Dame Whina Cooper’s Legacy Lives On Through New Clothing Collection

A new clothing collection honoring Dame Whina Cooper, a trailblazer for Māori land rights, is bringing her legacy to life through the eyes of her mokopuna. The collection, launched by her granddaughter Irenee Cooper, aims to reflect Dame Whina’s enduring values of kotahitanga, resilience, and mana.

The Inspiration Behind the Collection

Dame Whina Cooper dedicated her life to empowering others and championing justice for Māori. Her granddaughter, Irenee Cooper, says that the collection is a tribute to her strength, vision, and enduring influence. “Dame Whina Cooper dedicated her life to empowering others and championing justice for Māori,” Cooper said. “This collection is a tribute to her strength, vision, and enduring influence.”

The launch of the collection comes at a time when Māori rights are at the forefront of national discussions, Irenee Cooper notes. “With the current climate, from a political sense, following on from the Toitū Te Tiriti activation and everything my grandmother stood for, I felt like this was the time to bring it here,” she says.

The Collection’s Design Inspiration

The collection is inspired by Māori landmarks of 1975, Irenee Cooper explains. “All the pieces have been inspired from a design perspective to really bring to life what it was like for us in those days,” she says. The colorways used in the collection are reminiscent of traditional poutama designs and reflect the journey of their ancestors.

The collection will include kākahu such as silk scarves, kete, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and commissioned artwork, Irenee Cooper reveals. “We’re trying to give everyone the opportunity to wear something that she loves,” she says.

Carrying On Dame Whina’s Kaupapa

Irene Cooper hopes that the collection will inspire the next generation to continue her grandmother’s kaupapa. “The fight which started from ’75 is for the generations to come and it’s up to us to carry it through,” she says. “We should never ever forget our tūpuna and what they stood for.”

Phase one of the collection will be released on Dame Whina’s birthday, 9 December, with different phases and drops to be released in 2025. People can stay notified about the launch by signing up to Irene Cooper’s website.

A Final Message from Irene Cooper

“I think that’s the essence of what I’d like to bring here,” Irene Cooper says. “The fight started long before us being born and I think that’s the essence of what I’d like to bring here.” The collection is a testament to Dame Whina Cooper’s legacy and a call to action for future generations.

In conclusion, the new clothing collection honoring Dame Whina Cooper is a tribute to her strength, vision, and enduring influence. It serves as a reminder of the importance of carrying on her kaupapa and continuing the fight for Māori rights.