“After always having an affinity for fashion, I had some recommendations to join the Whitecliffe fashion programme and I have never looked back since. Upon arrival, it was a genuine buzz to be a part of such a creative hub.”
“The process of starting from scratch and seeing out a concept to a final product has given me an unparalleled sense of fulfilment that I could never have anticipated. My first original piece was a full-circle moment when I realised how far I had come from my first day, having never threaded a needle.”
Throughout his time at Whitecliffe, one of Henry’s notable achievements was to take first place in the Resene Colour of Fashion competition. Students are tasked with designing and constructing a work of contemporary fashion to present to judges in an array of Resene paint colours. Henry created a design in Resene Grape Escape, inspired by the Matariki star cluster. Henry noting that
“Te ao Māori influences were strong where I grew up in Raumati, and I wanted to capture that in my design.”
“If anybody was having thoughts about getting into fashion, I would tell them that it takes a person who is dedicated, motivated, equal parts problem solver and creative and in love with the world of fashion. I would then say Whitecliffe is a great place to start.”
