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 and Indigenous 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 initial focus is to create a concept and connection to a kaupapa (subject) that has the ability to provide new whakaaro (thinking) around how we make, learn and consciously act with better practice and for the benefit of more than myself. That’s how Māori and Indigenous people roll. Simplified, create consciously, be authentic and respectful, produce purposeful slow fashion that holds story and connection.

How has your work developed over time?

Our work at KN has developed over the years due to economic, environmental and social impacts. Capacity and resources play a huge role in how we grow, operate and it affects our decision making regarding how much we purposefully produce . As a business, we are all constantly learning, growing, and supporting others on their haerenga pakihi (business journey).

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 is evoked in me, that would feel ego based, it’s more a sense of standing confidently in the spaces that we’ve created for ourselves and others in an industry. An industry that wasn’t built with us in mind. I hope we evoke pride in others for what's been achieved.”

What advice would you give to young designers?

Never underestimate your creativity, your ideas, or your talent. Never accept that because things are the way they are, that they should stay that way. Build your chosen tribe. These are the people who will love and support you whether you’re winning or losing . Be brave enough to hold yourself accountable for your actions and decisions. Push boundaries. Respect your origins and draw from your unique creativity, not other people's creativity. Be your ancestors' wildest dreams come true.

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

The priorities of our business are to uphold the values of ao Māori and to contribute to a thriving future for Māori and Indigenous Fashion. We understand our responsibilities to culture, to sustainable practice, and to healthy relationships. We also know that building opportunities should be in the pursuit of growth for more than ourselves, so we can all thrive within the industry.

Discover Kiri Nathan at kirinathan.com.

Kiri Nathan Store
6 Te Ara Tāhuhu
Britomart

Kāhui Collective Store
260 Apirana Ave
Glen Innes