International Fashion Project connects with locals

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International Fashion Project connects with locals

When former New York based Lucas Barber, an ardent photographer/videographer and Marketing Director of Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) planned a multi year project abroad, he knew he had to somehow enlist his wife Lisa to share his vision.

Fortunately Lisa, a Social and Online Media Manager at the 18,000 plus student roll RIT, with a strong fashion background, as well as alumni of the Fashion Institute of Technology, the plan was relatively easy to hatch.

The two-year project includes capturing a series of video and photography that focuses on the convergence of traditional and contemporary culture, specifically in the areas of art
(visual or performing), fashion, and food.

“We believe there is a struggle in most societies as to how to celebrate and honour a cultural past while keeping it relevant for a new generation. There are many people who are trying to do this and we want to record their stories,” says Lisa.

When researching the net, Lisa discovered Miromoda – the Indigenous Maori Fashion Apparel Board that has two key annual events in New Zealand.

The Miromoda competition that now attracts international entries informs the opportunity for Maori designers to win a place in the Miromoda Showcase, a popular big-ticket event at NZ Fashion Week.

“There’s always been steady interest in Miromoda since we formed in 2008 but lately, this seems to have intensified. When Lisa contacted me early this year, I immediately resonated with the project’s concept and was more than happy to be interviewed given they were prepared to come from New York,” says Miromoda founder, Ata Te Kanawa.

Lisa and Lucas believe Miromoda’s integration of Maori culture in designs is exactly the kind of story they are looking to capture and will be at NZ Fashion Week as VIP International Media guests.

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