Breast Cancer Cure has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its Tees for a Cure Winter ’26 collection, celebrating ten editions of the initiative that continues to unite New Zealand’s fashion industry in support of breast cancer research.
Released on 1 April via the Breast Cancer Cure website, the limited-edition collection brings together an extensive roster of 18 local designers – among them Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper, Kiri Nathan, Moochi, Storm, Superette and Kathryn Wilson – each contributing a unique design to a tightly considered offering of tees, long sleeves, sweatshirts and hoodies. As with previous iterations, 100 percent of proceeds from every garment sold go directly towards funding innovative, locally led breast cancer research.
Now firmly established as a fixture on the local fashion calendar, Tees for a Cure has evolved beyond a simple product-driven fundraiser into a broader expression of creative collaboration and community. The tenth edition, in particular, signals a shift in both scale and creative direction, underpinned by a campaign that leans more decisively into an editorial space.
“This campaign is about more than just clothing — it’s about community, creativity, and coming together to make a tangible difference,” says Sonja de Mari, CEO, Breast Cancer Cure. “Each design tells a story, and every purchase helps fund critical research that brings us closer to a cure.”
Shot by photographer Holly Sarah Burgess and styled by Dan Ahwa, this year’s campaign imagery feels notably elevated. There is a clear move away from purely commercial presentation towards something more considered and fashion-led. Burgess’ refined, contemporary visual language – clean yet emotive – is paired with Ahwa’s deeply narrative approach to styling, resulting in imagery that reads as distinctly editorial. The campaign holds a sense of restraint and polish, with each frame carefully composed to balance the garments with a broader storytelling sensibility. It’s a treatment that positions the collection within a high-fashion context, while still maintaining accessibility and clarity.
Fronting the campaign is model Erilyn Dagan, whose presence anchors the imagery with a quiet strength, alongside a wider cast of New Zealand talent including Miriama Kamo, Lorraine Downes, Te Kohe Tuhaka, Huriana Manuel, Mo Nasir and Amanda Bransford. The inclusion of such a diverse group reflects the collective nature of the initiative – one that extends beyond the fashion industry and into the wider community. This casting reinforces the campaign’s central message: that progress in breast cancer research is driven by a shared commitment across disciplines, industries and individuals.
The collection itself remains deliberately accessible, with pricing ranging from $59 for T-shirts to $99 for sweatshirts and hoodies, and sizing available across both men’s and women’s fits. This democratic approach has long been central to the success of Tees for a Cure, ensuring broad participation while maintaining the integrity of the design offering. Each piece carries the distinct signature of its contributing designer, resulting in a collection that feels both varied and cohesive – an accurate reflection of the diversity within New Zealand’s fashion landscape.
Since its inception, Breast Cancer Cure has invested more than $11 million into research grants, supporting projects that aim to improve outcomes and treatment options for those affected by the disease. The ongoing success of Tees for a Cure has played a significant role in enabling this work, providing a tangible way for consumers to contribute to meaningful change.
As the initiative reaches its tenth year, there is a sense of both reflection and forward momentum. The evolution of the campaign – particularly its more editorial visual direction – signals an understanding of fashion’s role not just as a commercial industry, but as a cultural platform capable of shaping conversation and driving impact.
With Tees for a Cure V10, Breast Cancer Cure continues to demonstrate the strength of collaboration between fashion, creativity and purpose. The result is a collection that not only raises vital funds, but also reinforces the idea that design, when aligned with intention, can carry significance far beyond the garment itself.
Shop the collection:
The Tees for a Cure Winter ’26 collection is available now via Breast Cancer Cure’s website. Every purchase directly supports breast cancer research in New Zealand.
