Where are they now?

Lavinia Ilolahia is on our radar.

iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2019 Finalist and VIVA Editorial Prize winner Lavinia Ilolahia has launched her beautiful label Daina Hugh, a deeply personal project envisioned as a love letter to her grandmother. An AUT graduate, Lavinia creates sculptural garments shaped by traditional Polynesian ways of wrapping, layering and forming the body with cloth.

The label explores the balance between structure and ease, translating traditional gestures into contemporary silhouettes through modern tailoring, sculpted textiles and refined hand worked details.

Central to Daīna Hugh is the concept of Vā, the relationship between body, fabric, land and people. This understanding guides a slow, intentional approach to design, focused on craftsmanship, longevity and pieces made to endure beyond seasons.

Proudly designed and made in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Daīna Hugh works closely with local makers and independent artisans, supporting small scale production and responsible practices. Fabrics are sourced with care, often from premium deadstock, and each garment is quality checked before dispatch. Bespoke options are also available for a personalised fit.

Daīna Hugh represents an exciting new voice in New Zealand fashion and one to watch from the iD Dunedin alumni community.

Discover the collection and make enquiries at dainahugh.com

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Campaign:
Photography: Apela Bell @apelabell
Makeup: Liana Daniela @lianadanielamakeup
Model: Teuila Sotutu @Teuilasotutu

‍Lookbook:
Photography: Apela Bell @apelabell
Makeup: Liz Hyun @Liz_hyun
Model: Meiya Lemafa @meiyamodels at @uniquemodelmanagement