Victoria Solomona

“Resene Happy looks like the Polynesian tropical sunshine. In the Polynesian culture, the colour yellow represents the moon, sun, royalty and divine essence.

My ‘happy’ and design inspiration comes from when I received my traditional Tatou called a Malu. Tatou translates to tattoo in the Samoan language. It’s believed that the English word tattoo originated from the South Pacific.

My Malu is special as it is a connection to my identify and has been passed through many generations that have practiced for more than 3000 years. It’s a tradition that has deep history surrounding marks of honour, culture, strength and pride of manhood or womanhood.

After the Tatau, a special ritual is performed by cracking the yellow egg yolk on the head to symbolise the rebirth of a new person. An ointment made of yellow turmeric and coconut oil is rubbed all over my Malu as it is a natural anti-inflammatory and has a healing significance to it.

My connection to the Resene Happy colour is when I performed a Samoan siva wearing a bright yellow satin cloth which indicates my connection to my Malu and the Tufuga (Master tattooist).

The markings each symbolise an important meaning. The Malu (diamond shape) is the symbol of honour, protection and shelter. The Fa’agogo (Bird) is the symbol of navigation, guidance and hope. The Fa’a’atuahoa (Centipede) is the symbol of strength and Aiga (family). The Fa’avae’ali (wooden headrest) is the symbol of support and service to the Aiga. Lastly the fa’a’alu’alu (Jellyfish) is the symbol representing femineity.

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2023

Photography by Jonathan Kraettli

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