New numbers show the impact the fashion sector has on the local economy

New Zealand's clothing and textile industry contributed almost eight billion dollars to the economy last year, making up 1.9 percent of GDP.

It's despite economic struggles causing the cancellation of New Zealand Fashion Week this year.

Mindful Fashion Chief Executive Jacinta Fitzgerald says it makes up more of the economy than the grocery sector.

She says it's a wide reaching industry, that goes from materials to retail, and everything in between.