Lydia Motu

“I was given the colour Resene Drop Dead Gorgeous which is a bold, feminine pink for the Resene project, and I immediately thought of the pink hibiscus flower in Samoa. Hibiscus flowers are one of my favourite flowers, are often worn by ladies in their hair. As I was born and raised in Samoa, I wanted to create a garment that represents my background, as well as my present life with my children here in New Zealand.

To bring the hibiscus flower to life in my garment, I have designed a strong silhouette dress which has boning to the corset of the dress, pleated and fusing of fabric to help add structure to the petals and tulle to add volume. Entwine is about the fusion of ideas and cultures. By being born and raised in Samoa, as well as my life here in New Zealand, it is about connecting two cultures that means a lot to me.

The corset of the dress has woven straps entwined together to represent the fine mats that are an important part of the Samoan culture. The woven straps are also similar to the Korowai, a woven Māori cloak that is often worn in honour and celebration. The woven and the pleats technique (to create the petals) add different textural elements which adds interest to the design. The dress has four pleated petals which are in likeness to the hibiscus flower; fusing the fabric helps to make the petals keep their shape. The four pleated petals have added volume by adding boning and tulle. The four petals on the waistline represents my four children, and the stem in the middle is to honour and remember my beautiful granddaughter, Phoebe. The tight skirt with the waves hem gives it a soft, flower-like shape.”

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2024

Photography by Natasha Boshkovski Photography

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