Local fashion moments that changed how we dress

Insidious Fix designs on the catwalk at the first New Zealand fashion week in 2001. Photo / NZ Herald

Some fashion moments closer to home that changed the local industry:

1957: Vogue New Zealand launches

Our very own fashion bible, first published in 1957 and sadly closed in 1968.

1998: Madonna hearts Karen

The first of many celebrity fans: Madonna wears a pair of black wool trousers by Karen Walker onstage at the MTV awards.

1999: The New Zealand Four hit London

Nom*D, WORLD, Zambesi and Karen Walker show at London Fashion Week and their dark and moody aesthetics win over international media: they're dubbed The New Zealand Four.

2001: NZ's most fashionable week begins

Held in Auckland's Town Hall, the first NZ Fashion Week featured shows from Gubb & Mackie, Insidious Fix, Trelise Cooper, Tanya Carlson, Liz Mitchell, Sabatini, World, Zambesi, and Nom.d, and helped solidify our local industry.

2003: The new guard arrives

A big year for new names that now make up an important part of local fashion and its future: Cybele's first NZFW show, Lonely Hearts (then Lonely Hearts Club) was established, and footwear designer Kathryn Wilson launched her debut range. A wave of young designers followed, including Juliette Hogan (2004), Jimmy D (2004), Stolen Girlfriends Club (2005) and Twenty-seven Names (2006).