Football and fashion came together in a big way at New Zealand Fashion Week yesterday (August 28), with Auckland FC, alongside New Balance, using the event to launch their new home and away jerseys for the 25/26 season.
From nostalgic, street style, to summer essential, football shirts have become a must-have wardrobe item, so fitting was it that Auckland’s most disruptive sports team chose New Zealand Fashion Week to launch its latest look in front of more than 240 onlookers at SOUL Bar & Bistro.
There were more than just the new jerseys on display here. The club, together with New Balance, partnered with Whitecliffe College fashion students to design several unique pieces that transformed kit fabrics into distinctive statement pieces, while positioning the new jersey as the hero styling element in every look. Discover more about each piece and the student who created it here.
And the surprises didn’t stop there. Breaking sporting codes and fashion modes, stars of rugby, football, netball, and cricket united as catwalk models.
Auckland FC goalkeeper Joe Knowles, and forward Liam Gillion both walked. As did other amazing code-crossing athletes, including Jimmy Neesham, cricketer and former Black Cap; Courtney Tairi, award-winning sports presenter and former Silver Fern; Greer Sinclair, midcourter for the Stars netball team, plus former Football Fern and Wellington Phoenix Player, Emma Rolston. Ex-All Black Carlos Spencer also made an appearance on the runway, as did World Cup winner and AFC owner, Ali Williams.
Discover below each piece designed by Whitecliffe School students.
Charlotte Stewart & Maria Morrison – Running Vest & Patchwork Pants
Created in collaboration with Auckland Football Club and New Balance, this look merges sport, culture, and identity. The running vest, designed to be worn over the AFC jersey, symbolises drive, discipline, and movement. The patchwork pants reinterpret AFC’s legacy through deconstructed club jerseys, with sponsor logos integrated as graphic elements. Each panel tells part of the club’s story, celebrating community, motion, and the intersection of fashion and football.
Brooke Murphy – Mini Shorts & Asymmetric Wrap
Inspired by vintage women’s volleyball uniforms, this co-Ord set elevates the classic design with modern twists. The asymmetric wrap adds visual interest to the blue mini shorts and subtly incorporates New Balance branding. The set is designed for sports or everyday wear.
Jade Fussell – Asymmetrical Tank Top
Taking inspiration from vintage volleyball uniforms, this close-fitting tank allows freedom of movement while incorporating an asymmetrical slash along the right bodice. It bridges vintage design with modern streetwear trends.
Isabella Sutton & Caitlin Rushton – Cropped Denim Raglan Jacket with Hexagonal Patchwork
Reimagining football through high-fashion streetwear, this cropped jacket and wide-leg pants draw from the hexagonal panels of a soccer ball. Sharp tailoring conveys authority, bold patterning symbolizes unity, and the full look celebrates inclusivity, athleticism, and self-expression. It bridges sport and style, inspiring future players and fans alike.
Ximena Ruiz Barba, Holly Buncuga & Esther Miranda – Bows & Basketball Shorts
Designed for subtle fan support, these pieces merge functionality with fandom. Unisex basketball shorts work for play or cheering on AFC, while bows add a discreet yet playful touch. The designs celebrate both style and community connection to the club.
Kayla Cancare & Brooke Calder – Hooded Futuristic Shrug with Mesh Panelling
Channelling the protective energy of football gear, this piece redefines future fashion as a study in contrasts strength and lightness, concealment and reveal. Mesh-sleeved arms allow air to move freely, while the elongated silhouette and hood evoke a fluid sense of armour. Stripped to a monochrome palette, every detail is intentional, transforming function into statement. Built for the pace of tomorrow, it is both shield and skin.
Ansoné du Preez – Asymmetric Silk Organza Jacket
This jacket fuses sport with couture. Diagonal panels cut from AFC away jerseys peek through sheer silk organza, blending athletic identity with high-fashion sensibility. Designed for fashion-forward sports fans, the piece pushes boundaries in silhouette and material while celebrating team pride.
Pheobe Firkin – Men’s Zip-Up Jacket
A contemporary reinterpretation of the AFC kit, this structured black silk organza jacket subtly reveals the original strip beneath. Blue stitching and hidden striped details elevate the kit into a versatile, fashion-forward piece suitable for fans and casual wearers alike.
Alice Caithness – Bomber Jacket
Inspired by the vibrant Black Knights jersey, this bomber jacket features quilted sleeves and bold colour-blocking in orange and pink. The design creates a versatile statement piece, representing Auckland FC pride while celebrating playful, contemporary fashion.
Makaria Lee – Creative Director (right)
With over 9 years of experience in the New Zealand fashion industry, Makaira has immersed herself in all aspects of the industry from creative direction to buying, styling and much more. She continues to play a key role in the brand development of some of New Zealand’s most well-known labels
Students Names
- Charlotte Stewart
- Maria Morrison
- Brooke Murphy
- Jade Fussell
- Kayla Cancare
- Brooke Calder
- Ximena Ruiz Barba
- Holly Buncuga
- Esther Miranda
- Isabella Sutton
- Caitlin Rushton
- Ansoné du Preez
- Pheobe Firkin
- Alice Caithness
