Winners Named For The FQ Fashion Awards 2025

Auckland, NZ - Following the success of its inaugural event in 2024, Fashion Quarterly has tonight revealed the winners of its second annual FQ Fashion Awards at a black-tie ceremony held at OKAHU. Presented in partnership with Lexus, Samsung, and Schweppes, the red carpet event honoured the designers, innovators, and creatives whose outstanding work has shaped New Zealand fashion over the past 12 months.

In a ceremony hosted by Laura McGoldrick, Claudia Li was named Designer of the Year, recognised for her powerful storytelling, distinctive aesthetic, and continued impact on the global stage. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to iconic designer Kate Sylvester, honouring her enduring contribution to New Zealand fashion over the past three decades.

Sarah Murray, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of FQ says, “With a mission to support and spotlight the diverse talents within Aotearoa’s fashion landscape, the FQ Fashion Awards celebrate creativity, innovation, and excellence across a range of categories.

“From groundbreaking collections to compelling visual storytelling, the awards recognise those leading the charge - and shaping the future - of New Zealand fashion. They are about celebrating excellence across the entire fashion ecosystem and by doing so we’re helping to strengthen our creative economy, elevate homegrown talent, and inspire the next generation of fashion innovators.”

Both the Rising Star and The Emerging Designer Award were won by Natalie Robb of Amélie. Created to provide practical support for rising fashion careers, The Emerging Designer Award receives a six-month space at The Shelter (valued at $6000). Digital agency PH Digital and Public Relations agency Someday Studio also came on board, offering their support and expert industry knowledge to the winner. Finally, Fashion Quarterly will support with a $50,000 media partnership package, offering exposure across print, digital, and social platforms.

A new category introduced this year, Visionary Vanguard of the Year, was created to celebrate the often-unsung heroes of the fashion industry - including the producers, art directors, graphic designers, assistants, and behind-the-scenes creatives. The inaugural award was presented to Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa, the underground fashion week whose work champions a new generation of voices within Aotearoa’s fashion landscape.

The evening was a celebration not just of winners, but of the wider fashion community. Guests arrived in their own interpretations of black tie, many choosing to wear pieces by New Zealand designers - both emerging and established - as a show of support for local talent. In true Fashion Quarterly style, the experience extended beyond the awards themselves. With flowing champagne, elegant canapés, and plenty of photo moments throughout the night, the event was designed to bring together and celebrate the vibrant ecosystem of Aotearoa fashion, from the creatives behind the scenes to those front and centre.

In the lead-up to the event, an esteemed panel of judges meticulously reviewed each nomination. For the Fashion & Design categories, Dan Ahwa, Annabel Davidson, and Jade Townsend led the charge; Creative Direction was assessed by Chris Sisarich, Ngahuia Williams, and Leisa Welch; while Fashion Media & Communications was judged by Zeenat Wilkinson, Amanda Linnell, and Lucy Slight. Every submission was evaluated against a rigorous set of criteria, ensuring that the final winners reflected the highest calibre of creativity, innovation, and influence within Aotearoa’s fashion landscape. See a full list of winners below:

FQ Fashion Awards 2025 - Full Winners List

Bag Designer of the Year

• Yu Mei

Content Creator of the Year brought to you by PH Digital

• Lauren Brodie

Contribution to Maori Fashion

• Noa Blanket Co

Contribution to Pacific Fashion

• Ohn

Designer of the Year brought to you by Dulux

• Claudia Li

Fashion Retailer of the Year brought to you by One Music NZ

• Ruby

Fashion Writer of the Year

• Emma Gleason

Footwear Designer of the Year

• Commonplace Essentials

Hair Stylist of the Year brought to you by Joico

• Danny Pato

Jewellery Designer of the Year

• Alice Herald

Lifetime Achievement Award brought to you by Lexus

• Kate Sylvester

Make-up Artist of the Year brought to you by 200 Doors / Dermalogica

• Lochie Stonehouse

Model of the Year brought to you by Rabanne

• Isabella Moore

Photographer of the Year brought to you by Samsung

• Guy Coombes

PR Person of the Year

• Tatum Savage

Rising Star Award brought to you by Newmarket Business Association

• Amélie

Stylist of the Year brought to you by Bared Footwear

• Rachel Morton

Sustainability Initiative of the Year brought to you by Kowtow

• Untouched World

Videographer of the Year

• Greta van der Star

The Visionary Vanguard of the Year brought to you by Schweppes

• Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa

People’s Choice Award brought to you by La Roche Posay

• Oosterom

The Emerging Designer Award brought to you by The Shelter

• Amélie

© Scoop Media