New Zealand Ethnic Women’s Trust runs a sewing school in Auckland, teaching women from refugee and immigrant backgrounds how to design, make and sell clothing.  Cottonseed fashion label was launched as a community enterprise to continue empowering the graduates and to create future opportunities for them within the fashion industry.  This collaborative space became a safe haven for the women. A place to connect, to heal and to create – not only the beautiful garments, but long lasting friendships. 

I’m grateful for having been presented with an opportunity to capture these amazing women’s work.

In addition it was a complete privilege to be involved in the making of this pitch video for the Cottonseed Label Social Enterprise. And the excitement of the pitch being the winner of $10,000 (NZD) is even more rewarding. Congratulations to the Cottonseed Ladies!

Cottonseed Kick-Start Awards Application from Ākina Foundation on Vimeo.