The promise of re-invention for New Zealand Fashion Week - opening on Auckland's waterfront today

Emerging designers will decorate the runway with their collections in a display of the ever-changing and dynamic fashion landscape.

We'll also see the return of storied classics - with big name labels like Zambesi and Karen Walker.

Board director Liam Taylor says a lot of thought's gone into fashion week's role in the industry - and how it can provide broader support for hospitality and retail.

He says the big shift this year is a stronger direct-to-consumer commercial element on the back of the Covid pandemic.