Annah Stretton

Based in Waikato, New Zealand, Annah Stretton has emerged from a background of wholesaling mainstream garments to become a leading force in New Zealand-based fashion design.

Annah passionately creates two designer collections (Annah Stretton and Annah.S) each season under the umbrella of the Stretton Group. Infamous for being both a left and right thinker, she has a creative but sharp eye on her company's bottom line.

With continuing and substantial growth, Annah currently exports to stores throughout the world. With a platform of 30 of her own sites in New Zealand, this well-established vertical retailer has her global growth well under control. Recently Annah has added two retail stores in Australia, with a view to opening an additional 10 in 2011.

In 2008, the true level of Annah's achievements and generosity of spirit was captured when she was awarded the honour of becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for Services to Fashion, Business and the Community. Her success combined with an active involvement in a huge number of philanthropic endeavours also made her a worthy recipient of the 2009 New Zealand Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year Award.

In 2009, Annah was also invited to serve as an advisory board member for New Zealand Global Women - a network of recognised and accomplished senior female leaders from a wide range of national and international disciplines and industries.

Random House published Annah's second book Wise Heart in 2010, which details the values behind this entrepreneur's drive for success. In this candid, engaging book she shares the strategies and tools that have taken her to the top and have kept her there.

Annah has shown at Air New Zealand Fashion Week since 2002 and at the last four Australian Fashion Weeks. 2010 highlighted the first Australian individual show for the designer who is consistently re-inventing herself and bringing fresh new feminine looks to the runway.