Exclusive T-shirts to benefit future designers

Some exclusive T-shirts, created by some of the country’s best designers, will help raise money for the next generation of fashion talent.

The Hokonui Fashion Awards, which take place this weekend, is leading the initiative, launching the Next Gen collective.

At the heart of the project is a range of exclusive T-shirts, designed by New Zealand’s leading fashion minds. The designers lending their creative weight to the venture represent the very best of New Zealand fashion, the awards said in a statement.

From labels such as TAYLOR, Twenty Seven Names, Kathryn Wilson, New Lands, and Huffer’s Steve Dunstan, each contributor brings a distinct voice, vision, and legacy to the collection. 

MLT Hokonui Fashion Awards chairwoman Jacqui McKinney brought together the design talent with a shared purpose:

"This is what happens when creativity and collaboration collide. These T-shirts represent New Zealand’s design excellence while raising the profile of the talented young creatives who will shape our industry’s future," she said.

Funds raised from the collection will go directly into creating opportunities for emerging designers — nurturing creativity, innovation, and a sustainable future for New Zealand fashion.

"Our designers have poured their talent into this initiative because they believe in the power of paying it forward," she said.

"The Next Gen Collective is about more than a single project — it’s about fostering creativity, and championing talent, and ensuring our design industry continues to lead the way."

The exclusive T-shirts will soon be available to buy, launching this weekend to tie in with the Hokonui Fashion Awards. — APL