Ohn Clothing continues to push the boundaries of conventional design

John Tanuvasa, a designer of Tongan and Sāmoan descent, is a trailblazer in the fashion world, known for pushing the boundaries of conventional design.

His latest collection, unveiled in a mesmerising second stand-alone show held at Te Oro Music and Arts Centre on 12 October, captivated the audience with its daring designs and spectacular production.

Ohn Clothing show. Photo/Ryan Patrick

This showcase was a true test of John's skills and determination as he pushed himself to create a collection that authentically embodied his identity as a designer.

“The idea as a designer is to actually be really confident and just be a bit more refined of what I'm choosing in terms of fabric and texture,” he said

Ohn Clothing show. Photo/Ryan Patrick

Entitled The Art of Seduction, his collection follows a high school-themed show and delves into the allure of red flags. John meticulously selects designs, fabrics, and models to bring his visionary creations to life, challenging societal norms with his audacious designs.

“This year’s show is based on this year's theme, the art of seduction. I wanted to talk about red flags and how red flags are very seductive.”

John and his brand, Ohn Clothing, are known for their inclusive approach to modelling, featuring a diverse range of models. The brand's recent show attracted interest from models near and far. For instance, Gazelle Garcia, first runner-up in Miss Universe New Zealand, was among the models. John's goal is to inspire onlookers to see themselves in the clothes he creates, encouraging them to be bold in fashion and life.

“My main focus when it comes to models is representation; the idea is to have a little boy or a little girl to see someone on the runway like 'ooh if they can do it, then I can do it too’.”

Ohn Clothing show. Photo/Yuki Wada

The tremendous success of his second standalone show has sparked the beginning of exciting plans and preparations for next year's event.

This year's show has equipped him with invaluable tools and experience, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments next year.