How did we choose our colours?
We wanted to be neutral but also choose colours that intertwine with AKO and who we are. AKO is an extension of us, our whānau before us, with us and those to come. Without realizing it, our Dad has taken the role of naming our kākāhu and colours. It happens with ease. There is no set process, agonizing or overthinking. We simply show him what we are working on and so it begins. The name is made, the story follows. Each colour is a reflection of his memories.
Our Dad grew up on a farm in the valley of Waiomio. This is where we reflect to often for AKO. The Valley is surrounded by farm life, a creek runs through, our Marae sits proudly nearby and our urupa (burial ground) is over the road.
Our Grandparents, Tane-i-te-Rangi and Maraea Cherrington had 12 surviving children here. Although a very different place now, the original homestead still stands as does the memories that were made there.
Our AKO top and pant sets come in three colours, Kohatu, Hioi and Waerenga. Here’s the insight to these names and colourways:
Kohatu (Grey, Stone)
This was our easiest to name and the connect is to Ruby and her whanau. Her Husband is Waipu Stone, done. Link and connection made. As well as tying back to the Valley and Dad’s memories of preparing the canon for special occasions. Stone.
Hioi (Mint)
This colour brings peace and connection. This takes Dad back to a time where the season would begin to change and the new, light green would start to appear in the grass, trees and crops. Still to this day, Dad (and Mum) have a beautiful garden that they tend to each day. Dad working to get the best Potatoes and Mum, eating all the fresh peas.
Waerenga (clay)
When we showed our Dad this colour he smiled and said ‘This reminds me of the creek after a big storm. The rain would be so heavy the creek would rise and the once it all settle, the clay would be similar to this colour. I haven’t seen anything like it since. That reminds me of home.’ The story then heads into another direction, in how they would make their own fun with flax and frogs, that’s for another day.
As a māmā, Ruby and I are constantly thinking about what pieces are usable, easy, comfortable, soft and that can reflect our vision here at AKO. As much as we love prints, we wanted to keep things simple and represent a clear connection to who we are.
There have been times where our vision of colour hasn’t worked out. Our first samples were far from what we had hoped for but knew it would all come together, eventually.
So, enjoy the stories from your whanau, they will become your most special memories too. We look forward to sharing these with our whanau and our community soon.
Arohanui