New Zealand Fashion Week: Young talent gets glam

Stolen Girlfriends Club stars in Wednesday's public show. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's most fashionable week begins at the Viaduct Events Centre tonight, with an opening show from one of the country's most exciting young fashion talents, Harman Grubisa.

It's just the second New Zealand Fashion Week for the label, established in 2014 by Auckland-based designers Madeleine Harman and Jessica Grubisa.

The pair will present an autumn/winter collection which they believe is one of their strongest.

"It really deserves a good spotlight," said Harman.

It's set to be one of the week's most glamorous shows, with TV3's Newshub presenter Samantha Hayes, Jaime Ridge, restaurateur Mimi Gilmour and designers Helen and Chris Cherry likely to be sitting front row.

Buyers from David Jones, which opened its first international store in Wellington last month, have also shown interest in the label.

The focus of this year's Fashion Week is on the next generation of fashion designers rather than big names, with stalwarts such as Zambesi, Nom.d and Kate Sylvester not showing.

Must-see shows

Monday: Mercedes-Benz Presents Harman Grubisa. The big-ticket show of the week will open the event with a dose of glamour.

Tuesday: Designer Kristine Crabb will present a late-night show at K Rd hotspot Las Vegas.

Wednesday: Stolen Girlfriends Club. One of the biggest events of the week at a secret two-level venue, the show is open to the public with limited general admission tickets available.

Thursday: Huffer will take over Britomart Square for a show celebrating the brand's Auckland roots.

Friday: Trelise Cooper. The established designer will open the public-focused NZ Fashion Weekend with a sold-out runway show.

Saturday: World. Famous for runway spectacles, expect surprises at World's first show at Fashion Week since 2011.