GEORGE PARK

George Park graduated top of the class back in 2022 at Otago Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Design. He now hopes to eventually return to study within the next couple of years to work up to a master's degree.

“Iwant to get into teaching at tertiary level, but that’s at the very least ten years away after I’ve been around the industry for a second,” Park explained.

Park's journey into fashion was through the drive for both self-expression and escapism.

“Everything you wear says something about you, even down to the depth of your pant hems, so I love communicating thoughts through clothing,” he said.

He also now has a healthy history of experience behind him. From interning with Jane Avery at Lapin NZ, who taught him everything there is to know about fur construction and the importance of integrity. To also interning with NOM*d, initially creating small-scale social media content, which led to directing a campaign for their winter collection earlier this year.

He is currently interning with Rhiannon Daly of Pigsuit, who he says is a powerhouse of design and a beautiful soul. Park mentioned that he won’t spill any secrets about what they are up to but let it be known that it is super sexy.

Parks' design style is an extreme emphasis on visibility, and the story behind his own collection of garments is about a metamorphic creature, indicative of the notion of queerness, alienation and self-preservation.

His inspiration stems from actions that are intrinsic and reactionary. Essentially to do with how humans interact, social dynamics, hierarchies, power structures, balance and imbalance, to name a few.

He likes to look at how humans - like animals, aim to protect themselves. Reflective surfaces and repetitive patterns are used to revolve around modern ideas of camouflage.

One of the most valuable things Park has learned during his time at university was to support those around you regardless of their support in return. Lift up the people in your circle, he said. Connecting and understanding other people's mindsets is essential to him, and he believes that the fashion industry is home to some of the most interesting minds.

Currently Park is working on some garments for his brand, Nature of Mercury, to coincide with an exhibition hosted by a dear friend in Wellington in a few weeks time. One day he hopes to open his own boutique. However, at this point, he is mainly focused on commission-based work before making any giant leaps.