To Fashion: Sulieti Fieme'a-Burrows

I am:

Sulieti Fieme'a Burrows, 70 years old. I am a Tongan tapa cloth artist in Auckland. I like to collaborate with my artist daughter Tui Emma Gillies and our work has been exhibited around the world and bought by many private buyers and museums. I am from Falevai Village in Vava'u and I am good at creating with my hands. I have lived in New Zealand since 1978 and have two children and five grandchildren. My family is my world.

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I am wearing:

I am wearing a freshwater pearl necklace and earrings. I am also wearing a Tongan necklace known as a kahoa heilala, adorned with clay flowers I made myself by hand. Around my waist is a ta'ovala and kafa.

The kafa acts as a belt. It is four metres long and is made from coconut husk and platted then decorated with small shells called pueki.

My ta'ovala wraps around my waist to my shins and is made from Tongan flax called kie and is very detailed. It was made by a good friend from Ha'apai.

I'm wearing J'adore perfume by Dior. You probably think you can't see it. But you can because it makes me smile.

You can catch me on my daughter's page on facebook or instagram: @tuiemmagillies

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To fashion is an exhibition at The Britomart Pavilions in Te Ara Tahuhu staged by the New Zealand Fashion Museum, in which curator Doris de Pont asked 12 notable New Zealanders to be photographed in their own clothes to show how personal style helps communicate who they are.

Photographer Edith Amituanai took the shots, and talks here about the project with Britomart.org

Check out the life size portraits & exhibition on NOW:

When & where

Thurs 10 – Sun 27 March

The Pavilions
Te Ara Tahuhu Walkway
Britomart
Auckland Central

Sat 19th and Sun 27th March
Takutai Sq, Britomart
Street style photography experience
CLICK HERE for further details