The debut Unity Collection is a collaboration between three creative wāhine
in the contemporary fashion and art space
There’s something soul-warming about successful collaborations. When done right, the very essence of the shared positivity of working together is seemingly infused into each piece. The new limited-edition Unity Collection delivers a range of versatile garments that embrace this process and encourage connectivity.
Unity Collection’s debut ‘black on black’ resortwear release is a special collab between three leading wāhine in the contemporary fashion and art space: Unity Collection x Knuefermann x Māori Mermaid – Tania Rupapera, founder of leading contemporary Māori design gallery Unity Collection in Matakana; renowned Auckland fashion designer Turet Knuefermann; and Dunedin-based artist Jessica Hinerangi aka Māori Mermaid.
The range of black basics feature a signature Māori Mermaid artwork printed onto a hand-picked selection of Knuefermann’s most loved silhouettes – a kimono, sleeveless maxi dress, mini dress, shirt, and off-the-shoulder top. All pieces have been designed with comfort and elegance in mind.
Rupapera, the visionary behind the collection, has worked in fashion retail for more than a decade and since opening Unity Collection, an authentic Māori contemporary art gallery two years ago in Matakana, she realised something was missing. A concise range of versatile garments that spoke to her inner wahine but would resonate with all women.
“It’s what I want to wear – beautifully cut fabric and clothes that I feel good in,” Rupapera explains. “Rather than start from scratch I thought, ‘who can I work with and who are my favourite designers, and immediately thought of Turet.”
It was the same when it came to selecting a hero artist/print for the collection.
Knuefermann and Hinerangi both immediately said “yes” and the collaboration was born.
‘Hongi’, the Māori Mermaid artwork chosen by Rupapera, is a beautiful illustration of two women doing a hongi and printed on each piece. “For me, it’s about connectivity – connectivity of the wearer, the depth of the design and positioning of it and the subtlety of the black on black. It draws you in but it’s not loud or obvious,” says Rupapera.
Many of Hinerangi’s illustrations are focussed on self-aroha and reconnection.
“The Hongi artwork is inspired by the idea that we must awhi ourselves in whatever we are doing in life and allow that cyclical mauri to flow and connect us to the universe. When I think of hongi I am reminded that sharing breath with others is sharing breath with the self, and we are all linked together,” says Hinerangi.
“It’s super exciting and special to be collaborating with Unity Collection and Knuefermann. I met Tania in Taranaki at a talk for Awa Wahine and I’ve been inspired by her ever since.
“I said yes because I love working with other Māori and I trust Tania’s vision. I’m honoured to have my mahi beside so many other ātaahua māori toi and taonga in Unity. I also couldn’t say no to working with a Ngāruahine businesswoman – it’s a goal of mine to work with as many cuzzies as possible!”
As a New Zealander growing up with close Māori connections Knuefermann says she has been incredibly inspired by the wairua of Māori people and their selfless kindness, mana, presence and humility.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Tania on this,” says Knuefermann. “Upholding Māori culture and traditions is essential for preserving and promoting the unique identity of New Zealand. A collaboration between Māori designers and fashion industry players like Knuefermann raise awareness and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Māori people. Such initiatives promote cultural appreciation and foster a deeper understanding of Māori traditions.”
Rupapera is “ridiculously excited” about the collection’s release and can’t believe she hasn’t thought about doing this sooner.
“It’s completely exclusive with limited runs and you can’t get it anywhere else,” she says. “It’s beautiful quality and I knew I could trust in both of them because they are exceptional in what they do.”
Unity Collection is available online now.
Images by Amy Robinson, Robinson Studios NZ