Meet the iD Board

1. Who would be your dream guest judge at iD Fashion?

My dream guest judge would be someone who understands fashion as a cultural practice rather than only a commercial one, a person who is curious, generous, knows fashion history, and is open to diversity and experimentation. Equally important are judges who can recognise potential rather than just polish. Rei Kawakubo from Comme des Garçons would be my dream!

2. The iD Emerging Designers Awards has really taken off internationally. Can you speak to what is so unique about the competition?

What makes the iD Emerging Designers Awards unique, and is my personal motivation for being involved, is iD Awards commitment to creating a space where emerging designers can come together, meet each other, learn from each other, forge enduring professional friendships, and hopefully collaborations. The fact that we are located miles away from known international fashion hubs, located in the little city of Dunedin, a true university town with education being the core business, and with a distinctive and diverse creative environment means things can occur here which may not be possible in a large city. It is also unusual that the Awards event is open to the public and serves as an inspiring catalyst for design students as well as any creative and wearer of fashion.

3. As head of the Fashion School, what trends are you seeing coming through at the moment?

The strongest shift I’m seeing is toward thoughtful, values-led design. Students are deeply engaged with sustainability, identity, and social responsibility, and they’re approaching design with intention rather than surface-level aesthetics. There’s a renewed focus on craft, material experimentation, and slow processes, alongside digital tools and new technologies. What’s most exciting is the confidence students have in their own voices. They’re not interested in following trends; they’re designing with purpose, curiosity, and a clear sense of who they are as designers.

4. If you had to wear one item in your wardrobe every day forever, what would it be?

Sorry, I have two! It would be my NOM*d tailored coat, made especially for me from an upcycled Hallensteins men’s suit for the 2001 Clarion collection. The word “Sincerity” is stencilled on the back, and it feels like a personal manifesto — a reminder of what I value in fashion and design, and life. It’s absolutely my go-to, for 25 years! Alongside that, my Jimmy D pink silk georgette printed caftan, which I bought in 2023. It felt like a risky purchase at the time as it is so big and bright, but I adore it, have never regretted it, and I wear it all the time. The Jimmy D print has the wow factor, it is not a dress you can hide in, and at the same time it is incredibly comfortable and versatile. Both pieces show that enduring fashions need not be boring classics, they can be bold, fun, and also have a personal message!

5. How important do you think sustainability is for fashion in Aotearoa?

Sustainability is fundamental to fashion in Aotearoa, and everywhere, it is not an optional extra; it’s a responsibility. In Aotearoa sustainability is inseparable from tikanga — from care for people, place, and resources. We have a real opportunity to lead through thoughtful inclusive design, local production, and values-driven practice that honours tikanga and encourages longevity rather than excess. The future of fashion in Aotearoa must be deeply connected to where and who we are and grounded in respect for people and land.

6. What excites you about iD Dunedin 2027?

I have had the pleasure of being a part of the preselection team for round one of the iD International Emerging Designer Awards, and got to see the incredible talent that have applied to be a part of the event. I am so very excited to meet the emerging designers and experience their visions for fashion in the future. It is going to be one incredible fashion show. Mark it in your diaries!