2024 has been a year to remember (despite many of us wanting to be done with it ASAP), and FNZ has been right there, capturing the moments that mattered most.
From celebrating local talent to uncovering the stories shaping our industry, we’ve covered it all. Whether you’ve been keeping up or need a quick refresh, here’s your chance to revisit the top 10 stories that defined our year. Don’t miss out on the highlights that had everyone talking!
The 2024 fashion trends I’m buying into and where to shop them in NZ – By Lucy Slight
“They may be Tiktok trends but these ones are sure to stand the test of time.
As a rule, I don’t partake in “trends” just for the sake of it or try to fit in with what everyone else is wearing; I never want to feel like an imitation. But this season I’m seeing a few trends pop up that while yes, may be #trending, in reality they are timeless styling ideas having another turn in the spotlight.
So with that being said, here are a few looks taking over my TikTok feed that I will actually buy into for 2024, and beyond. Because thinking with a long term mindset when it comes to purchasing clothing is important, regardless of the current trends.”
Read the full story HERE
The FashioNZ Creators Power List 2024
“The Vanguard. The Up-and-Comers. The Artists. The Industry. The Internationals. Meet your 2024 Power Listers.
Where we landed was a far cry from the list of 2023, with over half of the 2023 Power List not included in the 2024 List. We think that this is a good thing, as it shows us all that the industry is fluid, and there are few gatekeepers to Influence in Aotearoa. And imagine if other parts of the industry evolved like this – designers, magazines, stylists, shops etc – if the overall number of components each year grew by more than 30% and the leadership was refreshed this vigorously, the industry would be a far more dynamic place to inhabit.”
Read the full story HERE
20 timeless little black dresses to shop right now and own for years to come – By Lucy Slight
“The history of the LBD dates back to the 1920s when Coco Chanel introduced the concept of a simple, versatile black dress that could be worn for various occasions. Chanel’s vision was to create a garment that was elegant, timeless, and accessible to women of all social classes.
Silhouettes may come and go, but due to the cyclical nature of trends, you’ll always find an occasion to call upon an LBD from the past, making investing in a special piece a smart fashion choice.”
Read to full story HERE
IWD profiles: Celebrating Some of New Zealand’s Most Influential Women in Fashion
“The profiles we have written go some way to highlighting an immense group of talented women in Aotearoa who drive our fashion industry forward. From New Zealand Fashion Week: Kahuria General Manager Yasmin Farry, to publishers Zeenat Wilkinson, Sarah Murray and Claire Sullivan, designers Kiri Nathan, Lauren Tapper, Sarah Harris and Karen Walker, photographers Holly Burgess, Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and more, our list is just a glimpse into our brilliant industry players and a celebration of who they are.”
Read the full story HERE
What shoes are we wearing in 2024? – By Lucy Slight
“How your footwear faves of 2023 have evolved to take on a new year”
“Footwear is hands down the most polarising accessory of any season. Take the mesh ballet flat for example. Right now, caged and sheer bejewelled ballerinas are lining shelves everywhere, from high-end designers such as Alaia (which launched the cult mesh ballet flat of 2023) Khaite and Christopher Esber to high street retailers including Zara, Tony Bianco and Decjuba. It’s a shoe that you either love or you hate, and whichever way you lean, you’ll likely die on that hill, at least for a season.”
Read the full story HERE
This, too, shall pass: How to run a fashion business in an economic downturn
“However it’s not all doom and gloom; some brands have taken the leap to open new stores and others are seeing opportunity for adaptation in the ways that customers are reacting to EDMs and trend-based items along with new designs and product development, and are taking on more feedback from customers. While some companies have closed down, others are thriving and see the next year as cause for cautious optimism.”
Read the full story HERE
Four autumn/winter 2024 handbag trends to shop now + our high-low picks – By Lucy Slight
“Special occasion pouches, everyday carry-alls and timeless staples from $59 to $1199
Quiet luxury had its time in 2023 and most of us were very much here for it, with its understated elegance, clean lines and polished aesthetic. However, judging by the accessories worn down the runway across the recent fashion month schedule, it looks like things are getting a bit more chaotic again, which is much more fun, wouldn’t you agree?”
Read the full story HERE
A year in my life: saying goodbye to my 20s – By Caitlin Wiig
“Being asked to write this piece felt like fate. I love writing, especially the deep, personal stuff. It’s cathartic and works better than any form of therapy I’ve ever tried.
I say fate, because this past year has been one of the most transformative years I’ve had in a long while. From my personal life, to my career, and even my sense of identity and style. So, what better way to commemorate that than through this essay.”
Read the full story HERE
Bye-bye sad beige babies, it’s time to embrace colourful kids’ fashion – By Lucy Slight
“Lean into nineties nostalgia with this line-up of local and international brands, along with second-hand resellers, guaranteed to inject some fun into your child’s wardrobe.
If you’re also into a bit of chaotic colour and love to dress your kid like a character from Rugrats, here are a few children’s brands to keep on your radar.”
Read to full story HERE
“Kmart is in their slay era” – Kmart’s biggest social media moments so far
“Kmart or Slay-mart? You be the judge.
When the FNZ team received a press release from Kmart regarding their latest April apparel range we were taken aback by the bold statement that Kmart was apparently in their “slay-era”.
With eyebrows raised and noses turned up we couldn’t help but think of the “run don’t walk to Kmart” trend that circulated TikTok a few months back. Hundreds of videos detailing shopper’s latest Kmart finds were (and still are) going viral, convincing many people to pop on down to their local slay-mart and get amongst the seemingly valid hype.”
Read the full story HERE