Collection
Small run artisinal capsule pieces available for purchase these can be custom made please enquire.
Harper – Inspired by Agnes Harper, my Scottish great grandmother’s journey from Dundee to Aotearoa in the late 1800’s, along with my memory of climbing and becoming lost on the jagged rocky Cuillin hills on the Isle of Skye in the late 1980’s. Both these experiences evoke the feeling of bravery, courage and ‘the unknown’. I want to challenge myself by using different techniques in my creating & making process as I navigate my own self-discovery of ‘new ground’.
My ‘Harper’ capsule range uses novel low-waste pattern making, championing a NZ wool producer, ‘Palliser Ridge’, detailed with hand needle work & incorporating my eco-print designs.
iD Dunedin 2025 - photos by Chris Sullivan / seen in Dunedin
Models : Noah Stein, Lelia Collins, Caleb Stone, Bridget Wisnesky, Matty McLean, Annalisa McConachie
'Harper' - Capsule collection iD Dunedin 2025 -
video by Allied Productions
Afi vao – Bush Fire (Samoan)
Inspired by the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria in Feb 2009.
From the ashes of devastation comes a frenzy of new life.
Exploration into the vulnerable yet resilient aftermath of an Australian bushfire.
I visited the Kinglake area one year on, 2010, and was astonished at some of the regeneration of the bush area. Out of such a disaster there seemed real hope and such a vibrant amount of new growth after such a short time.
Researching the history of the cycle of fire upon this beautiful old country & fascinated by Indigenous belief & story about the ‘Living Body’ of Australia and their tradition of fire has spurred me to create a small capsule range driven by shape, nature & hope.
Afi vao encapsulates a feeling of connection with nature - focussing on eco-prints and natural fibres. It is textural, soft & voluminous projecting a timeless look.
"How can we live alongside nature in a more respectful way"
Photos by Sandra Tupu
King Lake , Victoria Australia 2010
Afi Vao
NZ Fashion Week - Kahuria 2023 'Viva Next Gen Show '
Getty Photos NZFW- Kahuria Viva Next Gen show. 'Afi vao'
Models : Thomas Oh, Ollie Gooch, Lyndon Foley, Obosa UIame, Lovre Pavlinovic
Elton Mudzingwa, Sonni Manning, Michael Roberts, Tuakana Tuira, Taki Fahrensohn.
Photos by Heyes Johnson 'Afi vao' in nature
Models : Michael Roberts & Jamaine White.
NZFW Kahuria 2023 - Resene Designer Show
'Afi vao'
Models : Ollie Gooch et al.
I explore the essence of the Tatau, part of my heritage & inspiration.
The Tatau process is a very special journey for a young man; one of respect & reconnection to his roots. It is transformational where the young man becomes the guardian of his family just like the Pe’a is the guardian of the forest.
Unwrapped from the body the Tatau represents the Pe’a, the Samoan flying fox or bat.
At the close of the Tatau ceremony legend tells us of the male letting the Pe’a fly free , this is represented through the fluid shapes produced from the use of innovative drape, especially while in motion.
Reconnection to my roots is explored through the use of some recycled natural fabrics in the form of old blankets and antique flour bags to enhance the style of Tatau and help give it a grounded down to earth feel - one that is relaxed, comfortable and slightly disheveled projecting a wise and worn look.
Tatau Winter – iD Dunedin 2010 video ‘Emerging Designers Show’