Launched by self described “besties, business partners and brown girls” Lavinia Ilolahia and Talia Soloa, Layplan has become known for its inclusive, considered and thoughtful approach to fashion which includes using dead stock, limited runs, made-to-order pieces and inclusive sizing.
We’re thrilled to be presenting a free event, ‘Playing it slow: the future of Pasifika fashion', featuring the pair in conversation with Jessica Palalagi of the The Arts Foundation at Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki.
Set against the background of the must-see exhibition Declaration: A Pacific Feminist Agenda, this kōrero will see the creative duo discuss how their own feminist agenda as proud Pasifika women has helped shape the principles and ethos of their brand, and their approach to making fashion accessible in Aotearoa. The event is free, but bookings are essential so secure your spot here now. Saturday July 16 from 2pm-3pm.
Lavinia and Talia have a work studio based in Parnell, and recently moved into new homes on Dominion Road (Lavinia) and in Ōtāhuhu (Talia). Enjoy this insight into their favourite spots around Tāmaki Makarau, which span Ōtāhuhu through Piha.
What’s so great about where you live?
Lavinia: The UberEats selection is *chefs kiss*
Talia: I feel like I haven’t been here long enough to really explore the area but what I love about it so far is the community feel, seeing lots of people at the parks and walking around in the evenings is nice.
Best place for breakfast?
Lavinia: Hotcakes from Bestie on Karangahape Road! The service is consistently good, staff give great chat and coffee never misses.
Talia: Currently a fan of Honeybones and the Cilbir eggs.
Where do you get your morning coffee - and what’s your order?
Lavinia: Little Rosie in Parnell (but if my husband is reading - I don't buy coffee I make it from home…!). I would go to Red Rabbit in Wynyard Quarter if it weren't so out of the way! I love a good long black with cream, but I've jumped on the oat milk bandwagon and prefer an oattie flattie as of late.
Talia: If I’m out near our studio I’ll always pop by Little Rosie. If it’s a weekend we usually will try and aim for Little & Friday.
Best ‘cheap eat’?
Lavinia: Deep fried curried casava + fijian lamb curry from (despite their name) Crispy Chicken, on Hall Ave, Ōtāhuhu.
Love a German bun from Pinati's, panikeke from Otara (I’ve been going here for over a decade and I still don't know the name of the place - it's the one with the yellow exterior on the main strip!). Spicy chicken fried rice from Eden Noodle Cafe, a number 9 from Double Happy, and lastly anything Tongan, from the local Tongan eatery on Great South Road in Ōtāhuhu.
Talia: The maple fried chicken place at the Ponsonby Central Food Court is amazing.
Brunch on a Sunday: where would we find you?
Talia: Honeybones or, currently, Seabreeze
Favourite place for date night?
Lavinia: Driving out to Piha for the sunset and getting takeout on the way.
Talia: It’s been a while but maybe Prego for some yummy kai.
Your regular supermarket?
Lavinia: I am very loyal to Mt Albert Pak'n'Save - if we were ever to move away from Central, I would still travel just to shop there.
Talia: Countdown Mt Welly.
Favourite gallery or museum?
Lavinia: Auckland Art Gallery *plug*. In all seriousness, I love Auckland Art Gallery - I can spend hours there alone. I also love the gallery space at Pah Homestead. I thoroughly enjoyed the 'Amui ‘i Mu‘a – Ancient Futures exhibition they had in April last year, featuring works by Dagmar Vaikalafi Dyck and Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi.
Where do you go for some relaxation?
Lavinia: My mother-in-law owns a lifestyle block in Pukekawa. We like to head there when we need to move away from the noise and rush that is Auckland.
Talia: Walking at Cornwall Park - they have cows!
Where do you go when you’re after local art or design?
Lavinia: Crushes on Karangahape Road, always. If not there, I'll scout out individual designers/artists. I've yet to purchase, but I'm saving my pennies to invest in a custom made piece of jewellery from Shannen Young, a woven piece from Serene Hodgman and a print by @Lucidluca
Anything - or anywhere else - you’d like to add?
Lavinia: Yes! Emily Damu is a master in her craft. Her flavours are so well thought out and hands down the best cake I've ever had.
