nzfw2026

Opening night: The Art of Style



New Zealand Fashion Week opened with The Art of Style, a show exploring personal style in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms. Creative Director Dan Ahwa placed fashion back in the human realm, emotional, instinctive, imperfect and deeply personal.

Rather than a traditional runway, the show unfolded through eight distinct creative worlds, each exploring the relationship between fashion, art and identity.

For Aleph, the beauty direction followed the same principle: individuality first. There was no single prescribed face. Each look responded to the model’s character, clothing and energy, connected by fresh, elevated skin that felt alive and true to its natural texture.

Create this beautifully wearable look from the Opening Show: Fresh, elevated, true-to-skin beauty starts with products that adapt with the face that wears them.

Serum + Primer: For nourishing skin prep and a smooth, silky base.

Concealer + Foundation: For targeted coverage that still lets skin look like skin.

Cheek + Lip Tint Pixie: For natural warmth, soft contour or a believable flush.

Prep + Finish Powder: For setting, soft-focus blur and keeping the skin fresh without flattening its natural texture.

Hybrid Eye Glint: Softly smudge on the upper and lower lids, Multi-Liner Pencil Umber to define the lash line