Identity
This project was inspired by the Maori tribe in New-Zealand, the British rock band “Kiss”. The connection between these two “tribes” is established by the meaning behind both their facial tattoos.
As part of their stage costume, the band members of “Kiss” covered their faces with makeup in order to hide their real-life identities from the spotlight, something that was only made possible before the time of social media, when privacy is breached and everything is exposed.
The Maori tribe, both men and women, tattoo their faces as a “coming of age” ritual. They believe that each person is born with the “Ta Moko” in their heart, and when the time is right the tattoo artist brings it out onto the surface of the body.
In an age where most of us hide behind a profile on social media, and while in total control, present to the world only what we dim fit, I was filled with admiration towards the courage and self-integrity of this society, who tattoos its identity on its face.
To this day, there are a handful of Maori women who lead a completely western and modern lifestyle, one of them even being a member of the parliament of New-Zealand, and still they choose to preserve their forefather’s tradition and tattoo the “Ta Moko” on their face.
I therefore chose to design a garment meant for a contemporary woman who leads a modern, western life-style, yet still possesses a deep connection to her ethnic roots and the history of her people.