A'isha - and it's a girly thing too, surely?! The fabric, colours, textures, drape - I love it! I guess in a way it can express a part of me that I can't be in my everyday life (the patients look at me funny when I wear too much sparkle and chiffon!).
I'm no costumer, just a clothing lover, and for me designing dancewear (all for myself now!) is about exploring how fabric moves, the colours that appeal, and designs that flatter my body, and flow with the dance - both for myself and any audience (not that I've danced in public!). Costume can be a big part of a pre-performance ritual, like applying the makeup and getting in tune with the mood and music. I've performed dance (other types) and music and spoken a lot on stage, and I get an anticipation as I dress and make up that adds to the feeling, heightens the emotion.
Everyday dress also projects an image, and most of us choose clothing not just for personal comfort but also to project something about ourselves, and often something about our role. It's one of the things I love about clothing design!
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He wahine, he taonga- Every woman is a treasure(Maori proverb)
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