Whanganui Fashion student Gienepha Tutaki has made a splash at NZ Fashion Week.
A Whanganui fashion designer has had the experience of a lifetime at New Zealand Fashion Week.
Gienipha Tutaki, who is in her third year of a bachelor of art and design at Whanganui UCOL, was selected for the Miromoda showcase at New Zealand Fashion Week.
One of eight designers chosenfor Miromoda, Ms Tutaki's show was held in Auckland on August 31.
Miromoda is a New Zealand Fashion Week showcase for Maori designers. Ms Tutaki, who is of Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Tuwharetoa descent, applied for a place, then was selected to present her collection in front of a panel.
"I was really excited when I found out I was selected," Ms Tutaki said. "But it did mean a lot of extra work on top of my studies."
Her collection was called Shifting Sands, and was inspired by a book called Te Awa - a collection of photos of Whanganui Maori from the late 19th and early 20th century. She used the sepia tones, shapes and silhouettes of the old photos in her garments.
"My collection incorporated old ways into new fashion," Ms Tutaki said.
She spent about a week in Auckland, organising her models and setting up the logistics of her show.
"It wasn't at intimidating - it was just really inspiring. I managed to watch a few other shows while I was there, which was great. Every one was different."
Ms Tutaki will graduate in a few months' time, and is unsure of what she'll do next.
"I have been invited to take part in other fashion shows, so that's something to work towards," she said.
