Fashion in the City signals a new era of local collaboration and creativity

Napier’s fashion scene has stepped into a bold new era, as Fashion in the City 2025 launched last Thursday night with a fizzing event at Market ST Bar & Eatery that set the tone for a two-month celebration of local style, creativity, and collaboration.

Running across July and August, around 14 boutique events curated by retailers, designers, and creative collaborators, supported by Napier City Business Inc. (NCBI), are bringing fresh energy and a reason to venture out this winter.

The fresh format is all about supporting collaboration and giving those who know their audiences best the freedom to create. From after-hours styling sessions and live DJs to gallery exhibitions, pop-up collaborations, and exclusive offers, it’s all about authentic experiences that make shopping social and engaging.

“We wanted to encourage businesses to work together and showcase their style in ways that feel genuine and help drive real results,” says Pip Thompson, General Manager of NCBI. “Having a series of smaller events instead of just one big show means there’s always something new happening and more chances for people to come in and discover what’s here.”

Sarah Kelly, Director of Market ST, says the launch proved what’s possible when businesses think creatively and work together.

“The fashion show at Market ST was a huge success. It’s the old cliché, if you build it they’ll come and that’s exactly what happened. The bar was packed with new faces and regulars, all here for something a bit different. It’s all about working together to create success right now, and collaborating with Design Emporium and Spex Eyewear was the perfect example of that. We’d love to do it again and are keen to team up with other retailers to keep bringing fresh ideas and energy into the city.”

With the first event already proving the appetite for creative collaboration, the coming weeks feature highlights such as:

• Style on a Shoestring Pop-up Shop: Preloved and BNWOT Designer looks at knock down prices, with all proceeds helping the Kaha Sisters, a team of breast cancer survivors, paddle their way to France 2026 for the IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival.

• Spring Launch Party at Flo & Frankie: Bubbles, giveaways, and a $500 prize draw to mark the arrival of the new season collection.
  Vintage vibes & live beats at Emporium: Emporium Streetwear brings you a relaxed afternoon of vintage style and live music.

• Forever and Always: Degas presents Forever and Always, a special Spring/Summer 2025 preview featuring Sheryl May’s latest collection, jewellery from Tennyson Gallery, and bubbles to toast the season.

• Art of the Outfit: An inspiring exhibition at MTG exploring the intersection of fashion, art, and culture.

It’s the mix that makes this series stand out. Fashion meets food, art, and community, with local cafés, galleries, and bars joining forces to create memorable experiences. With a full calendar running across July and August, Fashion in the City 2025 promises fresh reasons to explore the city and support local talent.