“Join Work, Grow. Together. Haumi ē, Hui ē, Tāiki ē.”

Never were these words so important as 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders came together to tackle challenges and help each other prosper as the world begins to recover from COVID-19.

We were incredibly honoured to play our part in this global event, representing New Zealand fashion as the chosen designers of this year’s APEC Leaders’ garment.

Incorporating the APEC NZ tohu (symbol), we created a garment that encompasses this sense of unity, leadership and responsibility to the earth and our fellow humans. The tohu represents ngā hau e whā, symbolic of the four winds that travel across the world and ask our leaders to come together; while whiria te tāngata weaves together people with different backgrounds and values that combine to offer actions for the benefit and prosperity for all people.

Symbolic of leadership, the APEC garment was inspired by the Korowai, a traditional Māori cloak. It is worn as a mantle of prestige and honour, while reminding us of our obligation to care for the earth and each other. Entirely renewable, the garment was made in New Zealand from quality, 100% ZQ certified New Zealand merino, while its colour, representative of the ocean, connects us all, aiming to inspire unity for the good of people and the planet.