Culture Fashion/ 07/09/2024/

What It’s Like to be a Palestinian Designer in Aotearoa

By Robecca Leyden.

I was first introduced to Shatha Mustafa at the Whitecliff School Of Fashion end of year show, last year (2023). Among the incredibly talented students showcasing, one in particular stuck out - Palestinian designer Shatha Mustafa. Her collection, Talk of Pain and Hope, and runway was a really beautiful tribute to her country and her roots, with a finale with Shatha, herself, emerging with a child holding a mini Palestinian flag. I’ve always loved the use of fashion as a means for political statement and this was the most beautiful moment, with overwhelming applause from the audience. This was early December 2023, at which point the genocide unfolding in Palestine had only just taken the world stage in October. Now in September the following year, we are 11 months into something that can only be described as a mass murder, the likes modern world has never seen before. Feeling inspired, I wanted to know more about Shatha, her background and her and her designs.

Pictured: Shatha Mustafa during the Whitecliff School Of Fashion end of year show 2023. Image by Ryan Patrick photography.

SP: Hi Shatha! So great we could make the time to sit down, finally. There isn’t much information about you online. Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and how you found yourself studying fashion design at Whitecliffe?

Hi, thank you so much for having me here. I'm Shatha Mustafa, I'm from Palestine. I've been living in New Zealand for 15 years now and basically grew up in New Zealand but my culture still stays with Palestine. I have always dreamt about becoming a fashion designer since I was a very young girl. When I applied to Whitecliffe (and got in) it was very exciting learning new things and exploring the different kinds of sustainable fashion.

SP: When you were working on your collection (2023) did you know you wanted it to be about your culture?

Yes i did know i wanted it to be about my culture as since the first year of studying i have always designed based on who I am and where i'm from. The first year I did my collection on Modesty; the second year of studying i did my collection on the Palestinian culture and different aspect of Palestinian tatreez, embroidery. My final year I continued exploring Palestinian culture and also drawing inspiration from my late grandfather.

SP: Can you take us through the design process and some of the pieces?

Images provided by Shatha Mustafa.

SP: What would you like people to know about your culture? What would you say was the most important message you wanted to convey with your collection?

I wanted people to learn more about Palestinian culture and I wanted to bring awareness to what's been happening in Palestine for 75 years and their struggles and what they have to face everyday. I also talked about what happened in Palestine in 2023.

Pictured: Runway Images during Whitecliff School Of Fashion end of year show 2023. Image by Ryan Patrick photography.

SP: It was a very brave thing to put yourself out there publicly at the end of year Whitecliff design show. Showcasing your message to hundreds of people at the event and thousands more through social media afterwards, could have unfortunately negated a negative response. Were you prepared for that? Was there a negative response at all?

No, I did not worry at all and I wanted to put myself out there and identify who I am and where I am from. Because being a Palestinian is one of the greatest things out here so why not talk about it.

I didn't care what people thought if i got a negative response. However, i did not receive any negative responses at all. Lot of people loved it and gave me compliments after the show which, i was very proud of.

SP: I felt so happy for you when you got a round of applause. Made me proud of our community. How did you feel?

I felt so happy and amazed to see how many people gave me a round of applause, it made me feel so proud of my work and was so glad to make this collection.

SP: You’re now currently living in Wellington (NZ). How is that going for you?

It’s going good! I love the views here but it’s sooo different to Auckland. The people, the atmosphere, the vibe, all totally different to Auckland.

Pictured: Runway Images during Whitecliff School Of Fashion end of year show 2023. Image by Ryan Patrick photography.

SP: Do you have plans to start a label? or stay in the industry?

I do have plans sometimes to start my own label, but not anytime soon. Until then I will definitely stay in the industry, and am doing retail.

SP: Awesome. I guess the hardest question - what is it like for you currently, as a Palestinian woman living in NZ?

I love being Palestinian. It's incredibly important to me to show my culture, and it makes me feel special and unique.

SP: Do you feel supported, here, in New Zealand?

Sometimes I feel like people didn’t like that I made my collection about Palestine. I could see it while doing my work but it did not stop me wanting to represent my culture because after all, their opinion has nothing to do with me or my work.