Young Christchurch designer’s mantra sets the tone for her creative process.
When we think of fashion, we think of top end garments that mould and fit with perfection.
We think of models and fashion shows that require precision and class while giving that sense of exclusivity.
For fashion designer Morghan Ariki Bradshaw however, her approach to fashion is more open and inclusive, and that anyone and everyone has a place in the industry.
It’s the inspiration that led her to creating her brand “FUGAWI”, in which she draws on her own personal experiences of finding herself from a young age.
“I was born in London, my parents were on a like OE travelling thing. So they had me over there and came back as a baby and grew up here and I’ve been a traveller since I was 18, just feeling out the world and finding out where I fit, type thing,” Morgan says.
“I am on a journey of figuring out what my identity is and definitely my journey with fashion is helping with that.”
With a recently opened studio in the city of Christchurch, Morghan uses this as a safe haven to create her work and also just to be herself.
It’s where she flourishes in her own time, while juggling the fast paced and high demands of the fashion industry.
“I like being alone; I don’t know, that sounds weird,” she laughs.
“I love fast pace. I love the pressure and last minute, I feel like that’s a creative type thing… like we flourish at the wrong time.
“I love fashion because it’s a way to express yourself. I’ve liked music and arts forever, so music and arts is my outlet I guess. I wouldn’t say I put myself out there in those areas, but I just wanted a driving force or a collective tool to kind of drive those things together.”
Outside of her studio, the words “Made to fit, not made to fit in” is plastered on the front window. It serves as a mantra for Moghan and her work through fashion and FUGAWI.
Her way of finding her true self and her place came through her love of fashion.
“There was never any like a ha! moment. I feel like I just wore random things and I look back and I’m like yeah that is crazy.
“I just wanted to dress myself ‘cos I got a different shaped body; it’s hard to, like, find things that fit,” she says.
“I guess that’s where my slogan came from too, like “made to fit not made to fit in”. Because I don’t want to look like the same as everyone else and I don’t want us to look the same but I want it to fit us perfectly.”
Morghan also held her first solo show in Christchurch recently, a testament to her hard work and desire to engage with her community, close friends and colleagues she has met on her journey in fashion.
“We get to share the stories of the people that I love and that means so much to me. And it’s bigger than that. I feel like our stories are somewhat similar,” she says.
“I genuinely feel like I am being used by somebody else to create things.”
For close friend Taleta Dearden, being able to collaborate with Morghan has been a blessing for both of them.
“This is what I think Morghan is really great at doing. It’s like bringing people together and just the power of collaboration. We kind of come together and elevate each other and everyone is here kind of doing what they love,” Taleta says.
“We got makeup artists, models. I’m doing media. So everyone has this opportunity to do the stuff they love.”
Also taking part in the show was another close friend, Teresa Butler.
A list candidate for Te Pati Maori in Christchurch, and a member of the Otautahi Women’s Welfare League, Teresa aligned well with Morghan’s work.
“When I heard about what she does and what she represents, mana wahine toa… and I just want to bring that essence to her and collaborate with other wahine and artists that are here,” Teresa says
“She’s brought us together in the safe space to be us.”
The show was a success and while Morghan was able to share some of the fruits of her work, she’s also hoping it will help motivate those going through the same struggles as her.
“I grew up with the mentality you needed a stable job in the government or being a doctor or a lawyer, and being someone in the specific industry that is guaranteed to give you money,” she says.
“Don’t do what other people tell you you should do. Do what makes you happy. And I could get emotional, I took a long time, but just do what you love”
