Katherine Anne Debuts at NZ Fashion Week, Celebrates Indigenous Fashion

Katherine Anne made a significant debut at New Zealand Fashion Week in 2023, showcasing a collection that highlights the resilience of the fashion industry amid challenging times. This event not only marked a milestone for the designer but also underscored the importance of supporting local talent and indigenous creativity in the fashion landscape of New Zealand.

The atmosphere at Fashion Week was notably uplifting, a contrast to the numerous headlines discussing the hurdles faced by designers. Katherine Anne conveyed a message of hope and community, emphasizing the collective strength of local designers and manufacturers. “We can’t take our makers for granted,” she remarked, reflecting on the event’s spirit.

Collaboration and Community: The Kāhui Collective

Katherine’s involvement with the Kāhui Collective was pivotal in her participation at the event. Founded by designer Kiri Nathan, the collective aims to support a community of over 40 Māori and indigenous designers. Katherine serves on the advisory board and has been actively exploring opportunities for showcasing their work. “When the chance arose to do a group show at NZ Fashion Week, it felt like the perfect opportunity,” she explained.

The Kāhui Collective was established in 2017 to foster the growth of Māori fashion designers by sourcing fabrics and building a supportive community. This initiative has blossomed into a vibrant network that adheres to cultural values while promoting commercial success. Katherine noted, “It’s about making safe spaces, opportunities, and pathways for indigenous designers, both now and into the future.”

Katherine Anne: A Brand with Purpose

The inception of Katherine Anne stemmed from a desire to create clothing that celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. After completing her honours degree at Otago Polytechnic, Katherine focused her research on enhancing experiences for plus-size women in fashion. “Katherine Anne grew from my research and that desire to create timeless, considered garments that empower women to feel seen and confident,” she said.

Her brand stands out for its commitment to sustainability, utilizing deadstock fabrics to combat textile waste. “There are already so many textiles in the world, and sadly, textile waste is one of the biggest issues in the fashion industry,” she explained. By repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills, Katherine aims to tread lightly on the earth while crafting unique pieces.

Looking ahead, Katherine Anne plans to launch a bespoke service aimed at offering custom designs tailored to individual measurements. “There’s something so rewarding about working closely with someone to bring their vision to life,” she said, indicating that this service would be available from late October 2023 on their website.

Despite the challenges of launching a label from Dunedin, Katherine highlighted the strength of the local fashion community. “The support and collaboration within Dunedin’s creative scene have been a real strength,” she stated, noting that her home is filled with natural light, making it an inspiring place to create.

As she prepares for the release of the second part of her “Heritage” collection and her bespoke service, Katherine is focused on expanding her brand’s reach. “It’s about continuing to grow Katherine Anne as a label, reaching new audiences, and creating more moments where people can connect with the story and values behind our collections,” she emphasized.

In conclusion, Katherine Anne’s journey reflects a deep commitment to community, sustainability, and inclusivity in fashion. Her work serves as a reminder that when designers support one another, they collectively rise. With plans for further expansion and engagement with the community, Katherine Anne is poised to make a lasting impact in the fashion industry.