Rotorua designer Adrienne Whitewood goes solo at New Zealand Fashion Week

Rotorua designer Adrienne Whitewood is set to showcase her first solo show at New Zealand Fashion Week.

Inspired by the art of Te Arawa, and a holistic approach to fashion, the 29-year old said she was excited for her new collection.

The collection, titled Ta (meaning 'to print'), acknowledges the artistic disciplines of Maori art - namely Nga mahi Whakairo (carving), Raranga (weaving) and Tukutuku (woven lattice work).

While primarily a womenswear label offering a contemporary take on traditional Maori prints, the Fashion Week show sees the launch of a menswear line too.

"There has been a lot of demand from men who have bought items for their partners, and are also seeking out something for themselves," she said.

"Ultimately the show is just promoting the new line."

Being Rotorua-made is a key element in Miss White's clothing production.

She began her study in fashion at Rotorua Girls' High School and uses local images through her designs.

The Ta collection features prints inspired by the people of Te Arawa through names of designs and through patterns that are used on a range of garments including dresses, blouses, trousers, overcoats and eveningwear.

The prints used in the collection are drawn from Tukutuku panels in the Tamatekapua wharenui which overlooks the Ohinemutu marae, from weaving patterns used at Rotoiti and from a series of works in 1909 by the late carver Te Rahui of Rotorua.

The success of her store Ahu Boutique is what encouraged her to go solo this year.

"What better way to launch it than at New Zealand Fashion Week," she said.

"Doing things as big as fashion week is a great way to align with other small business."

Miss White said she had received great response from other Rotorua stores who were helping to make her show a reality.

"Whatever you put in is what you get out," Miss White said about the hard work she was putting in building up to the show.

"It's pushing me to be more of a leader in what I do"

Creative Director for the show, Turanga Merito, said in one word the show would be "epic".

"I can't even express my joy for this one," he said.

"I believe she is a game changer on all levels."

Mr Merito hinted that we could expect to see ballerinas, kapa haka, flashy dance numbers and incredible local music.

"The icing on the cake really is the amazing garments," he said.

"The collection is incredible.

"What an absolute privilege it is for someone from home to get her moment."

New Zealand Fashion week is August 28-31.

Ta will be showing on August 30 at the Auckland Viaduct. If you're interested in seeing the show or following the collection check it out at href='http://adriennewhitewood.com' target='_blank'>adriennewhitewood.com.