Ko Takitimu te waka

Ko Kahuranaki me Te Awaputahi oku maunga

Ko Ngaruroro me Taurekaitae oku awa

Ko Kahuranaki me Rongomaraeroa oku marae

Ko Ngāi Te Rangi-koi-anake me Ngāti Kere oku hapū

Ko Ngāti Kahungunu tōku iwi

Ko Ivonn Aranui tōku ingoa

Ivonn Aranui, founder and creative kaihautū of Ivonn Bridal Couture in Ahuriri (Napier), is redefining what it means to celebrate culture and individuality through bridal design.  

Ivonn’s journey into the world of bridal couture was inspired by her love for art and sewing, A teacher at Ōtūmoetai College recognised her passion and encouraged her to pursue fashion design, a pivotal moment that ignited her path in the industry.

“I never really knew how significant this career path would be. At the time, I didn’t see any wāhine Māori in the fashion industry, let alone running their own businesses. That visibility mattered, and I realised I wanted to change that.”

‍From Aotearoa to Australia

After completing her studies, Ivonn found limited opportunities in Aotearoa to refine her craft. Determined to grow, she moved to Australia in 2013, immersing herself in the bridal couture industry. There, she worked alongside incredible designers, honing her skills and eventually establishing her own successful bridal alteration business in Sydney.

Running a business while raising two young sons was no easy feat, but Ivonn’s determination carried her through. “I learned so much — about the industry, about resilience, and about myself,” she reflects. “It wasn’t easy, but those experiences prepared me for the next chapter of my journey.”

The loss of her parents brought Ivonn’s focus back to Aotearoa. These moments of grief served as a reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of living with purpose. Coming back home, she started Ivonn Bridal Couture — a place where wāhine Māori can feel connected to their culture, stunning, and confident on one of the biggest days of their lives.

‍Weaving Te Ao Māori into Bridal Couture

Ivonn approaches bridal couture as a celebration of storytelling, connection, and creating taonga. Her designs are deeply inspired by te ao Māori, incorporating symbolism, whakapapa, and mātauranga Māori.

One of her most exciting recent projects has been designing exclusive fabrics that embody Māori heritage and values. “These fabrics tell a story,” Ivonn shares. “They’re inspired by our taonga, whenua, and tūpuna. The process has been a journey of discovery, blending tradition with modern bridal elegance.”

Her new collection, dropping early in 2025, blends cultural roots with modern style. Each gown embodies strength, protection, and a deep connection to Aotearoa’s natural beauty, giving brides a special way to showcase their heritage with pride.

‍Inspiring the Next Generation

Ivonn’s journey is also about paving the way for future generations. As a wāhine Māori designer in a predominantly tauiwi industry, she recognises the importance of visibility and mentorship.

“I want rangatahi and young designers to know that there’s a place for them in this industry,” she says. “Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with passion, perseverance, and support, anything is possible.”

Her advice to aspiring designers? Stay true to your passion, embrace every learning opportunity, and trust your journey. “Challenges are part of the process,” she shares. “They shape you and prepare you for what’s to come.”

‍Celebrating Culture and Connection

For Ivonn, success isn’t just measured by recognition or numbers but also by the connections she makes with her clients. “When a bride feels seen and empowered in a gown that reflects her identity and whakapapa, that’s success to me,” she says.

Her mahi also contributes to a broader movement of cultural inclusivity in the bridal industry. “Many cultures have traditional wedding attire, but Māori culture has often been underrepresented in this space,” Ivonn explains. “I want to change that by creating gowns that honour our heritage and empower wāhine Māori.”

Ivonn’s designs highlight individuality, heritage, and the bonds within her community. She often builds relationships with brides that go beyond the wedding day, fostering lasting connections rooted in whānau and collaboration.

‍Looking to the Future

Ivonn Bridal Couture is set to launch its first te Ao Māori bridal collection early this year 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for the brand. This collection will blend cultural inspiration with modern elegance, showcasing Ivonn’s dedication to storytelling through design.

“These gowns are more than just dresses — they’re taonga, heirlooms that will carry stories through generations,” Ivonn shares. “It’s a privilege to be part of these journeys and to contribute to a movement that celebrates our culture and values.”

As Ivonn looks to the future, her vision remains clear: to empower wāhine Māori, inspire rangatahi, and honour the beauty and strength of her heritage through every stitch, thread, and gown.

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