Supporting emerging talent: McMillan & Co Sponsors the iD Dunedin Fashion Awards

McMillan& Co was proud to support creativity, innovation, and local talent as a sponsor of iD Fashion week, which culminated in two fashion shows at the iconic Dunedin Railway Station in the first weekend of April. The event brought together local NZ designers as well as emerging designers from around the world to showcase their work in front of a sold-out audience and a panel of international judges. As First Prize sponsor, McMillan & Co was honoured to stand behind the next generation of design talent and contribute to the ongoing success of this globally recognised fashion platform.

The $10,000 McMillan&Co First Prize in the Emerging Designer Awards was won by Ciaran Naylor, an Otago Polytechnic graduate whose collection New Patina impressed judges with its striking blend of heritage workwear and contemporary sustainability. Ciaran’s thoughtful design approach and commitment to storytelling through fashion made him a deserving winner, and marked the first time in over a decade that an Otago graduate has taken out the top spot.

The iD Dunedin Fashion Awards are more than a runway show; they're a celebration of the city’s identity, cultural depth, and bold creative spirit. We were inspired to see Dunedin’s historic railway station transformed into a dynamic fashion venue, buzzing with energy, artistry, and pride.

Sponsorship is our way of giving back to a community that has given us so much. Whether we're advocating for individuals, businesses, or creative professionals, our mission is always the same: to support growth, empower success, and help people realise their potential.