Felicity Bruce WOW finalist moved to tears as her creation hit the stage
Felicity Bruce, Joico NZ Brand Ambassador, Owner of Cocoon Hair Salon, Timaru and most recently, finalist in the World of WearableArt Awards 2023 was moved to tears as her creation hit the stage in Wellington late last month, in front of a 5000-strong crowd.
Felicity says of seeing her garment come to life on stage: “I was so overwhelmed. I had lots of tears. The model, Shakaya, really elevated my garment with her movements.
“A perfect graceful Papatūānuku! She looked like she was wrapped in clouds and mist as she floated on stage. She even lies down, disappearing into the clouds as the stage spins her around in a circle. Everything I dreamed it would be.”
Bruce’s creation incorporated synthetic hair, organza and tulle.
“As a hairdresser I love the shape and texture of hair. I believe it can be used to tell many stories. The similarities to clouds and hair came to me while I was day dreaming out the window at the clouds floating by. Next thing I was rummaging in my spare room looking for synthetic hair,” Felicity explains.
She named her creation Koha from Tāwhirimātea, meaning a gift from Tāwhirimātea, the Māori god of the weather.
Felicity’s garment tells an inspired story: “As kids, Pāpā used to tell us stories about Māori history & purakau (story telling). I used to imagine Tāwhiri (god of the weather) guiding Kupe with other brave Māori in waka hourua (canoe) from Hawaiki to Aotearoa.
I imagined them talking to many Atua (gods) through the journey, especially Tāwhiri, asking for clear skies to see the stars, good weather and a sign they were heading in the right direction.
Their hopes & dreams of a new home in their hearts.
Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) wrapped in mist & cloud. Aotearoa. The land of the long white cloud.”