Kahuwai

Rakiura Taoka

Amber Bridgman, a Dunedin-based Kāi Tahu designer of Kai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha, specialises in hand screen-prints as well as traditional Māori weaving practises. Through haute couture/tribal couture, she creates garments that help the wearer feel empowered and confident, Garments are made using highly sustainable pracitse, which are adorned with unique Māori taoka, Pounamu, whale bone and traditional feathers.

The label combines traditional Māori art, design, whakapapa (genealogy), and vintage elegance, steering clear of fast fashion in favor of sustainable practices.

Offers couture jewellery, activewear, the Wonder Wāhine range, children's tracksuits, and traditional items like korowai.

Showcased on national and international indigenous catwalks, including the Melbourne Fashion Festival, Fiji Fashion Week, and London and Paris Pacific Fashion Week

Sustainability
As an award-winning and conscious Māori fashion brand, Kahuwai waves the sustainability flag loud and proud. We are kaitiaki and guardians of the environment and our earth mother 

Kahuwai’s last collection was 95% upcycled using sustainable practices that Amber Bridgman is well known for.

Being mindful and aware of the impacts that fast fashion has had on the environment makes the practice of sustainable design and making even more important to me as a designer artist and mana whenua of Papatūānuku.

Diversity
Kahuwai will show diversity by having models from a wider age group as well as a mix of nationalities within her collection. As well as through her work and music selection.

Image credit:
Photography: Kassandra Lynne