Kiri Marie Nathan is the winner of the 2009 Miromoda ‘Emerging Designer’ award, and a “must see” up and coming New Zealand Fashion designer. She studied at Tamaki College/Glendowie College – M.I.T, and has a Diploma in Visual Arts. Kiri’s valuable advice to youngster designers is to simply “study your basics – pattern drafting, construction, design process and theory so you have an understanding of how to get those ideas out of your head and complete finished work”.

What was your dream job growing up?

I wasn’t too sure as a youngster but by the time I left school it was Fashion Designer or Flight Attendant.

Where did your career begin?

When Kim Fraser came to school and offered me the opportunity to study under her half way through my 7th form year (yr 13).

What was your biggest fashion blunder?

O.M.G too many to mention!! I was either way way way too far ahead or just really confused hahah

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

My children pulling my hair and jumping on me screaming for breakfast.

What is the best thing about your job?

It’s my passion – I love to see the end result it excites and motivates me.

What is the worst thing about your job?

Pattern Drafting argghhh so time consuming and not in a good way!!

What are the advantages / Disadvantages of being a designer in NZ?

Advantages – Exciting growing industry, acknowledging my ancestry through the work in an environment that understands it, smaller scale network.

Disadvantages – nothing that can’t be overcome with a little more work.

What has been your career highlight?

It was just the greatest feeling to be able to dedicate the win at Style Pasifika to my 85yr grandmother; the inspiration for that particular work had come from her and grandpa.  It was a big deal for her to come out that night and just a wonderful and fitting finish to the evening. 

Do you aspire to be like anyone?

My grandmother – she is the strongest woman I know, always a lady and a wonderful mother and grandmother.  Grandma is without a doubt the head of our family and she has had a huge influence on all of us throughout her 86yrs.

Who is your favourite fashion Icon and why?

I have a lot of respect for Pasific Sistas.  They were the pioneers of maori and pasific Island influence in New Zealand fashion.  Suzanne Tamaki, Ani O’neal, Rosanna Raymond they paved the way for those of us who followed.

Who is your favourite fashion designer?

Georgio Armani, Gaultier, Akira, I enjoy quite a few really I don’t necessarily have a fav.

 Where is your favourite holiday location and why?

 Hawaii!! It’s got everything for everyone I love it there. 

What was your latest luxury purchase?

Kneehigh tim’s from Hawaii for my baby girl.

What are the first 3 things you pack when travelling?

Earplugs, lip balm and my passport.

What is the most common fashion mistake’s made in New Zealand?

Oh everyone to their own I say.

Is there a piece from your latest collection you especially love?

I really love the traditionally woven pieces.  It’s an exciting and evolving process weaving traditionally in mixed media and trying to transition korowai into a present form.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

My babies!!!

What do you consider to be the winning formula to success?

Balancing family and work, allowing myself presence and time to work and not compromising standards.

What advice would you give young aspiring designers?

My advice to anyone starting out in fashion would be to study your basics – pattern drafting, construction, design process and theory so you have an understanding of how to get those ideas out of your head and complete finished work.  Then in the future if you decide to contract drafters and machinist etc you know what you’re on about.  Then I would say enter every competition out there and build your profile, get involved in all aspects of the industry and learn and evolve.  Don’t do what I did and veer off into another industry for 12yrs, believe in yourself! If it is your passion, with hard work it will come to you eventually.