Something extra special is happening on the runway at Shed 10 this August. Young fashion designers - most still in school - step out onto the catwalk in front of a live audience and show the world what they're made of. Walk the Line is back at NZ Fashion Week 2026 on 22 August, and this year it returns with a new partnership that shows how far this kaupapa has come.

Delivered through The Y's Raise Up programme, Walk the Line has earned its place as one of the most anticipated youth showcases on the fashion calendar. A record 78 young designers have been selected by an industry judging panel to bring their garments from concept to runway. They get to experience the real-world creative journey that culminates in a live fashion show at one of New Zealand's most prestigious events. NZ Fashion Week Executive Director Liam Taylor puts it plainly: "Every year we're blown away by the originality, energy and fresh perspectives these young people bring to the runway."

Walk the Line is about more than what happens on the catwalk. Behind the show more than 35 Raise Up members work across event management, production, and logistics - gaining hands-on experience in the creative and events industries that most young people simply don't have access to. Rebecca Russell, CEO of The Y, says: "Our Raise Up programme is run by youth for youth and caters to all kinds of interests and passions. 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."

This year, a new partnership with Whitecliffe, a leading creative education provider brings additional support to the event. Our collaboration is a natural fit as both organisations share a commitment to nurturing emerging talent at a formative stage. Dr Fay Amaral, CEO of Whitecliffe, says: "Walk the Line is an incredible springboard for emerging designers, and through our support we hope to help nurture their passion for design and encourage them to continue their creative journeys beyond high school."

Walk the Line has always been about showing rangatahi what's possible when they're given a real platform. On 22 August at Shed 10, sixty young designers and thirty-five Raise Up members will do exactly that in front of a live audience, at one of New Zealand's biggest creative events. We can't wait to see what they have created.

To come along and support their work, tickets are available at - nzfashionweek.com/tickets/walk-the-line