New Zealand Fashion
The New Zealand fashion industry has grown exponentially in recent years. As established designers are acclaimed by trend-watchers based in the fashion capitals of the world, more young people are inspired to contribute their own designs.
New Zealand fashion is now regularly showcased around the world as local designers are asked to participate in extravaganzas like the Mercedes Australian Fashion Weeks held in Sydney and Melbourne each year. Look for designers like: Insidious Fix, Helen Cherry, Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Liz Mitchell, Morrison Hotel, Nom D, State of Grace, Trelise Cooper, World and Zambesi.
The Cut of the Cloth
"The Designer Fashion Industry in New Zealand" - a scoping study commissioned by Industry New Zealand (now New Zealand Trade & Enterprise) - revealed that for the year 2001:
- The wholesale value of New Zealand designer fashion was NZ$100 million, NZ$40.6 million of which was attributed to export sales New Zealand designer fashion accounted for 11% of the country's total apparel exports
- The domestic retail market share of New Zealand designer fashion within the broader 'clothing and softgoods' category was estimated at 15%
66% of New Zealand's designer fashion companies operated one or more retail stores
- The New Zealand fashion industry employed 1,424 people, 14% of which were primarily involved in design
- 92% of New Zealand designer fashion was produced solely for women