Paving the Way

Kiri Nathan, Designer

Fuelled by a passion for cultural integrity and equality Kiri Nathan is paving the way for a flourishing and authentic Māori fashion movement.

We sat down with her to discuss her creative process and how her work has developed over time.

How do you describe your creative process?

My first focus is on creating a concept and connection to a kaupapa that has the ability to create new whakaaro around how we as people can connect, learn and consciously act with better practice for more than ourselves. The reason for this is that we are Māori and this is how we roll.

How has your work developed over time?

Our work at KN has developed over the years due to environmental and social impacts. Capacity and resources play a huge role in how much mahi we purposefully create new pieces and recreate end of life solutions. As a person and as a business, we are all constantly still learning, growing, and supporting more on their haerenga.

Congratulations on opening NZFW ‘23. What moment are you most proud of in your fashion career?

“I don’t think pride is the feeling that’s evoked. It’s more a sense of standing confidently in the spaces that we’ve created for ourselves and others in an industry that wasn’t built with us in mind. I feel supported by the Kāhui Collective whānau, by the people we refer to as ‘our tribe’, and I hope that we make them feel proud of what’s been achieved.”

What advice would you give to young designers?

Never underestimate their creativity, their ideas, their talent and never accept that because things are the way they are, that they should stay that way. Build your tribe. These are the people who will love and support you, be brave enough to hold you accountable through your journey called life. Push boundaries. Respect your origins and draw from your unique creativity, not others.

How do you walk the line between being unique and having commercial appeal?

The priorities in our business are to uphold the values of te ao Māori. Therefore, in doing so we know our responsibilities to our culture, to sustainable practices, and relationships. We also know that building opportunities should be in the pursuit of growth for ourselves and for others so we can all thrive within our industry. This ensures that we all value our unique offerings to the world and that we all thrive together.

Discover Kiri Nathan at kirinathan.com