Whitecliffe is delighted to partner with AFC and the world-renowned sports brand New Balance to present a collection at NZFW, fusing elite performance and high-end sportswear with a fashion-forward, contemporary style to celebrate the unveiling of the club’s new home and away kits for the 25/26 season.
The looks, developed by Whitecliffe’s Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion students, transform AFC’s and New Balance’s signature kit fabrics into distinctive statement pieces – while positioning the new, official home jersey as the hero styling element in every look.
The looks and new kit for the upcoming season are set to be unveiled at SOUL Bar & Bistro on Thursday, August 28 when more than 200 people will attend to see fashion and football collide. Tickets to the show, which cost $150 and include a three-course meal, are still available and can be purchased here.
AFC and New Balance wholeheartedly supported the project and the creative choices the student designers made – embracing the concepts and designs that underscored their own authenticity and maintained the respect for the club’s identity.
It is very much in keeping with the ‘for everyone, with everyone’ value central to Auckland’s spirit – as a club and a city. A belief shared by Whitecliffe.
“This collaboration fuses football’s energy with Auckland’s creative flair,” said Anna Mowbray, Auckland FC owner.
“The world’s biggest sport has increasingly been seen on catwalks globally, whether it be boots, shirts or the full kit. We’re bringing that catwalk influence to Auckland to launch our new kit in style.”
Programme Head for Fashion and Sustainability at Whitecliffe, Michelle Wetherell says, “Our students have truly risen to the challenge, creating contemporary garments that boldly showcase the fabrics from the AFC jersey. Their innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship have exceeded all expectations, and we could not be prouder. We can’t wait to see these pieces presented at NZFW. ”
“Throughout this project, they’ve demonstrated remarkable adaptability and vision, it’s been incredibly exciting to watch the fabrics transform into such inspiring creations. It’s also been an amazing partnership with AFC and New Balance, giving our students a real taste of the industry.”
The students developed original concepts and with support from AFC, New Balance and Whitecliffe. The garments will be showcased at 4 pm on Thursday, the 28th of August, at the SOUL Bar & Bistro, and worn by key personnel and talent.
“At New Balance, we’ve always believed in the power of sport and craftsmanship to create positive change. This collaboration with AFC and Whitecliffe is a fantastic example of that – giving student designers the opportunity to bring fresh thinking and creativity to performance wear. Their hard work and vision have resulted in something truly special. We’re proud to support a project that celebrates the club’s identity and uplifts the wider community through innovation and inclusion,” says Jess Wallace, Marketing Manager, New Balance New Zealand.
This collaboration continues to embody the boldness that defines Auckland FC, New Balance and of course Whitecliffe. Together, they are transforming football beyond the pitch and into the cultural spotlight at New Zealand’s premier fashion event.
Dr. Fay Amaral, Whitecliffe’s CEO echoes the excitement, “We are proud of our students and their creative output in supporting this initiative by AFC and New Balance, the garments are outstanding, we cannot wait for the world to see their work at NZFW!”
Makaira Lee is overseeing the final looks that will make it to the runway. She says, “Working with the Auckland FC, New Balance and Whitecliffe to bring this vision to life has been incredible, and we’re proud to be the first to present a show like this at New Zealand Fashion Week. Sports and fashion are colliding in a way that’s shaping style globally – and it has been such a privilege to style Auckland FC’s new season kit.”
It is dynamic proof that the same creative and driven mindset that wins on the pitch, that spans across the globe, and is central to Whitecliffe’s values – can set the trends in fashion home and away.
ENDS
BOILERPLATES AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Whitecliffe contact:
Juanita Prinsloo (Director Marketing and Communications)
Second Year Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion students are from Whitecliffe.
Michelle Wetherell, Programme Head – Fashion and Sustainability, Whitecliffe.
Dr. Fay Amaral, CEO, Whitecliffe.
Event details:
Event: AFC x Whitecliffe x New Balance – NZ Fashion Week Offsite
Showcase Date: Thursday 28 August 2025
Time: 16:00
Location: SOUL Bar & Bistro, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD (SOUL Bar & Bistro, unit 16-18, corner of Lower Hobson & Customs Street West, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD, 1010).
Buy tickets here: https://www.nzfashionweek.com/2025-programme/aucklandfc
