By Delilah Gow
Model, artist and all-round creative Delilah Gow takes Sans Pareil backstage, front row and everywhere in between at Tāmaki Makaurau’s favourite indie Fashion week: Te Wiki Āhua O Aotearoa.
ĀHUA – KAPA by LONTESSA
Āhua opened with The Sacrifice – a bold performance where the model, dressed in striking white, was intertwined with blood-red ropes, creating a visceral contrast that set the tone for a collection that showcased duality: restraint versus release, tradition versus play.
Photo Credit : Sarah Doss.
Next, followed Lontessa’s vibrant, sporty silhouettes infused with vintage undertones and playful fringe, weaving together bold colourways and athletic-inspired cuts. Drawing from the Māori concept of kapa – to come together as one – the pieces celebrated individuality within unity. Lontessa created garments that called to connect body, lineage, and fierce community.
Photo Credit : Sarah Doss Left Jono Ong right, Jono Ong left Sarah Doss right.
ĀHUA – MANA WĀHINE by CHARLI NIKORA & MIKE DE WET
Mana Wāhine by Charli Nikora and Mike De Wet was a cultural experience, alive with colour, geometry, and whakapapa. The runway unfurled with stunning woven textiles elevated by unique jewellery statements, some exchanged between models mid-walk in gestures of connection and lineage. A solo violinist heightened the drama. Both the model and the pieces they wore carried elegance and defiance, reaffirming the mana of wāhine.
Photo Credit : top: Sarah Doss. Bottom Felix Jackson.
Photo credit: Jono Ong Bailey Fleming
