News

My final assessments are underway and towards completion for next weeks exhibition. Its been a pretty tough, tiring and busy year and i look forward to next year and being able to put some garments into production as i haven't had the opportunity this year to do so. My poor tinana has had to deal with alot, as well as my whanau, who continue to support the crazy things i throw myself into.
So watch this space.

Our Toi Ohomai Creative Technologies Level 5 end of year Exhibition is coming up. The above skirt was my Fashion item created from scratch, including drawing up my own pattern then sewing it from my custom design Poutama fabric.

During the week i was invited to dress three backupsingers for Turanga Merito, who was performing for Prince Harry & Meghan. I chose the formal look of my Poutama long skirt and matched it with two other garments each chosen to suit the wearer.

Donald, from Vivo Rotorua gave me a huge challenge, not just the garment but the timeline. I hand stitched the border top of the dress and hem of the dress and fused some sequin fabric for a shoulder bow. I was def happy with the results which were enhanced with bleached blonde hair and extensions and blinged out nails and shoes.

An evening of Fashion, Art, Dance and Music was enjoyed by those who attended Whangarei's inaugural event. I loved it. I mixed my old kakahu with the latest pieces to create looks for 10 gorgus Whangarei wahine. The collection was profiled as "From Blanket to Boardroom, to Ballroom"

Fresh from NZFW, i was one of the designers selected to show for Tiki Ahua. It was a wonderful experience and a priviledge to show my kakahu alongside some wonderful designers. My only problem was, i was placed in the evening wear section so, 2 x new pieces were created to ensure i fit the Evening Wear Brief.

Some amazing Images of NZFW are currently online from Getty Images. Thank you to those who supported/sponsored me: Donna, Waikato/Tainui, Number One Shoes, Annette, Tyla and my whanau are continuously support and encourage me..

"Niho Fusion" at NZFW. What an honour and a priviledge to be able to show my collection at New Zealand Fashion Week. My collection honoured our original Māori Fashion designers, our traditional weavers, and infused weaving pattern niho taniwha, to reconstruct the tartan pattern design in custom fabrics used for the collection.

Great write up by Plenty magazine about emerging model Akeyah Wade from Kawerau and emerging designer Taongahuia ..

Mihi to Ata and her team at Miromoda Fashion Design competition for your continued support for Māori fashion designers throughout Aotearoa. Congratualtions also to the winners who have successfully gained participation in the Miromoda Showcase at New Zealand Fashion Week to be held in Auckland, on Thursday 30th August. I was one of the Emerging Designer Runners Up and look forward to making my debut on the NZFW runway.

On 30th June, Karen Hansen hosted the Harmony Rangimarie Fashion Experience, held at Princes Gate Hotel, Rotorua, was a huge success. Unfortunately i was unable to attend but was able to show my tuaTORU collection in support of a great kaupapa

Thank you to Tina Waru and her team for a wonderful event supporting indigenous designers and models. I appreciated the encouragement provided as an emerging designer which inspired me to carry on and believe in my abilities.

Maori fashion show - is set to bring together the businesses of Hinemoa St for a night of entertainment.

The alcohol free event was the brainchild of business owner at Toa Maori, Taongahuia Maxwell and fashion designer Mereana Ngatai.

Ms Maxwell said the idea came about as a way to do something for the community.

"We decided to put on a fashion show in one of the empty shops and to bring together a number of the other creative retailers down our street."