Turet Knuefermann will open New Zealand Fashion Week as this year’s Mercedes-Benz Presents designer.
By Carolyn Enting
It’s a moment that many designers dream of. To be called up and told you’ve been selected to be part of the international Mercedes-Benz Presents group of designers.
This year at New Zealand Fashion Week it’s Turet Knuefermann whose store Knuefermann on Fanshawe St and TK Store in Brown St, Ponsonby are destinations guaranteed to leave shoppers feeling empowered.
Knuefermann is one of the hardest working fashion designers in the business. Pouring herself into her work for the past 15 years and in the process creating not only chic timeless garments but cementing her place as one of New Zealand’s most talented and humble designers, and so deserving of this Fashion Week moment where she joins the ranks of past Mercedes-Benz Presents designers Zambesi, Kate Sylvester, Harman Grubisa and Trelise Cooper.
She is also no stranger to the catwalk at NZ Fashion Week. She famously sent Nicky Watson out on the runway in a diamante bikini wearing her first label, IPG (International Playgirl) in 2003, and Kelly Swanson-Roe modelled some of her figure hugging gowns in a latter NZ Fashion Week runway show on a rooftop overlooking Victoria Park in 2005. When NZ Idol was a thing her designs helped the contestants with their on-stage persona. And while many of ther dresses may be figure-hugging sexy, they’re also demure. Many cut from eco-friendly viscose which has a glorious drape, often cut with a high neck and low back, or vice versa. Knuefermann is a master of the power dressing feminine, producing smart designs that make the wearer feel confident and empowered.
The German-born, New Zealand raised designer describes her New Zealand Fashion Week collection as “glamorous and aspirational but easy, fun and playful”, which she hopes will help women feel “empowered, confident and comfortable”.
Since launching her Knuefermann label 13 years ago she has been revered for timeless designs, elegant aesthetics and quality craftsmanship, the partnering of Knuefermann with Mercedes-Benz brings together two brands sharing the same commitment to excellence.
Knuefermann says the opportunity to kick off this year’s New Zealand Fashion Week as the Mercedes-Benz Presents designer will be “particularly special”.
“I am humbled and honoured to partner with Mercedes-Benz. I have always respected the brand’s commitment to fashion, and admire the opportunities it provides New Zealand designers to celebrate and share their passion and creativity with the world,” she says. “Taking part in New Zealand Fashion Week is a highlight for any designer, but to have the opening show allows a lot more freedom and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s even more of an honour to do so in partnership with an incredible brand such as Mercedes-Benz.”
Knuefermann will open New Zealand Fashion Week this year on 27 August 2018.
Also on the catwalk this year is the Good Sustainable Style show on September 2. You can buy tickets here: iticket.co.nz/events/2018/sep/nzfw-good-magazine
