“I was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and moved with my parents and younger sister to Waikawa Bay, Marlborough, when I was five. We lived in a sunny bach by the ocean. Resene Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant, warm colour that reminds me of those childhood days. My family quickly became part of the sailing community, spending summers in quiet bays, playing in rowboats, collecting shells, and admiring sea life while snorkelling. My sister and I would wade through the water, competing to find the biggest, brightest orange starfish.

I’m incredibly grateful to my parents for raising me in that environment. It taught me about nature and marine life and gave me a deep respect for the world around me.

Moving to Wellington was a big, intimidating shift. The city felt busy compared to the small, quiet community I grew up in. But over time, I’ve grown to love its energy and vibrancy, which has helped shape my personal growth and strength.

Still, I often sit on the waterfront, searching for starfish and shells, breathing in the salty air. It reminds me of home, those warm, vibrant summers with my family, who taught me about respect, love, and the natural world.

Resene Tequila Sunrise is the colour of the sunrises and sunsets I miss from Waikawa Bay. It reflects the starfish my sister and I admired, the scattered shells, and crayfish shared at summer gatherings.

I explored textures and techniques such as pleats to mimic the texture and appearance of coral, and used beads, cutouts and embroidery to add dimension and depth to my garments.

To me, Resene Tequila Sunrise perfectly captures the ‘Colours of Change’ in my life. From the vivid tones of my childhood environment to my journey of growing up and moving to Wellington, it’s a reminder of those nostalgic moments and how I continue to find echoes of them in the nature that surrounds me here in the city I now call home.”