The Māori Collection
Pax Marila has collaborated with native Māori women to create intricate and handmade looks that traverse a variety of themes central to Māori culture, including native flora, mythology, and their fight against oppressive colonialist forces.
History
The Māori islanders are descendants of Polynesian voyagers arriving to the North Island in the late 13th century. The Māori created a beautiful thriving culture. Most notably, they're known for their natural weaving techniques, intricate carvings, body art, and the Haka dance. A symbol of endurance and self-determination, Māori are represented as a nation through 'Tino Rangatiratangea', their flag of red, black, and white.
In the 1800's, colonization became a threat forcing Māori people to sign the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The treaty was unsuccessful in properly protecting Māori people causing further injustice and struggle. Despite the adversity, the Māori people have maintained their identity, language, and traditions, showing an unwavering spirit of resilience.
Their rich culture is rooted in ancestry, spirituality, and tradition, revolving around the environment such as the ocean, flora, and fauna of New Zealand.
The Huia Bird
This bird holds a sacred place in the hearts of the Māori people, symbolizing not only beauty but also wisdom and prestige. Revered for its striking appearance, the Huia was considered a taonga (treasure) and held deep spiritual significance. Māori people utilized Huia feathers as gifts, to adorn those in power, to pay respect to the deceased, and sometimes as a form of currencty.
Vision
Delve into the rich tapestry of Māori indigenous culture as we pay homage to their history through eight cohesive looks. From intricate designs to timeless silhouettes, designer Sara Howell collaborated with Māori women to tell their stories of resilience and tradition. We understand that pride is an incredibly powerful underlying theme that connects underrepresented communities together; Māori pride is no different.
'The Veil of Papatūānuku'
Inspired by the ancestral Māori belief of the union between Papatūānuku, Mother Earth, and Ranginui, Father Sky, this enchanting garment pays homage to the profound connection between nature and spirituality.
Crafted from luxurious forest green silk and adorned with hand sewn satin flowers, each petal whispers tales of love, harmony, and cultural reverence.
The Art of Harakeke Weaving
This labor-intensive technique is a sacred practice symbolizing unity, strength, and interconnectedness of all living things.
Each creation is a labor of love, often taking weeks or even months to complete. Our woven garments were produced by sewing hundreds of silk linen fabric strands to create a delicate interlocked pattern.
Kākahu
Let's embrace the Kākahu, a traditional Māori ceremonial garment, often including a cloak, head adornments, and jewelry. Made from natural materials like flax, feathers, and bones; these garments are rich in cultural significance, embodying Māori heritage, identity, and pride. Wearing a Kākahu is a profound honor, reserved for significant events and ceremonies. Our Fur Cloak (seen on right) is an artistic interpretation that therefore intends to capture the regality found in every woman. For cultural sensitivity, it is not for sale.
The Water Dress
Māori people were incredibly conscientious about the environment. As a sign of respect to the sea and its god, Atua, they often provided offerings to him and the ocean. Inspired by the importance of the sea as means of survival and exploration for the Māori people, we decided to create a garment to pay our respects to their seafaring history.
To preserve the sacredness of Māori culture, only select pieces are available for purchase. The limited access allows Pax Marila to create art and impact fashion in the most sensible, compassionate way. Our most treasured pieces are available for pulls. Our most fashionable pieces are available to you. Nonetheless, this is where culture meets fashion, both enjoyable for all.