Kakahu Turanganui A Kiwa
Matariki Maori Fashion Show
Gisborne
2007 was the second year of Kakahu - a Maori Fashion Show presented by Nga Ariki Kaiputahi in celebration of Matariki.
The successes of the 2006 show were built upon to create an event which clearly wowed the crowd with its mix of traditional and contemporary Maori fashion design, art and entertainment.
Tawera Tahuri is the driving light behind this event. Taking on the role of chief motivator, creative thinker and organiser is one which she relishes. "...planning is already underway for what will be an even hotter event! (next year 2008) I would actually love to do this kind of work full time..." Working as part of a committed husband and wife team, Tawera and Henare have steadily grown this event and are looking to a brighter future for Kakahu come 2008. Te Puni Kokiri is now to mentor the duo and help them to grow Tawera's clothing label 'Hinu', a feature of both shows, into something even more special. Tawera and Henare are clearly driven to communicate their brand of positivity, in a way that is uniquely Maori.
This is certainly not your average fashion show; there was a warmth and friendliness that is probably quite rare when it comes to this kind of event. Its not often that you will see your nannie up on stage strutting her stuff...the part of the show in which the kuia and kaumatua of Nga Ariki Kaiputahi take to the catwalk cloaked in korowai they have crafted with their own hands has proven to be a huge hit with the crowd both years.
"Hinu", Tawera's clothing label, references the 'preservation' of Maori culture. As the kai or food, was once preserved using hinu (animal fats) in earlier times, Tawera uses Maori fashion and design as her vehicle to preserve the culture.
2007 is Tawera's second year as a fashion designer. In this new work, she aims to encapsulate in her garments the hopes and dreams of Nga Ariki Kaiputahi and the ongoing journey with the Turanga claims kaupapa. Inspired by the signatories of the Treaty of Waitangi, 60% of whom were rangatira in their own right, but who were illiterate in the Pakeha world, and used the symbol 'x' to sign their names.
Other highlights of Kakahu 2007 were unquestionably the piu piu designed to represent the seven sisters - nga whetu o Matariki, the stars of Matariki, and of course the work of Alixine Curtis. Alixine's beautiful woven works inspired a murmur amongst the crowd , her stunning range of full and three quarter length evening wear looked incredible on the beautiful young models charged with showing them off.
The bold and vibrant designs of Maakareta Paku from Napier's Tribal Fibres have featured in both events and was this year joined by Taryn Beri from Wellington's Blackberi AotearoaWear. Blackberi kicked off the street fashion section with a range of funky, colourful and hip affordable style.
The evenings' fashion wear is interspersed with entertainment that is just as diverse as the clothing, with performances by local musicians Mangatu Magic, country and western singer Rawinia Puia, top junior country western singer Chelsea Hawkins, Pare Puia, Billy Thompson, Tawera Tahuri, and Whatatutu School's two pint sized stars; Te Hurutea-a-Rangi Tahuri and Stacy Brown. MC "The Wiz" kept the crowd going in this fun and feature packed evening.
Marcus Lloyd presented "Colours", a work created in response to a shooting in Wanganui. Intended to be inspirational for children his moving work and live explanation inspired all who were there. Marcus's work was motivated and inspired by various hero's, Frida Kahlo, Che Guevara, Bob Marley, Whina Cooper. A stimulating part of the evenings proceedings.
Kakahu promises to provide a platform from which to showcase the wealth of Maori talent in the fashion design industry for many years to come and as a non profit event which Kakahu organisers are determined to keep affordable and accessible to all, it is evident that this is a celebration that is for everyone.
Photos taken by Jill Simmons of the Gisborne Camera Club and Tania Short at Creative Tairawhiti.