This piece debuted at London Pacific Islander Fashion Week in 2020 as part of Afatasi’s Afro Polynesia collection.
The work brings together two visual and cultural languages: kente cloth and Pasefika design. The red cotton fabric was hand-stenciled with Pasefika-inspired motifs, creating an experiment in what happens when these two textile traditions are placed in conversation with one another.
The silhouette combines several recurring Afatasi forms. The lower portion is built as a cowl skirt with pleats in the back, while the upper section borrows from the structure of a hoodie, including a front pocket and hood. The hooded element is also constructed from the logic of the cowl skirt, creating a hybrid form that moves between garment, wrap, and sculptural covering.
Through its layered construction, the piece reflects Afatasi’s interest in cultural fusion, fabric dialogue, and clothing as both protection and expression.
