Interview with the designer of Iwi Creations
Iwi Creations is one of the the 6 brands participating in “J Autumn 2015″ fashion show (organized by Jessica Minh Anh) which will take place on the 29th of October 2015 on the Seine river in Paris. This is our exclusive Q&A with Iwi Creations.
When did you decide that you wanted to be a designer?
Working for a company where I learnt all aspects of traditional weaving and having to create designs from eight basic patterns was grounding for me to diverse and incorporate traditional and contemporary and creating garments for wearable art was challenging and rewarding. I then came up with the idea of putting our traditionally inspired designs onto hosiery as not everyone likes real tattoos.
In 2007 I made contemporary design garments made from muka ( flax fibre) for New Zealand fashion week icon room.
I then decided to put harakeke images ( nz flax ) onto fabric and umbrellas.
I have been interested in design and fashion as a teenager.
What is the first thing you designed and for who (yourself,a friend…)?
My first garment was making a Taniko finger woven bodice which in our culture the first piece you weave must be given away and I gave my bodice to my cousin.
Who inspires you the most?
Designers like Alexander McQueen, Cult couture gives me inspiration also.
Who’s your muse, your icon, when you create a dress?
I think of all the amazing. Garments made by our ancestors and the beautiful patterns also the ancestral meeting houses that are carved and give me ideas that I can incorporate in some of my garments.
If you had to design an entire collection using just one color, which is the one you’d pick?
The colour I would choose would be green as when you look the trees plants their are so many different shades you can work with.
Who’s the first person you show your sketches to?
My husband as he is a master carver of traditional Maori art. My granddaughter as its is good to have a younger persons opinion.
The fabric you love the most…silk, lace, velvet?
Linen as it comes from a plant similar to harakeke (nz flax)
If you weren’t a designer which job in the fashion world you would like to do?
I to be honest I enjoy coming up with new ideas and designs I would not change what I do.
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