The founder of a growing Pacific-inspired slow fashion label is excited to be showcasing her range at a uniquely Pacific fashion event.
Diana Malaki-Williams the founder of Pacific-inspired clothing label Lupesina With Love. A proud Samoan woman, Diana is excited to be part of this year’s Pacific Fusion Fashion Show.
Mother-of-two Diana has “always found joy in creating and making”, but after studying fine arts at university she found herself working full-time in a busy office
Keen to get back in touch with her creative side, Diana was looking for the right clothing to connect her Pacific travels with day-to-day Kiwi life.
Frequently travelling to Samoa, where her heritage is deeply rooted in the villages of Matavai, Safune and Alamagoto, Diana often spent “a fortune on clothes that were suitable for the islands, but not always practical for everyday life in New Zealand.”
Realising a niche she could fill, Diana established Lupesina With Love in early 2024, giving it a name that reflected her culture.
“I wanted a uniquely Samoan name to reflect my Samoan heritage. ‘Lupesina’ is a beloved family name from my husband's grandmother which we were originally saving for a daughter. We have two boys, so I guess "Lupesina with Love" is our other baby.”
“Everything I do is from the heart, so adding "with Love" was a natural choice,” she says.
Lupesina with Love’s garments are inspired by contemporary takes on Samoan patterns and garments.
“My favourite dress, and our best seller, is the Malia dress. It's named after the late Afamasaga Malia Malaki Williams, an inspirational and pioneering figure in Pasifika academic excellence and Samoan language.
“The simple yet classic silhouette of the Malia dress was inspired by the shift dress or Olomu'u, a garment worn by both my grandmothers in Samoa and New Zealand. This timeless design has stood the test of time - it was beautiful then and is beautiful now.”
Diana says seeing customers wearing her garments is one of the most rewarding parts of running the business, and she is keen to keep learning and growing the label.
“My dream is to eventually transition from a side hustle to a full-time career, doing what I love and creating something truly beautiful,” she says.
The next step on this journey is sending her designs down the runway at the upcoming Pacific Fusion Fashion Week. Taking place on Saturday 7 December, the event will feature 18 fashion designers with heritage and ties across the Pacific.
Founded by stylist and entrepreneur Nora Swann, the event is now in its eighth year, and has officially partnered with New Zealand Fashion Week for this year’s event.
Tickets for the Pacific Fusion Fashion Show are on sale now.