01 ALPINE STRESS
Tongariro has an impressive landscape, with breath-taking flora, fauna and wildlife living amongst this volcanic alpine climate. The tussock land and alpine herb fields are unique to the area. This mix of tussock, herbs, volcanic soils and waterways makeup the garment of Tongariro.
This collection emphasises the fragile ecosystem that supports the native species on Tongariro and highlights some of the issues that are threatening this delicate balance. Today approximately One million people visit the park which adds trauma to the already stressed environment which is constantly under threat of invasion from introduced plants and animals. These pests, plants and animals threaten to change the whole nature of Tongariro National Park.
The collection uses denim, and wool to highlight the strength and permanence of the environment which are heavily textured distressed and laser cut to show that under stress it will break down over time. Gold knit, lame and sequins to emphasis the delicate and fragile nature of the flora and fauna that are unique to the area such as the tussock.
“Tongariro is our ancestor and the words ‘Walking on an ancestor’ is etched on the back of a jacket and fragile on the cuffs to remind people to tread respectfully”.
