New Zealand Fashion Week kicks off on September 21st, and eight Maori designers will be showcasing their award-winning designs during the Miromoda show.
Miromoda offers support for designers in the early stages of their careers, including providing opportunities for runway experience and international recognition. Holding a slot during NZFW, Miromoda hopes their featured designers will gain this recognition.
"Miro" is the technical term for twining muka fibres in traditional Māori weaving.
"moda" is Italian for Fashion.
The Indigenous Māori Fashion Apparel Board (IMFAB) was founded in 2008, as a non-profit organisation, instituted to advance the quality status of Māori fashion design and to raise its artistic and professional standards. Miromoda also aims to define a code of ethical practices of mutual benefit in public and trade relations and, to promote appreciation of the fashion arts through leadership in high quality, authenticity and aesthetic discernment.
Miromoda is committed to nurturing the development of the Māori fashion industry’s future designers. Miromoda educational initiatives provide support and strengthen resources for students at secondary, tertiary and post-graduate levels.
The 2010 Miramoda Designers, who will show their work at NZFW, include the following:
Bianca Walford-Collier / Wellington
Blaire Archibald / Auckland
Adrienne Whitewood / Rotorua
Aroha Wikotu / Waikato
Ana Hau / Auckland
Shona Tawhiao / Auckland
Amber Bridgman / Otago
Kereama Taepa / Papamoa
Watch video clips from the Miromoda Fashion Design Competition 2009: