It’s been a long time coming, but finally I can talk about my collaboration on the ‘Kawa Ora’ silk scarf, with the prestigious fashion house Hermès, one of France’s oldest fashion houses. The scarf has been recently released and is available online and at Hermès stores worldwide. https://www.hermes.com/uk/en/product/kawa-ora-scarf-90-H003274Sv04/
I am grateful to Pierre-Alexis Dumas, Bali Barret, Christine Duvigneau and everyone at Hermès for the opportunity to work with them on this awesome project, as well as for having the foresight and sharing the vision. Huge thanks to Taipari Munro (Ngati Wai and Te Parawhau) and Jim Peters (Ngati Wai), and many other members of my tribes Ngati Wai, Ngapuhi and Te Arawa for all their support.
I hope that people will enjoy and connect with the piece. It has been a challenge weaving the complex and intricate stories and teachings into the design that I am privileged to have learned from our culture. The depth of the symbolism within the design speaks of the connection of our Maori people to our ancestors, the belief structures core to us, as well as many of our Atua (gods) including Papatuanuku Mother Earth and Ranginui Sky Father
As well as representing my personal vision as a Maori artist, the design also depicts our connection to nature, underlining how relevant it is to protect our native wisdom. My hope is that this work enlightens people to the responsibility all of us have to our earth, and inspires my people and all other indigenous people to talk about their narratives and recognise the value of our teachings and how they can help us and the world.