New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria 2023 was off to a strong start on Tuesday morning (after Monday’s pōwhiri at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei marae) with Kiri Nathan – the first ever Māori designer to open a show at NZFW. It was a moving and powerful showcase that explored the evolution of Māori clothing from the 1600s to today, and drew a huge, very well-dressed and influential crowd.

Next, Rory William Docherty sent artful prints, romantic shirting, impeccable tailoring and reworked Levi’s down the runway, soundtracked by David Bowie and a heartfelt reprise of Bronski Beat’s Smalltown Boy. Bobby Luke of Campbell Luke staged a celebration of life, love and whānau – along with angelic, flouncy dresses and separates made with repurposed materials sourced from his community and home.

As night fell, Juliette Hogan was back for her first runway show in nine years with a quintessentially polished collection of flowing dresses, relaxed suiting, signature pleats and resort-ready prints. To cap it off in true fashion renegade style, Nom D took to Brad’s Warehouse for a film installation downstairs and gig upstairs that embraced hallmarks of a great Dunedin-style party – Southland cheese rolls, strong drinks and a loud band.

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Broadsheet photographer Wono Kim had his eye off the runway, capturing some of the best street-style looks outside the Viaduct Events Centre either side of Campbell Luke and Juliette Hogan.

New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria 2023 is on until September 2.