Samantha Gonzales

“When assigned to my colour, Resene Liquid Gold my initial thought was wealth and prosperity. Rather than an object to create jewellery and measure riches I dove down to find other meanings and symbolism that gold can offer.

Throughout the research I also wanted to implement my culture and upbringing, hence landing on Religion – Catholicism. It is difficult to envisage a world without the notion of religion, a world without faith in higher power did not exist. Religion has been part of our human history longer than anyone can imagine, where it was commonly served as an inspiration for experiment and discovery.

Scientific discoverers such as Sir Issac Newton, Francis Bacon and Robert Boyle were motivated by their beliefs and religious views from wanting to understand their surroundings that was moulded by greater forces. With the importance of gold in religions it's often used to symbolise purity, divinity, spiritual and/or material wealth. In Catholicism gold is used to make liturgical decorations including chalices, cups, crosses and other religious things, it also embodies the divine light and heavenly glory. In Apocalypse of John Revelation 21:21 it describes the streets of the new Jerusalem "...The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass" illustrating purity and eternal worth.

My religion is very precious to me as it links back to my roots, my family, and what makes me, me. I seek comfort in my beliefs when I find myself stuck in life not knowing what to do and the experience of fulfilment and enlightenment when attending masses. But as a Filipino Catholic in NZ sometimes I find myself occasionally feeling homesick as memories of my childhood floods my mind. Memories of waking up in the morning getting ready to go to church with my family was something I was never fond of as a child, reflecting on it now as an adult I had hope there were more memories such as that. With this collection I can not only display my upbringing through my beliefs but to also showcase it through clothes, my passion.

The 'Heavenly' dress is inspired by the architect and interrail designs of San Sebastian Basilica/Church, a national historical landmark, and a national culture treasure where it is the only building/church that is made all in metal. With the use of honeycomb smocking technique, it recalls the Lancet windows and checkered floor, as for the sleeves it is a subtle reference to Filipiniana: a traditional clothing worn by women for special events and celebration. The bodice it is embellished with an embroidered cross with a rising sun which is a small tribute to my late grandmother.”

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2024

Photography by Natasha Boshkovski Photography

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