New Zealand's top haute couture designer, Kharl WiRepa, was the first Māori designer to be featured in Vogue. With his presence at London and Paris fashion week, he will naturally present two captivating collections at this year's New Zealand Fashion Week.
WiRepa is known for his seamless merger of traditional and contemporary aesthetics, and this will be showcased on his first NZFW show with gowns inspired by his rich cultural heritage, covered in crystals and a meticulous attention to detail. The all-new NZ-made couture will be a definite highlight of the NZFW programme.
"I wanted to create a collection that reflects the beauty and diversity of New Zealand while pushing the boundaries of fashion," said WiRepa. "I hope my work inspires others to embrace their cultural heritage and explore new possibilities within the fashion world."
The second show, Tangaroa Te Ihi Moana - The Sea is Rising, presented by Te Matatini champions Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, and featuring Rob Ruha and Ria Hall, will be a collaboration bringing together WiRepa and other designers from Aoteaoroa's East Coast.
Te Whānau-ā-Apanui's expertise in traditional arts and connection to indigenous heritage is set to elevate the narrative of Tangaroa Te Ihi Moana, which serves as a call to action for people to advocate for sustainable practices and honour the relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Kharl WiRepa's collections will be showcased on the 30th of August and the 2nd of September 2023 at NZFW.
