Fashion show judge Tanya Carlson said there was an "overarching" theme of dystopianism in the 128 entries.
"Within it, there was a lot of positivity and hope that I was impressed with."
She was impressed by the self-direction of the students during the pandemic and schooling from home.
"I thought the standard was incredibly high," she said.
Nine New Zealand designers were among the 30 finalists for the emerging designer award, judged by Ms Carlson, Charmaine Reveley and Tarra Viggo.
The iD Dunedin Fashion Show is to be held at the Dunedin Railway Station on March 31 and April 1.
It will feature a host of "fashion royalty" such as NOM*D, Company of Strangers, Moochi and Charmaine Reveley, which are expected to display their full Winter ‘23 collections.
Of the nine New Zealand finalists for the emerging designer award, three were students from Auckland University of Technology, two from Massey University, two from Whitecliffe College of Art and Design and two from Otago Polytechnic.
Otago Polytechnic graduate Ellen Ross will present her collection "Onset", which is described as a "commercial capsule" based on a thoughtful approach to fashion, using the principles of sustainability and natural and upcycled fibres.
Joining her will be Otago Polytechnic graduate Ethan Cruise with "The Liminal Space", a collection of garments composed of dark heavy fabrics, layering and textile embellishment.
Alongside the established designers, "capsule collections" by five Otago Polytechnic graduates have been chosen to hit the runway.
The Otago Polytechnic designers are George Park, Francesca Flynn, Finn Duffy, Russelle Ivan Tino, and Sidney North.
They will each show three outfits from their 2022 graduate collections.
Otago Polytechnic School of Design professor Margo Barton said it was a fantastic opportunity for graduates to see their collection alongside established names in the industry.
"It gives them a sense of the future they can have in this industry."
The week of fashion, running from March 28 to April 2, includes exhibitions, runway shows, talks and films.
