Rafika Begum Mohammed

“For this project, I was given this beautiful blush pink Resene colour ‘Awaken’, it is a soft, delicate hue that immediately spoke to me. I instantly thought of growth, renewal, and nature. The inspiration behind my design is both of my cultures, Bengali and Burmese.

After doing a few fabric manipulations in class, the one that stood out to me the most was the on-surface cording, as most Burmese attire has this fabric manipulation on their blouse. I also did the accordion pleats and soft draping on the side for the skirt like a sari which is the traditional clothing for Bangladesh, but of course with a twist and more modern design to it.

Growing up in New Zealand, I learnt that every individual is unique in their own way, we are all so different from each other, which is the most beautiful part of Aotearoa. I mostly based my garment on tulips, they stand for genuine, deep love and perfection, but can also stand for rebirth due to their early spring bloom. Their specific meanings also depend on their colours. Blush pink tulips symbolise affection, care, and happiness, it represents a gentle expression of love often used to convey admiration and well wishes.

The elements I have used in my design is texture, with the on-surface cording I mentioned earlier, and a straight silhouette for the skirt. The principles I used as emphasis are the surface cording, the jelly fish sleeves, and the draping, how it draws attention from the garment. Also, the proportion is the different sizes and shapes of the petals on the bodice.

I want my garment to ‘awaken’ something deeper within, something beyond the surface, I want the wearer of this garment to feel like they’ve stepped into a moment of luxury, and pure elegance.”

Resene Whitecliffe Colour of Fashion clothing - 2025

Photography by Natasha Boshkovski Photography

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