Wainui designers

In vogue: Designers Nerida Johnstone (left) and Julie Puddick have made their presence felt in the New Zealand fashion community, and their creations will be included in a runway show in Rotorua today.

Two Gisborne designers and neighbours at Wainui Beach collaborated for a runway show in Rotorua today.

Energised by the fresh salt air of the coastal waters, jewellery artist Nerida Johnstone, and fashion designer, Julie Puddick, draw inspiration from the wild beauty around them.

Johnstone, known for her Henare brand, crafts a range of sterling silver talisman and copper forged pendants, as well as custom one-off pieces.

Puddick, on the other hand, salvages fabrics and trims from local sources and vintage outlets to create bespoke pieces for her Masami brand.

Together, they will be gracing the Tiki Ahua fashion show runway in Rotorua today — their second time at the show as a duo.

Johnstone says the collection of adornments and bespoke garments have been influenced by “the glistening waters and unique light of Te Tairawhiti” and features pieces by master carver, James Rickard, cast by Henare.

“While I get immense satisfaction from the creative process of designing and constructing my pieces, knowing my work comforts and provides meaning to its wearer is a fundamentally fulfilling aspect for me,” says Johnstone.

Her creations are favourites of New Zealand’s fashion elite, gracing necks on and off the catwalk, including the Indigenous Runway Project at Melbourne Fashion Week and collaborations at New Zealand Fashion Week.

Puddick’s Masami brand, named one of New Zealand’s top five sustainable brands earlier this year by Eluxe Magazine, is a nod to ethical and sustainable fashion.

“From the picturesque Turanganui River to the spectacular beaches and verdant farmlands, I am inspired by the colours, textures and light derived from the natural landscapes of home.”

Puddick’s 2016 showing was billed as glamourous, luxurious and bold — this year, guests will get the chance to see Masami’s latest collection inspired by the bold shapes and soft textures of Wainui Beach.

Johnstone says that while her range has been influenced by the natural environment, it is a tribute to an array of traditional practices, including taniko, which is reflected in her work, including intricate, handwoven beadwork pieces.

“Tiki Ahua provides a special platform, for artists and designers to work together and draw inspiration, while celebrating our arts, identity and culture.

“Our collaboration at Tiki Ahua reflects this ethos, with Masami and Henare joining forces for the second time.”

Held in Rotorua, Tiki Ahua attracts guests from around the country and features uncompromised fashion statements by emerging and established designers, interwoven with contemporary music, art, dance and live performance, organisers say.

Tiki Ahua is being held at Te Whakarewarewa Valley at Rotorua’s Te Puia. The runway show is followed by a concert featuring headline band L.A.B, supported by Jackson Owens.