Get to know the Tongan designers competing in Project Runway NZ
The much anticipated first season of Project Runway NZ hits our TV screens tonight at 7.30pm and there are 3 Tongan designers representing & competing for the opportunity of a lifetime - one designer will come out on top and walk away with their very own Holden Astra, a cash prize of $50,000, and receive a photoshoot and six page spread in Fashion Quarterly Magazine.
Before the show kicks off, get to know our Tongan designers here:
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MASSEY WILLIAMS
I was born in Viola Tonga, came to New Zealand when I was about 3 years old. Even though I am of Tongan descent for a long time I felt disconnected from it. I'm not sure why? Growing up in Christchurch when I was young, we didn't have much contact with many other Tongans. Mum spoke Tongan to us but for me for some reason I struggled with the language. Growing up I never felt any sense of being Tongan, so that was a struggle for me. Its only really since I was in my 30s did I really start having a sense of belonging to my heritage. Even though I maybe the worst speaking Tongan there is, I'm hugely proud of my heritage and look forward to embracing it and show casing what Tongans are able to do on a creative platform.
On a lighter note, I'm 38 years old, never married, no children - yes I would like to have both! I'm an avid adventure seeker, I love being on the move, and I love learning and trying new things. I love my sports, I play rugby, league, tennis and cricket to name a few. I'm a musician, I have played the trumpet for over 15 years and love playing jazz, classic and anything contemporary.
When did you realise designing & fashion was more than a hobby?
Once I completed my qualification and was lucky enough to be selected to show case my collection at NZFW in 2015, I realized that this was more than just a passion. This is my career. It vindicated all the hard work that I had done and showed that I was more than capable of creating something that could capture peoples imagination and share my story.
What are some of the challenges you've faced so far in the fashion industry?
The first challenge I faced was believing in myself! I came into this environment not knowing a single thing about fashion. Not just the physical skills needed etc, but the intellectual side of it. It was a completely foreign environment that I had not a single thread of association it with growing up. The first year studying it was a real struggle, I wasn't doing well in classes and I struggled to excel. The second challenge I faced was the backlash from everyone once they knew what I was studying. This was probably the hardest for me. Everyone thought I was stupid and laughed at me. There were several moments during the first two years of study that I was close to quitting because I had no support from anyone, even from my family. People thought I must be gay to be studying fashion, at rugby I was taken the mickey out of by players and that I was a pussy, it was just really a tough time for me. I'm glad to say that I was able to weather that storm and come out the other side and shift the perception and stereotype of who a fashion designer can be. Having been able to go through that, it has given me a greater sense of solidity in myself to overcome any challenges that I face. This industry is ruthless and I know that I will face many more challenges but I know that I have the resilience to persist and determination to succeed.
What and who do you draw inspiration from when designing?
I'm an action man! I'm inspired by anything that looks rough and tough! Military wear, sportswear and work wear are the 3 main threads that I draw from at the moment. Creative people are always soaking up inspiration and sub-consciously store information for a later date.
Competing in Project Runway - what do you think makes your work unique?
What makes me unique in my designs compared to other designers is that my looks are more aggressive. I'm not inspired by flowers or pink or anything like that, so my designs give a more masculine feel to it.
If you could describe your designs or work in one sentence what would it be?
Subtle Aggression
Fave designer in the industry?
Christian Dior/ Balenciaga
Fave Island Dish - Mum & Dads raw fish
Fave Island Artist/Singer - Israel IZ
Fave Pacific Island adornment you've used or incorporated into any of your designs - Tupenu, I used them in one of my collections.
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BEAU TAKAPU
I’m but a simple Tongan man, aged 37, who grew up and originally studied, in the sparkling streets of San Francisco and flew his way over to New Zealand to continue the saga of the Tongan Designer.
When did you realise designing & fashion was more than a hobby?
I’ve been creative since I could crawl towards the refrigerator. Design and fashion flowed naturally out of me, and was just one of many creative outlets I excel in. It was also a way to incorporate my heritage and express the beauty from it.
What are some of the challenges you've faced so far in the fashion industry?
Challenges - gosh! Tell me something that isn’t a challenge. Not to sound negative, but that is life and just like anything we all try to do, it’s going to have its hardships. It’s about pushing through the hard work, and those challenges, to celebrate to success of a final product and design.
Where and who do you draw inspiration from when designing?
Inspiration comes from all aspects of my life. From people in the streets, to when I’m travelling, to even sitting there having my morning double flat white at Amano. I think anyone who designs could say the same, or slightly relate. Inspiration draws us all differently in different ways. It’s what makes the fashion industry so compelling to continue watching as the seasons go by.
Competing in Project Runway - what do you think makes your work unique?
My personality. My perspective. My visions. I process information in, what I believe to be, a unique way. I’m very sure of myself as an individual, and I’m never afraid of letting myself run free through my workings - especially on Project Runway.
If you could describe your designs or work in one sentence what would it be?
A cultural design experience, mixed with my personal fun and emotion.
Fave designer in the industry?
Eli Saab.
Fave island artist/singer - All of the above - love it all!
Fave island song - Never can pick a favourite!
Fave Pacific Island adornment you've used or incorporated into any of your designs - The most recent is the Tapa cloth as an embellishment in one of my gowns. See my Instagram @beaulouistakapuofficial for more.. (subtle self-promo)
Tupenu or pants - Love both however Tupenu when appropriate.
Ta'ovala or belt - Always a belt and Ta’ovala every chance I get.
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PENI MOALA
My name is Peni, pronounced Beni in Tongan. 29 years old & born in a village in Tonga called Pea. After a year, we migrated to New Zealand and grew up most of my life in Otara, South Auckland.
When did you realise designing & fashion was more than a hobby?
When I was a young boy around about 8-9 years old. I remember sitting on the couch watching tv and this woman in a black fitted bodice with a huge princess skirt from the waist down walks down the aisle. I was not captured by the dress, I was more captured by the audience being in aaaaawwww of this dress. I didn't know what I was watching but I was determined to figure that out! I needed to figure out how to get an audience to be in awwww in my work and to make an IMPACT in their life.
What are some of the challenges you've faced so far in the fashion industry?
The toughest challenge in the industry is being able to make a name for myself before Project Runway New Zealand. In this industry it’s all about who you know and how to network.
Where and who do you draw inspiration from when designing?
I draw my inspirational design from my Tongan rich heritage and also from me as a person.
Competing in Project Runway - what do you think makes your work unique?
My work is based around my Tongan heritage, Where I come from, who am I as a person, my journey to get to where I am! To mostly to make an impact in my audience life and telling my story through my work.
If you could describe your designs or work in one sentence what would it be?
To tell a story through my work and to make an impact in others’ lives
Fave designer in the industry?
Always will be Alexander McQueen!
Fave island dish - Ota (raw fish) chop duo
Fave island song - Lome lome
Fave Pacific Island adornment you've used or incorporated into any of your designs - Tapa cloth pass down from my grandmother
Tupenu or pants - Pants
Ta'ovala or belt - Ta'ovala
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What: Project Runway NZ
When: Monday, 1st October at 7.30pm
Where: TV2