The Y has partnered with Whitecliffe, an art, design, fashion and tech education institution, to bring Walk the Line back to NZ Fashion Week this August.
Delivered through The Y’s Raise Up programme, Walk the Line provides a platform where young designers can move from concept to runway in front of a live audience.
The Y’s general manager brand and community Chris Abbott says: “The Y and Whitecliffe have strong brand alignment and shared focus when it comes to youth development so this is a really exciting partnership.
“Walk the Line offers hands-on experience for young people, culminating in a spectacular real-world activation as participants literally ‘walk the line’ in a live fashion event. The work on display, as attendees will see, demonstrates an incredible calibre of creativity.”
Hands-on experience
Applications are open until Friday, June 26 with 60 young designers to be selected by an industry judging panel. Those selected will then bring their garments to life for the runway show on Saturday, August 22 as part of NZ Fashion Week 2026.
Beyond the runway, Walk the Line operates as a large-scale youth activation in its own right, with more than 35 Raise Up members involved in delivering the event.
Participants gain hands-on experience across event management, production, activation, logistics and creative delivery – offering a rare, real-world immersion into the creative and events industries.
More than just fashion
Rebecca Russell, CEO for The Y says Walk the Line is about far more than fashion.
“This is a really wonderful opportunity for young people to express themselves and bring their creativity to life.
“Our Raise Up programme is run by youth for youth and caters to all kinds of interests and passions – from sports to music and design. Opportunities like Walk the Line show our young people that creativity can take many forms – whether that’s fashion, music, dance, art or leadership. Experiences like this can open doors and help young people see what’s possible.”
NZ Fashion Week executive director Liam Taylor says Walk the Line continues to be one of the most anticipated youth showcases on the fashion calendar.
“It is always an incredible opportunity to see the creativity coming through from younger generations. Every year we’re blown away by the originality, energy and fresh perspectives these young people bring to the runway.”
Express creativity
For Whitecliffe, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting emerging creatives at a formative stage of their development.
Dr Fay Amaral, CEO of Whitecliffe, says: “We love what Raise Up has created with Walk the Line show and are proud to be part of this wonderful initiative that gives young people such a powerful platform to express their creativity. Walk the Line is an incredible springboard for emerging designers. Through our support, we hope to help nurture their passion for design and encourage them to continue their creative journeys beyond high school.”
Abbott adds: “This is a collaboration between organisations that also builds real capability and opportunity for young people through meaningful, real-world experience and activation. We can’t wait to see the end result”.
