Hear from some of the creative talents that bring fashion shows to life.
As Te Wiki Āhua o Aotearoa approaches, a talented group of models, dancers, and makeup artists are preparing to showcase their creativity and passion. This event not only highlights fashion but also celebrates the unique stories and artistic journeys of the individuals bringing it to life. From lifelong dancers to emerging models, and makeup artists who blend art with expression, these creatives are ready to take the stage.
Meet some of the incredible talents gearing up for the week and discover what inspires their craft.
Isla
@islapotini
Model – also dancing for the BOYSCRY show
How did you get into dance?
I basically danced out the womb and started taking classes for fun when I was 9, auditioned and joined the royal family dance crew at age 11 and became a professional dancer under their guidance.
What do you do when you’re not dancing?
For the past 5 years I’d say, I didn’t really have time to do anything outside my craft as dance took A LOT of commitment l but I have given myself this year to explore other creative outlets that i am passionate about. One that I’ve focused on specifically is fashion/modelling so I’m very excited to walk in the show and so grateful to the AHUA team for having me.
What inspires you? And where do you get your inspiration?
If we’re talking inspiration to create choreography – music is really important when I’m trying to create. If I don’t vibe to a song it’s a lot harder to produce content I end up liking. But I am inspired creatively mostly by my family/peers and young creatives in Auckland! I hear a lot of “we need to do and be better” in our creative communities and I think we’re a little hard on ourselves sometimes. We have to remember there’s a lot going against us so to still have that hunger – let alone executing these crazy ideas in these crazy times is a huge achievement in itself. Big up everyone with a dream.
What are some of your processes/ techniques you use in your work?
I’m someone who has to visualise first. So my process usually involves letting the song replay while I picture what parts of the music feels natural to move my body to. From there it usually just flows… I’m very lucky to have learnt a range of styles and techniques from many amazing teachers/choreographers over my decade in the dance industry. I pull lots of inspiration from everything I’ve absorbed in my time and then add bits of my personal flavour. A huge part of what makes my work stand out is definitely the dancers who embody the vision soooo well! There are about 6 dancers in our piece for BOY CRY, all of which are amazing young, Polynesian creatives and I can’t wait for everyone to see their talent in the show too!!
Aellerie
@aellerie_k.s
Model
How did you get into your craft?
I got into modelling, originally, when I was 12. I was always the tallest girl in my classes, and I was very socially awkward. But when I had my first shoot for a family friend’s makeup portfolio, I felt this massive wave of confidence wash over me and I wanted to do it again and again and again.
What do you do outside of your craft?
I’m super passionate about vintage fashion, it probably helps that I work in a curated vintage store lol. You’ll find me a lot of the time on Karangahape road, I work and loiter there a lot. At the moment my new hyper fixation is making little thingies out of air dry clay.
What inspires you? And where do you get your inspiration?
I get a lot of inspiration from Miss Bad Gal Rihanna. She is just exuding 100% confidence all the time, and I try to take inspiration from that when I’m feeling anxious. She’s an absolute force of nature and we’ve got the same forehead x
What are some of your processes/ techniques you use in your work?
I was a drama kid at school, and I still use those warm up exercises before I do a shoot or a walk lol. I find it takes away any nerves I have, and gets me into the “mood of character”. That’s probably my only technique I use seriously, a lot of modelling is spontaneous and thinking on the spot, you never know how your shoot’s going to go until you’re in it.
Alyssum
@n00b_rev.art
Model – also dancing for the BOYSCRY show
How did you get into your craft?
I got into modelling this year through advice from friends.
What do you do outside of your craft?
I make art, traditionally pencil on paper. I am also a life model.
What inspires you? And where do you get your inspiration?
I’m inspired by nature. When I still myself, even mundane things provide rhythm. Humans, despite our modern severances from nature, are part of it, so I am fascinated by what we create.
What are some of your processes/ techniques you use in your work?
I treat artwork as meditation. When modelling I envision what brings me enjoyment.
Grace
@gracelyraa
Model
How did you get into your craft?
I’ve always had a deep connection to fashion and the spotlight. Ever since I could hold a camera, I’ve been creating – whether it was styling, editing photos, coming up with skits, or making music videos. As a kid, I’d put on fashion shows for my family or perform like I was on stage. The camera has always felt like a natural place for me, where I can fully express who I am. I thrive on being seen and capturing that energy – it’s where I truly come alive.
What do you do outside your craft?
I’ve taken my passion for fashion and performance into modelling and now I’m a full-time content creator and streamer. I love blending creativity with business, which is why I’m also pursuing a degree to enhance my content creation business. For me, it’s not just about making content but about building something sustainable and impactful.
What inspires you, and where do you get your inspiration?
Inspiration is everywhere for me. I’m always trying new things and evolving – staying stagnant is my biggest fear. I think what keeps me moving is this constant drive to explore different sides of myself and keep things dynamic. Whether it’s through fashion, creativity, or new experiences, I’m always chasing growth.
What are some processes/techniques you use in your work?
I spend a lot of time appreciating other people’s work – I find inspiration in the creativity of others. But honestly, my biggest fuel comes from turning negative emotions into something constructive. Whether it’s sadness or spite, I use those feelings as a catalyst for growth. Some of my best work comes after tough experiences. It’s in those moments that I get clarity on who I want to be and what I want to achieve.
Norman
@norman.liaina_
Model – also dancing for the BOYSCRY show
How did you get into your craft?
At first it wasn’t anything serious, I initially just wanted to do something else other than sports so in my last year of high school I decided to go to a dance camp and ever since then I just fell in love with the craft.
What do you do outside of your craft?
Outside of dance I go to work haha
What inspires you? And where do you get your inspiration?
For me my family and my friends will always be my biggest inspiration in life.
What are some of your processes/ techniques you use in your work?
The process is really easy if you allow it to be. Take a drive, put your playlist on shuffle and let the music speak to you . When I find that song that feels good, and that I can connect with, I’ll just let it take control.
Jess MacRae
@jessmacraemakeup
Lead Makeup Artist for Evil & Parties (10th September)
How did you get into your craft?
I don’t think I’ve ever not been into my craft. I was 7 years old and wearing purple barbie lipstick to school, and I just never stopped loving and learning makeup. I think the biggest development was in my style, which I think about way too often.
What do you do outside your craft?
I love creative expression of all kinds, so I regularly start a random art project with very much unearned confidence and mess up a bunch. I’m often in the corner of my partner’s band practise making something terrible.
What inspires you, and where do you get your inspiration?
I’m super inspired by light/ colour theory & organic structures. The human body, plants, fungi, fossils. The way we naturally occur in the most beautiful shapes is very interesting to me. Being able to do organic shapes of any sort of justice is the goal I think.
What are some processes/techniques you use in your work?
Makeup is the perfect way to just become someone else for a little while. So when I’m designing a look in my head, I always think about who I’m becoming. I often make choices from the “character’s perspective”, which helps me bring some intentionality into the look. It sounds silly but I do it every single time!
Jenny & Weiting // Ares Artistry
@ares.artistry
Lead Makeup Artists for LCOAB & BOYSCRY (9-11th September)
How did you get into your craft?
Our journey into the beauty industry began as a shared passion. We’ve been best friends for 8 years, and two years ago, while living together, we decided to combine our love for hair and makeup into a mobile freelance business. This venture took a significant turn when we connected with Nana from Aerathelabel, which led us to move into a studio on K Road to further pursue our passions.
What do you do outside your craft?
Outside of beauty and fashion, Weiting is a Delivery Manager in an IT consulting firm, and Jenny is a beauty editor of Chatty Chums and co-founder of Melitta Skin. But our personal aspirations are to transition full-time into the beauty and fashion scene as creatives.
What inspires you, and where do you get your inspiration?
We draw inspiration from iconic makeup artists such as Pat McGrath, Kauv Monash, and Malvina Isfan. Their creativity and innovative approaches push us to explore new techniques and perspectives in our work. We also constantly draw inspiration from each other and that’s one of our favourite parts about working together!
What are some processes/techniques you use in your work?
Makeup and hair is so important to the overall picture, whether it’s for movies, photo shoots, or runway shows. We believe that behind-the-scenes roles like makeup artists and stylists are crucial, and we aim to bring awareness to these important players in the backstage scene