fashion forward.
Talk One: How’d You Get Your Start?
The first panel explores career beginnings, risks, wins, and lessons from some of the industry’s most successful figures. Guests will hear candid reflections on how leaders found their way into fashion and built the careers they’re known for today.
The Panel:
April Ward – CEO, Glassons New Zealand. Having risen through the ranks since starting on the shop floor in 2003, April now leads one of Aotearoa’s most influential fashion retailers with a focus on people, culture, and retail innovation.
Juliette Hogan – Designer. Known for her refined, feminine collections that have defined modern New Zealand style, Juliette’s eponymous label has grown into a mainstay in the local design landscape.
Dan Ahwa – Creative Director, Journalist & Stylist. Former fashion & creative director at Viva and Canvas, Dan has redefined editorial styling in New Zealand while also working as a mentor and advisor for New Zealand Fashion Week.
Mary Outram – Entrepreneur & Influencer. Founder of BONNIE, Mary has carved her niche by bridging the worlds of beauty and fashion, creating a bold skin-first tanning and body care brand.
Rachel Smart – Career Curator, Frame HR. With years of experience placing creatives, Rachel specialises in helping fashion professionals shape sustainable and future-focused careers.
MC: Murray Bevan. As the director and founder of Showroom 22 and publisher of FashioNZ, Murray is one of the country’s leading voices in fashion PR and communication.
Talk TWO: Meet The Creators
The second panel brings together a new generation of fashion storytellers – stylists, editors, content creators, and authors – who are shaping how fashion is seen and spoken about in New Zealand today.
The Panel:
Bella Wright – Editor, FashioNZ. A writer, editor, and storyteller, Bella leads FashioNZ’s editorial vision, keeping the platform fresh, inclusive, and plugged into global and local fashion conversations.
Sammy Sala – Fashion Stylist. Known for his directional multi media styling, Sammy has worked with both emerging and established labels, carving out a reputation for pushing the creative envelope.
Kaarina Parker – Model & Author. With a career that spans runways, campaigns, and a recently published novel, Kaarina offers an unfiltered perspective on fashion and self-expression.
Jessie Kirk – Fashion & Beauty Content Creator. Jessie is a rising voice in digital fashion storytelling, with a growing following that looks to her for trend insights, styling inspiration, and candid conversations about the industry.
Tickets
Tickets are $48.15 each and are available now (strictly limited to 50 seats per talk). Both sessions are all-ages and will be held at Christchurch’s Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki on Saturday, 8 November 2025.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this rare behind-the-scenes look at New Zealand’s fashion industry – tickets are expected to sell out fast.
Click HERE for the How’d You Get Your Start panel talk tickets (featuring Rach!)
Click HERE for the Meet The Creators panel talk tickets
