It's probably not the question you expect to be on peoples’ lips at New Zealand Fashion Week Kahuria: What are your political views?
In our field, it's not uncommon for people to think that politics and fashion shouldn't get too cosy, for fear of sidelining a lucrative commercial market (after all fashion as a business ultimately depends on an ability to sell customers as much product as possible). But by its very nature fashion is political, big and small political statements happen all the time in fashion.
A provocative statement and mock protests are often utilised as moment making runway techniques, and a lot of noise is made around the social and environmental concerns that inform fashion more than ever, with brands marketing themselves and their runway shows around sustainability, diversity and feminism.
Everything is political and almost everyone gets a vote. We can’t shy away from the interconnected nature of the creative and political realms because, in ways big and small, politics seeps into every facet of our lives. After all, what are clothing choices if not reflections of what a person and society thinks of itself?
As New Zealand once again marches toward the polling booths on October 14, we were curious to know: what views are at the front of people's minds this election year? We're not pretending that a vox pop is a particularly scientific test of public opinion but they can highlight the hot button issues that are bubbling away under the surface.
There is no "wrong answer" in this context. Instead we wanted to simply hear the views of the people, and give them space to say what they want to say. So we pointed our bedazzled Ensemble microphone towards the crowd at NZFW and asked, “what do you care about this election?”
Max
What's one thing you think New Zealand could really benefit from at the moment?
Probably better health care, and dental care. Care in general. Mental health care.
How do you feel the election is going this year?
Not that great, I don't think. Bit of a shit show. I'm a little bit confused to be honest.
Can you tell me about your outfit?
Well, everything's thrifted from, like local op shops around New Zealand. This [dress] is like three dollars, shoes are five dollars. This is like my manifestation bag: I wanted like a green earth toned bag and I found her, Givenchy, so cool, I love her. Everything thrifted. I don't really buy new at all.
Devin
Do you know when the election is?
That should be in 2024, isn't it? I'm thinking about America aren't I?
It's October 14th. Are you enrolled to vote?
I am.
What do you think is the one issue that will influence the way you vote this year?
Definitely been seeing a lot about crime. Definitely the cost of living. Being a property developer, I think unfortunately we've been hamstrung by Labour. I don't know if Labour will be getting my vote this year.
Did they get your vote last time?
I think they did, yeah. I was on the fence between Green and Labour.
Stacy
What brings you to Fashion Week?
I'm here to see Rory William Docherty's show and tonight, I'm interviewing Kate Sylvester onstage for a seminar.
Are you enrolled to vote?
Yeah, absolutely. Of course I'm enrolled to vote. I like the idea that I might be too young and I've just had to enroll!
If there was one issue that you think will influence the way you vote this year, what would you say it is?
Child poverty.
Jasmine
What’s going to influence the way you vote this year?
My family. My big ass family. I have a lot of young siblings, so I think they need a voice and I have the privilege to vote, so I’ll be voting for them.
Can you tell me a bit about your outfit?
This [gestures to outfit] is my mum’s. The only thing that’s mine is my boots.
Janine and Louina
What's the biggest influence on the way you'll vote this year?
Janine: Sustainability. As a whanau what does that look like and who is going to help us get to the next couple of years.
If there was one thing Aotearoa needs right now, what would you say it is?
Janine: Humility.
Louina: Love.
