Otago Polytechnic, New Zealand

Rosette Hailes-Paku

The Story of a Girl Who Just Wanted Pink Hair

Growing up, Rosette Hailes-Paku wanted pink hair. However, the Catholic school she attended didn’t allow it. With ‘The Story of a Girl Who Just Wanted Pink Hair’, Rosette has taken aesthetics from her school uniform, working them into her collection reclaiming the dress code and making it her own.

Inspired by her struggle to express herself, the collection speaks of conformity and rebellion, innocence and guilt.

Working alongside Otago Knitwear, Rosette created a customised tartan double-faced jacquard knit which she’s used to create key pieces. Silhouettes, straps, buckles, eyelets and boning represent the conflict between restriction and freedom.