The 2024 edition of New Zealand Fashion Week has been canceled.
An annual highlight of Auckland's fashion calendar, the event was scheduled for August, reported RNZ.
Owner of New Zealand Fashion Week Feroz Ali, however, stated that the event will now only take place every two years rather than annually due to the economic slump and pressure on consumer spending.
It is anticipated that the subsequent occurrence will occur in the latter part of 2025.
"The reality is that consumer confidence is at an all-time low and the fashion retail industry has been particularly affected by the reduced consumer spending," Ali stated.
"Although we had a strong cohort of committed designers, we didn't have enough for a robust weeklong schedule to make the event viable this year."
It happened only a few weeks after designer Kate Sylvester declared she would shut down her company of thirty years.
Carolyn Young, the CEO of Retail NZ, stated at the time that designers were facing difficult circumstances.
"What we do know for retail in general is it's a really, really difficult time."
According to Keith McLaughlin, CEO of Centrix, retail sector liquidations have increased by 57% over the same period previous year.
"So across the [economy], they are probably the most affected of any sector out there," he stated.
"Discretionary spending is being carefully controlled right now, so people won't usually buy unnecessary items. Certain businesses are quickly impacted by that, retail in particular."
Designers wanted time and space set aside to concentrate on their primary retail business, according to Ali, who spoke with the organizers of New Zealand Fashion Week.It has become obvious that this year is a moment for consolidation given the severe economic challenges.
"A pause will also allow time for the Wynyard Quarter crossing bridge to be repaired, its continued closure presenting a significant challenge for public attendance and access to the Viaduct Events Centre."
The event was put on hold for four years due to COVID-19, and it was only put back on the calendar in 2023.
According to Ali, it was a "triumphant and successful return" that proved how well-liked the event was.
but "transitioning to a long-term biennial programme reflects the mindful shift we see within Aotearoa's fashion industry" , according to him.
The industry may achieve its sustainability goals by staging the event less frequently, which is a more strategic use of resources and aligns with our own beliefs. This is a crucial issue for designers.
"We are confident that the revised schedule, delivered with the support of our partners, will work well for the industry and Auckland events calendar."
In the upcoming months, organizers would release details regarding the dates for 2025, he said./BGNES