John Bulay

“Cherry blossoms symbolize a time of renewal and the fleeting nature of life as their lifetime is very short. Like the cherry blossom, we can be the tree that bears fruit through personal growth and establishment. However life is fleeting, and the tree can only bear fruit if it is nurtured and nourished, otherwise the blossoms beginning to fall, we too can succumb to the same fate.

The delicate nature of the cherry blossom petals, bustling in the wind was emulated by incorporating a puffer aspect into my vest to give it a light and airy feel. The rope represents the trials and tribulations of growing up. The knots around the rope represent strength and unity. One the knot is tied; it brings the old and new cohesively together. The asymmetrical skirt represents the unstableness of my identity. These components combined represent the transition from childhood to adulthood and remaining authentic to my personal style.

In the depths of the forest
One can run free With the endless possibilities of what one might be
Somehow, we stumble
Into the knots of the unknown
Mind beginning to crumble
Fearing we are on our own

Layers of coconut ice
Are cunning and entice
Leading to a path
Where the storm has bypassed
The cherry blossom invites a new day
With a guide to which way
To where we can be reborn
Into a greater form

One that is challenging and anew
To anyone willing to go through
A new season of growth
For those who will approach.”

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2022

Photography by Jonathan Kraettli

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