As our world grows more urban and digital, it’s easy to forget where we are from and what we were ‘design’ for.  With so many digital and urban distractions, it becomes increasingly difficult to be present to ourselves and the world around us.

This industrial reality, where technology constantly intrudes upon our senses, alienates us from a natural reality and changes how we experience the world.

Time to Re connect

Matariki is a special moment — A time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the natural world.

One of my biggest inspirations is the Tūī, a native bird of Aotearoa,New Zealand. I often hear their calls when I’m hiking, and to me, their voice feels like nature calling me home.

That’s why I chose to study the Tūī — not just for its beauty, but for what it represents: a connection between people and the land.

Through my design, I want to capture the essence of the Tūī and bring it into fashion — creating a bridge between nature and what we wear.”

“For me, returning to nature means so much more than just going outside.”
I fell in love with hiking and the outdoors when I was around ten years old — back when phones were only for calling, not for everything else. Most of my weekends were spent out in the wild with friends. Looking back, those were some of the purest, happiest moments of my life.
During the week, I’d count down to the weekend — when we’d go climbing, hiking, and challenge oursleves. We’d share food, talk for hours, and build strong relationships between each others.
Those experiences shaped who I am today.

But now, things are different. Our connection to nature is fading. Most people spend their time indoors — scrolling through the world instead of walking in it. And for the next generation, it’s even harder. Without access or transportation, many children grow up without ever truly experiencing nature.
That’s worrying. Urban life is growing fast, but if we don’t slow down, we risk losing something essential.

That’s why Matariki is so important. It gives us a chance to pause, reflect, and reconnect — with nature, with each other, and with ourselves.
We need to rebuild our relationship with the natural world. Learn from it. Respect it. Become its kaitiaki — its guardians — not just observers.”