After the future of New Zealand Fashion Week was put into doubt last year, with owner Dame Pieter Stewart announcing she was looking to take a back seat role with the company, the event has been confirmed for 2016 with new investors.
Dame Pieter has sold 50 per cent of the company to three new business partners, while retaining a 50 per cent stake in the company for at least the next three years.
Anna Hood and Vinny Sherry, co-directors of communications and event management agency Campbell + Co, have come on board as partners, along with Lance O’ Grady, co-director of fashion-focused digital agency Pocket Square. All three new partners have previously been involved with NZFW.
On his decision to invest in the company, Vinnie said it made sense having worked on it for the past 10 years. “We understand how the event works, but also how it can evolve into the future.
“I think us coming in will give Pieter the ability to be able to step back a little bit knowing that there is someone who knows the event working on it.”
Myken Stewart, daughter of Dame Pieter, will also be stepping down from her role as director of NZFW to start her own consultancy.
Dame Pieter launched NZFW in 2001, and while the event has enjoyed success over the past 15 years, there have been doubts about its sustainability with several well-known local designers opting out of any involvement.
