Māori designer Jeanine Clarkin is the focus of a new fashion exhibition. Image supplied.
Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato will open a large-scale exhibition featuring the work of Māori designer Jeanine Clarkin (Ngaati Hako, Ngaati Paaoa, Ngaati Ranginui, Ngaati Raukawa) this Saturday 7th August. Titled Te Aho Tapu Hou: The new sacred thread, it showcases many of Clarkin’s distinctive garments and explores her earlier influences, major events, and current fashion collections.
Jeanine Clarkin founded her first streetwear label in 1994, realising her childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer. Her creativity over the decades has resulted in Clarkin’s international status within the indigenous fashion community. Clarkin has also worked as a costume designer for dance and theatre, a fashion show producer and as a creative director. The designer’s Māori identity has been a common thread establishing her as a fashion activist while also dressing celebrities the likes of Keisha Castle-Hughes and Cliff Curtis for the red carpet.
Waikato Museum curator Maree Mills describes the exhibition as showcasing the inspiring story of a shy young woman empowered by embracing her Māori identity through fashion design. “This exhibition reminds us how important it is to contribute to community, and what creative drive and conviction can achieve,” says Maree Mills. “Clarkin’s extended network of artists, performers and collaborators inhabit her garments and help bring to life the inspiring journey of a designer committed to celebrating her Māori identity.”
Jeanine Clarkin’s unique take on ‘pride infused fashion’ continues to resonate with her customers and be seen on the fashion runways, stocked at exclusive stores, and worn on the street by younger generations.
Te Aho Tapu Hou: The new sacred thread runs until 31st October 2021, daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free. On Sunday 8th August at 1pm there will be an artist’s floor talk about this exhibition which all are welcome to attend.
Designer Jeanine Clarkin on the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week 2019 (above) and design by Jeanine Clarkin (below).
Images supplied.