Written and Interviewed by Mark Bluemle
Creative Directors: Sophia Querrazzi and Kaenaaloha Watson
Photography: Mark Bluemle Michael Ashman
Production management: Kaenaaloha Watson
MUA: Marlie Kaye
Talent: @kialhamilton , @amele.ami , Ayame Matsura , @michaelashman , @kaenaaloha , @sophiamq_14 on Instagram
Pono's looks will make your head turn on the runway, and from metal wings to ripped jeans, he has truly done it all. 47Magazine caught up with the Gen Z designer to find his inspiration and backstory for their art.
When did you first start to design?
I first began developing my design process back in high school, where I volunteered at a women’s organization, called the Relief Society making blankets and pillowcases. While volunteering, they taught me the basics of sewing and I began to make clothes of my own. Eventually, my friends started to ask me to sew outfits for their concert events and prom dances, and I quickly began to form my design aesthetic. It was also during this time that I began to really embrace up-cycling and practicing sustainable making practices. I am grateful for the time I spent volunteering at the women’s organization and the lessons I learned there, as it has completely changed the trajectory of my life.
What or who inspires you?
My faith plays a huge role in my process of creating. I actually spent two years before college serving a religious mission in Brazil. It was here where I wore the same outfit everyday and maintained a strict moral code and rigid daily schedule. While some might have viewed this experience as limiting, I actually grew to understand my personal and artistic identity during this time. The distractions of life were peeled away and I could really just live in the moment in its pure simplicity for what it was. The experiences I had during this time have since stuck with me and I constantly look for elements of the beauty of human existence around me. That is what I believe my calling in fashion is, to shine beauty on what humanity is and what it can become.
How do the motions of NYC come into play with your ideas?
Art is the ultimate expression of freedom and I believe that movement is the elevation of that. As I was training to become a professional ballet dancer before I decided to pursue fashion, musicality and movement are embedded into my creative identity. New York City is a special place that offers space for all mediums of expression and movement. I am constantly finding communities in the city that use movement to communicate identity. What inspires me is seeing these communities in motion, whether it be in the form of skaters at Washington Square Park, dancers at the Lincoln Center, or Yo-yoers at Coney Island. I find the city a perfect place to collaborate with these different communities and truly create something unique and authentic.
What is your favorite thing that you’ve made?
It is hard to determine a favorite, because each project I have completed is intimately tied to different people, experiences, and lessons that I have learned throughout my artistic journey. With that said, I once experimented with welding metal together and I ended up making these 10-foot wide expandable steel wings. I had never incorporated engineering and welding in a fashion project before, and I learned a lot during the process. I would like to incorporate welding into my practice going forward.
Do you have any upcoming shows or projects?
I have recently begun getting into film making and have been collaborating with some outstanding musicians and performers in the city. I am currently in the process of filming a fashion film called “Genesis”, that explores the contrasting concepts of the human experience (light/darkness, war/peace, noise/silence). My goal is to elevate the aesthetic of my garments together with the movement of the performers and the complexity of the music. As for an
upcomingfashionshow, staytuned…but ifyouknowofafreerooftopspacesomewhere inthe city, let'stalk…
Written and Interviewed by Mark Bluemle
Creative Directors: Sophia Querrazzi and Kaenaaloha Watson
Photography: Mark Bluemle Michael Ashman
Production management: Kaenaaloha Watson
MUA: Marlie Kaye
Talent: @kialhamilton , @amele.ami , Ayame Matsura , @michaelashman , @kaenaaloha , @sophiamq_14 on Instagram