With New Zealand Fashion Week’s triumphant return to our nation in August this year, creatives of all fields are set to be part of a moment that attracts the eyes of the world.
From the collections gracing New Zealand Fashion Week’s catwalks, through to the myriad talents crafting every last detail that upholds this moment, this moment is a true display of the power of the collectives.
We’re lucky to have many of our Members—and even Partner organisations—involved in New Zealand Fashion Week’s workings and the wider fashion community. As sponsors, as dot-connectors, and of course as designers showcasing their collections.
To celebrate this spirit of collaboration, we talked to Ata Te Kanawa, of Miromoda, the Indigenous Maori Fashion showcase that’s been an anticipated staple since 2009, about this year.
“Some, but not all of the designers who have passed through the Miromoda stables, have had the luxury of referencing their unique culture.”
Corporate hosting opportunities are available at this year’s Go Media Miromoda show, please contact ata@miromoda.com for more on this opportunity.
How does a fashion show extend the sacred art of storytelling?
Storytelling is not sacred to our culture, we proactively tell and share stories as a means of keeping our whakapapa links known throughout generations. Some, but not all of the designers who have passed through the Miromoda stables, have had the luxury of referencing their unique culture, and in fashion, looking at, or for design narratives, themes is ultimately what all designers seek.
“I like the fact that the designers are almost guaranteed to influence new generations of Māori fashion designers and followers.”
In what ways can people ensure they are supporting wāhine in the arts?
I have it on good authority, as well as from experience, that ‘fashion’ is not always considered art, possibly because of its commercial aspect, although art survives by sales too, albeit modestly in most cases. Supporting niche fashion designers is more readily available through curated websites which is always more cost-effective than bricks and mortar for emerging and new online design stores.
What are your hopes for the designers taking part this year?
Fashion Weeks and indeed the industry have changed over the past decade to appeal to the online customer, and the trade business. Both co-exist reasonably well. I know the exposure Miromoda designers gain at NZ Fashion Week, as well as the experience, are things they would not otherwise be able to afford, or achieve, without Miromoda. I like the fact that the designers are almost guaranteed to influence new generations of Māori fashion designers and followers.