Media

Style Pasifika Finalist
(Carolyn Enting, Dominion Post, September 2004)
Otaki designer Tutina Pasene, is a finalist in the Westfield Style Pasifika show and fashion awards in Auckland. Pasene's garments were inspired by men proud of their culture and are the finalists in the menswear category. Her other entry, Native Princess, is a finalist in the three-piece collection and is inspired by the traditional loincloths of most indigenous cultures. The finalists were chosen by Oscar winning Lord of the Rings costume designer Ngila Dickson, Liz Mitchell, Francis Hooper and Denise L'Estrange-Corbet from WORLD, Chris Cherry from Workshop Denim and Marilyn Kohlase from Creative New Zealand.

A Style of her Own
(Peter Franklin, Horowhnua-Kapiti Chonicle, 19th June 2004)
Tutina Pasene's interpretation of traditional Polynesian and Maori art has become her trademark.

"Most of what I create is about who we are as a people, our joy of life, our conception of colour and balance. It is a statement of pride. And the beauty is that I have fun while I am creating things of beauty", she said.

Pay Attention Men
(Kapiti Observer 25th September 2003)
Suits can be glamorous as Otaki designer Tutina Pasene showed the crowds at Auckland's fashion extravaganza, Westfield Style Pasifika Fashion Awards. Tutina Pasene made the finals of Style Pasifika with a dramatic beige, hemp and silk coat in the menswear section.

Otaki Designers Showcase Clothes
(Hannah Zwartz, 27th January 2001)
Tutina Pasene clothing reflects the mixed pacific heritage of the designers, Tii Pasene and her son Rerehau Pasene-Grennell (of Tahitian, Rarotongan Niuean, Irish and Maori descent.) The prints are striking in their boldness and simplicity. Several were designed by 15 -year-old Rerehau, a student at Te Wharekura o te Rito in Otaki, who has an Art and Design diploma from Te Wananga o Raukawa.