RON TE KAWA CREATIONS
These days it’s hard to go around Christchurch without bumping into a skirt designed by Ron Te Kawa. But then, considering every design is an original and sizes range from teeny wahine to extra extra gorgeous, it’s pretty easy to see why.
Ron (Ngäti Porou) says the clothes are an extension of the ones his mother, grandmother and tïpuna made. “They recycled the materials around them: flour bags, tablecloths and precious rare fabrics got turned into anything from school clothes to party dresses.”
Trained as a costume designer, Ron adorns his creations with contemporary Mäori themes. “I am a gatherer in the traditional sense, but with a modern twist. All my materials can be found in abundance locally, if you know where to look.”
Under the label “My Beautiful Life”, Ron and his gorgeous, handmade designs can be found online now… instead of the Christchurch Arts Markets.
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