I’m a final year fashion design student at Otago Polytechnic focusing on three specific areas of sustainable fashion; human, environmental and talent. I also focus on the concept of a circular economy – by reworking existing and second-hand garments, deadstock and clearance fabrics.
My aesthetic is inspired by my culture of Fiji, combined with visual elements from other cultures. These are generally quite striking and bold, as I have a lot of interest in prints and embellishments.
The brand’s name, ‘Coolie’ references the Coolie trade of the 19th and early 20th centuries and the cultural and political influence behind the brand. Some of my work has been featured in fashion shows up north, so in moving forward I’m continually working to develop designs that suit my clientele here – to keep expanding my already established audience and spread my ideology throughout the rest of New Zealand.
