Ann Horner

“When I took the colour Resene Amped, I instantly felt its strength and vibrancy. The name made me think of energy that is evident in many aspects of our natural world, specifically in how energy is transferred.

After reading the brief and feeling the warmth of the colour Resene Amped, the Pohutukawa flower instantly came to mind. It is part of the quintessential New Zealand Christmas and summer. Families coming together, spending time reconnecting, getting to knot new members, consolidating customers and doing exciting high energy activities.

Ideas flew thought my mind of family gatherings, energy and the heat of summer. But as I delved deeper into the meaning of the Pohutukawa flower and its indigenous meaning with the legend of Tawhaki, I began to reflect on my own family. It sent me on a journey of revisiting the recent death of my father, the rituals of the celebration of his life, how it brought my sister and I together again, to the roots of my family.

I have a strong family history living with nature in the Australian outback and, like New Zealand, bushfires are an inevitable result of the harshness of Mother Nature. Although devastating, it is necessary for the rejuvenation of the landscape. I feel this is a reflection of my recent devastating loss, but without it I would never have rejuvenated my relationship with my only living relative.

My design reflects this journey from the flames to the rejuvenation.”

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2022

Photography by Jonathan Kraettli

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