A Queenstown woman’s about to help show Māori fashion on the world stage — but she needs some help to get there.
Next month, Misty Te Huna will be walking runways in Paris and London, as part of London Pacific Fashion week, showcasing Kahuwai — a Māori clothing line by Dunedin-based designer and friend, Amber Bridgman.
‘‘I’ve been doing a bit of promo work on her website with her clothing and stuff … [Bridgman] was sort of just saying, ‘sissy, I’d love it if you could join me’,’’ Te Huna says.
She began ‘‘manifesting’’ and imagining herself there, before Bridgman called to tell her to pack her bags.
‘‘I was like, ‘how the heck am I getting there? I don’t even have a passport’.’’
It’s a dream come true for Te Huna, who says she’s been through a lot of hardships in her life.
‘‘It’s just showing people that you can overcome a lot of things and end up in really good spaces … and to represent myself, my whanau and my community, and also New Zealand as a whole, and Māori at that, you know, it’s huge, it is really huge.’’
She had about 24 hours to pay a $770 registration fee, so pushed her Rongoa Māori products, which she makes and sells as part of her Te Huna Ora business, on social media.
‘‘[I] managed to probably get the best sales I’ve ever had in that small amount of time, so it’s amazing what a bit of hard work and pressure can do,’’ she laughs.
She’s set up a Givealittle page to help raise $7000 for the trip, and has fundraising events planned here and in Dunedin.
‘‘It’s really important to me that I can be a part of this kaupapa,’’ she says.
Te Huna plans to travel to Paris about September 10, ready for four shows on consecutive days from September 13 before she comes back.
Anyone with fundraising ideas or opportunities can email [email protected], or, to donate, visit bit.ly/3SiHIcI
