By Robecca Leyden.
Lately things have been tough in our little country. Everyone is poor, the cost of living is skyrocketing and everywhere you look, business's are closing - especially the arts. That's why I was so very excited to find out about Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa, a self proclaimed Underground Fashion Week, focused on celebrating small and emerging underground fashion. Plus, all the profits going to Gaza. Perfect! This is something Auckland desperately needs.
The meaning of the Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa – translates to New Zealand Āhua Week. Āhua means form, shape, and is a synonym for fashion. The brainchild of three young, creatives Sophia Nina Bailey, Sophia Kwon and Billy Blamires, the event was held over five evenings, on iconic Karangahape Road. Each night showcased a collective of designers and artists under one theme. Designers included:
Monday: Sleeping Profit, AeraTheLabel, MAXINE, Zheyi Ruan, Weiwen, and KONGCORE.
Tuesday: Laurence Sabrine, Banshee, Evangelixir, Taur, Tokyoelpari, and Depth of Scye.
Wednesday: Fringes, Fourteen Labs, Milan Jeon, Maxwell, Club Klepto, and Existence.
Thursday: jewellery and accessories from One Flat Ring, Babyhead, Platform, Twosix, Evangelixir, and Chloe Giles.
It was truly a week to savour and remember and this writer is very happy to have been part of it.
Take a look below at some of the epic designers and creators showcasing their talent.
Pictured: Aera by Ryan Patrick Photography.
Pictured: Wei Wen by Ryan Patrick Photography.
Pictured: Kong Core by Ryan Patrick Photography.
Pictured: Maxine by Ryan Patrick Photography.
Pictured: Sleeping Profit by Ryan Patrick Photography.
Pictured: Zheyi Ruan by Ryan Patrick Photography.
Pictured: Banshee by Jono Ong Creative.
Video by Jono Ong Creative.
