Fashion designers and tutors Sidath Wickremeratne and Jewelz Taufui are a design team bringing bridal and evening wear glamour to this year’s Pacific Fusion Fashion Show.
With more than 40 years’ experience between them in garment manufacturing and fashion education, the pair will showcase their Red Ice Bridal Collection 2019.
Sri Lankan born Sidath and New Zealand born Tongan Jewelz met at the Sewtec Fashion Academy in East Tamaki eight years ago where they both taught pattern-making and industrial sewing.
Many of their students have shown at PFFS, Miromoda (NZ Fashion Week) and Pacific Runway Sydney, but this year, Sidath and Jewelz decided it was their turn to shine.
“Most of our clients are in South Auckland and we wanted to show them and NZ what else we can do,” says Sidath. “Also, after attending last year’s show, we trusted the team at PFFS and know that this year’s show will be bigger and better.”
Sidath says Red Ice is all about elegance, uniqueness and structured silhouettes that complement different body shapes. He set up Red Ice as a home-based business after leaving Sewtec last year to try something different.
“We specialise in bridal and evening wear for women and garments for men as well,” says Sidath. “We don’t mind who comes through the doors, they could be a size 6 or a size 28. We treat all people with dignity and fulfil their requirements as good as we can.”
With eight sewing machines at Sidath’s home, Red Ice contracts five machinists and more when big orders come in. Ballgowns and baby wear have kept Sidath’s team busy as well as special outfits for clients like Miss Universe New Zealand, Jess Tyson. Her stunning strapless white evening gown with lace train designed by Red Ice won the beauty queen the Best Evening Gown award.
Sidath’s been enjoying his collaboration with Jewelz who encourages him but also gives him an honest opinion when she disagrees with an idea.
“Our thinking and likes towards fashion are very similar but our designing aesthetics are totally different,” says Sidath. “We’re both are very excited to see how this merge is going to look like.”
