Designers urged to sign on for show

ID fashion festival organisers (from left) Margo Barton, Victoria Muir and Sally McMillan are...
ID fashion festival organisers (from left) Margo Barton, Victoria Muir and Sally McMillan are calling on all Dunedin designers to sign up for the Dunedin Railway fashion show in 2025. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
Calls for designers have gone out as Dunedin prepares for the return of the city’s premier fashion event.

The iD Fashion Show will be back next year to grace the Dunedin Railway Station platform and organisers are urging Dunedin designers to take part.

In 2023, iD announced they were moving the show to a two-year format, with every "off year" playing host to a city-wide mini-festival.

The first four-day mini-festival was held in March this year and included 30 events, from exhibitions, workshops and informative talks to a series of catwalks along George St.

Next year’s event will take place on April 4 and 5, and diversity and size inclusivity will be celebrated.

Co-chairwoman and creative director Margo Barton said Dunedin had long been known as a melting pot of artists, artisans, designers and those who live and breathe innovation and experimentation.

"The iD show has been showcasing the fashion sector with ties to this city for well over 20 years and we can’t wait to see who comes forward for the 2025 show."

Criteria for entrants is that designers be either Dunedin-based, have a connection to the city or be producing "directional, commercial and sustainable adult fashion".

Entries for the iD international emerging designer awards have also opened. The winner will be awarded a cash prize of $10,000.

Entrants must be studying fashion or textile design, or have graduated within the past seven years.

Event manager Victoria Muir said the show was "high voltage" and audiences "absolutely love" the opportunity to be among the first to see the designers who will be driving the future of the sector.

Entries for the emerging designer awards close on November 29 and finalists will be announced on December 6. Entries for the established designers close September 2.

laine.priestley@odt.co.nz