Is the fashion industry accessible in Aotearoa?

The cancellation of New Zealand Fashion Week 2024 left young creatives feeling disheartened. Source: Unsplash.  

Whether you want to work in the fashion industry, cultivate a sophisticated wardrobe, or just wear expensive shit – can you realistically do this, from New Zealand? It’s no secret some of us feel like we can’t, particularly in Ōtautahi Christchurch.  

With a population just shy of 400,000, it’s hard to garner the big fashion brands or even more luxury stores in our city, - let alone on a student budget.  

On the other foot, students considering careers in fashion in New Zealand, can be seeing a bleak outlook after the cancellation of New Zealand Fashion Week 2024 knocks spirits, as local Instagram-thrift legend, Spice, told Canta.  

Spice (@spicekotiro) known for her funny TikTok content, Barbarella-esque style and her iconic thift finds, is a reselling expert in the Ōtautahi fashion scene. She does this via her own website, Instagram, Depop, and occasionally as a vender at another local gem – the Nifty Markets.  

Her style is unique and seemingly effortless. Speaking with her prompted the idea of ‘modesty’ in the overall dress code of Ōtautahi Christchurch.  

“People really struggle with feeling well received if they’re expressing a more out there fashion sense.”  

Consider our clubbing and town wardrobes – it’s all formal wear for the most part, unlike anywhere else in Aotearoa.  

While this may not speak to everyone, Spice highlights the great thrifting scene here too.  

“I think that thrifting is awesome in Christchurch because you’ve got so many widespread areas that have suburbs which have a number of thrift stores in them. It’s not really like a major city where thrifting is oversaturated, and you have curated vintage stores which are really expensive.” 

Here at UC, OPSOC – a thrift-based social club, dedicated to economic clothing and second-hand finds, could be perfect for any students wanting to navigate the overwhelming world of countless op-shop racks.  

Another consideration is Depop, which is perfect for the ‘circular’ wardrobe approach for anyone looking to resell their wardrobes and justify their uninhibited spending habits. 

Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa occurred from the 9th to the 13th of September and was a chance for many younger designers and creatives to access the platforms that aren’t always made for them. Source: Unsplash.  

So, what about those wanting to make a career in this industry? 

As stated, New Zealand Fashion Week 2024 was cancelled earlier this year after only making its first post COVID appearance last year. However, an exciting opportunity has arisen in Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa. Āhua, translates to form and shape and is a synonym for fashion.  

Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa occurred from the 9th to the 13th of September and was a chance for many younger designers and creatives to access the platforms that aren’t always made for them.  

Āhua organisers Sophie Kwon, Nina Bailey, and Billy Blamires began planning the event out of a whim to provide something “fresh young and new,” and for many of the younger people in the industry to be at the forefront.  

The event is held on Karangahape Road in Auckland, a hub for culture and community in Tamaki Makaurau.  

The event highlights young creatives and gives them a chance to connect with other parts of their industry, especially as fashion week may not always be for the wider community.  

ELIXIR, a designer involved in Āhua, commented on the accessibility Āhua provides. 

“Āhua has given me an amazing opportunity to showcase my creations,” she said.  

Āhua had also given her the chance to work with photographer, editors, models and makeup artists, which she said can be hard to navigate when you’re starting out. 

ELIXIR’s ethos centres around an “ever-changing expression of what power, femininity, and sensuality means to me. A Celebration of the duality of the feminine.”  

Her collection is made using a wide range of materials from leather to mesh and explores sensuality and structure. (@evangelixir) 

Optimism remains, with the young creatives pushing the fashion scene forward, even when hope can feel dim. It’s amazing to see the resilience of young creatives to challenge corporate events such as fashion week.